NFL expert pegs Seahawks' late draft pick as major sleeper

On Pro Football Focus' podcast, the NFL Stock Exchange, hosts Trevor Sikkema and Connor Rogers discussed a fun talking point: which rookie, outside of Round 1, will be most impactful for their respective team?For the Seattle Seahawks the name Connor Rogers chose makes a lot of sense: former Mississippi State Bulldog, Cameron Young, whom the […]

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On Pro Football Focus' podcast, the NFL Stock Exchange, hosts Trevor Sikkema and Connor Rogers discussed a fun talking point: which rookie, outside of Round 1, will be most impactful for their respective team?

For the Seattle Seahawks the name Connor Rogers chose makes a lot of sense: former Mississippi State Bulldog, Cameron Young, whom the 'Hawks selected in the fourth round with pick No. 123.

Why does it make sense?

For starters, the Seahawks lost Al Woods to the Jets, Quinton Jefferson went to the Jets, and Poona Ford made his way to Buffalo during free agency.

That is a lot of departures on the interior defensive line and it clearly created a big need for capable bodies at the position. It also opens up an avenue for Young to throw his name into the competition for quality playing time.

But, how can Young get on the field? 

He is a very good run defender, he is strong at the point of attack, he can clog up lanes. He will eat double teams, which would free up Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe and Darrell Taylor for more one-on-one opportunities on the outside. 

He is someone who could virtually have no impact on the stat line, but he will do the dirty work and will have a big impact for the defense. 

Young finished with a cumulative 69.1 run defense grade in his time at college, which is no small accomplishment. He doesn't offer much in the pass-rushing department, but that is what you have guys like Nwosu, Mafe, and Taylor for.