Seahawks minicamp wrapped up Thursday at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Minicamp is the final offseason activity for the players, with training camp set to begin in six weeks on a yet-to-be-determined date. Here’s what coach Pete Carroll touched upon Thursday:
– Carroll was extremely pleased with what he saw from the team during minicamp, saying, “We’re ready to go right now.” He’s keeping his fingers crossed that during the six weeks between now and the start of training camp that all the players do their best to remain in shape.
– Much of that optimism centers around quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson had a fantastic second half last season, and Carroll said Wilson has progressed even further this offseason. Wilson is heading into his fifth season, and Carroll has maintained that it takes five or six years for a quarterback to truly find his groove in the NFL. He described Wilson’s command as “all-time.” He also endorsed Wilson’s claim that he wants to play 20 years in the NFL, praising Wilson’s dedication to keeping his legs in shape.
– Carroll said the team is prioritizing getting receiver Doug Baldwin locked down to a contract extension. Baldwin, coming off a career year, has just one year remaining on his deal. Carroll said negotiations are happening right now.
– Carroll expressed optimism about the recovery of his two injured offensive starters, tight end Jimmy Graham (knee) and running back Thomas Rawls (ankle), Carroll continued to hedge his bets on whether the pair will be ready by the start of training camp, but he did say both will be ready by the start of the regular season, barring any setbacks.
– As for his own contract situation — Carroll has just one year remaining — he trotted out his regular statement of, “Everything is great. I’m under contract.”
– The strong-side linebacker position is perhaps the most-contested starting position on the team, with Mike Morgan, Cassius Marsh and Eric Pinkins all vying to replace the departed Bruce Irvin. Carroll said that if the team had a game today Morgan would start, just because of his experience, but that Marsh and Pinkins are battling.
– On the offensive line, he talked about how Justin Britt has embraced the move to center, that he’s looked comfortable, and that he adds to the pass protection because he’s so long. He also said rookies Germain Ifedi, Rees Odhiambo and Joey Hunt are already up to speed and that if training camp started today they’d be fine.
– Among the running backs, Carroll said rookie C.J. Prosise had his best day as a Seahawk. Prosise missed most of OTAs because of a hip-flexor injury. He made his first appearances in scrimmages on Wednesday and looked rusty, but he looked much more comfortable Thursday. Carroll also praised the consistent work ethic and attitude he’s seen from Christine Michael, who’s making the most of his second chance with the team.
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