Here’s some of the things Seahawks coach Pete Carroll touched upon following the first day of Seattle’s veteran minicamp:
– Carroll had nothing but positive things to say about defensive Michael Bennett. Bennett was the big question mark coming into minicamp, with some wondering whether the Pro Bowler would hold out because of his dissatisfaction with his contract. Bennett is here, though he’s not participating in on-field activities because of an ankle injury picked up while working out. But Carroll talked about the team mentality and leadership Bennett brings to the team.
– Carroll also had praise for the way strong safety Kam Chancellor has conducted himself this offseason. Chancellor held out of training camp, preseason and the first two games of the regular season last year because of dissatisfaction with his contract. However, Chancellor has been fully engaged in all of Seattle’s offseason activities this year, and Carroll praised Chancellor’s leadership and work with the younger players.
– Carroll described the competition for the vacant spot at strong-side linebacker as “wide open.” The Seahawks have a hole to fill because Bruce Irvin signed a big-money free-agent deal with the Oakland Raiders this offseason. Among the candidates to fill the role are veteran Mike Morgan, who’s known more for his work on special teams; Cassius Marsh, who’s converting from defensive end; and Eric Pinkins. Carroll said he’d need to see the players in preseason games before coming to a decision.
– The Seahawks worked out NBAer Nate Robinson on Monday as Robinson tries to prove he can also play in the NFL. Seattle didn’t sign Robinson out of the workout, and although Carroll described Robinson as an amazing athlete, he also said the following: “I think it’s all but impossible [to make it in the NFL following a 10-year layoff from football], it’s as hard as you can possibly get. He’s 32 as well. I don’t know if anybody can do it, but if anybody could it might be Nate.”
– The Seahawks hosted a contingent from the U.S men’s national soccer team, which faces Ecuador in the quarterfinals of Copa America on Thursday. Among the players in attendance included starters Jermaine Jones, John Brooks, Alejandro Bedoya and DeAndre Yedlin. Carroll voiced his support for the team, mentioning that he met up with U.S. men’s national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann on several occasions when he coached at USC.
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