Seattle Seahawks’ J.R. Sweezy ready to play as offensive lineman – NFL News
Seattle Seahawks’ seventh-round pick in the 2012 National Football League (NFL) draft, J.R. Sweezy, played as defence tackle for North Carolina State, but he will make his NFL debut while playing at offensive position.
Even before drafting him, the Seahawks had informed Sweezy that his services would be utilised as offensive lineman and his primary responsibility would be to protect his quarterback.
Sweezy did not know that he would have to make his NFL debut as a member of any team’s offensive squad, but even before hearing from the Seahawks he was told by many that he could play on offence.
Now that Sweezy has agreed to join Seahawks, he is ready to embrace the new role. According to the details present on the team’s official website, he is excited about it. He said:
“I’m ready. I’m excited. I’m just looking forward to something new. Pretty much my whole life people have been telling me that I should play offensive line. Now I get to see if I’m a good offensive lineman.”
Sweezy’s talent is endorsed not only by the players who have played with him, but also by Seahawks’ management.
Seahawks’ assistant head coach/offensive line coach, Tom Cable, whose evaluation report made the management feel that Sweezy could be a member of the team, sang his praises soon after watching him workout.
Cable said of Sweezy and what made him like the player:
“It was his demeanour, first and foremost. His intelligence. His toughness. And how he played on defence.”
The coach’s opinion is shared by many other team officials including Seahawks’ general manager, John Schneider.
Schneider also shed light on how the Seahawks were able to draft Sweezy. After hearing a lot about the player, Seahawks assigned Cable the responsibility of meeting the player and see him play.
Cable could not help but admire the player’s talent and gave a green signal when asked about drafting the player.
Schneider said of Sweezy:
“Here’s a guy who is a really tough, aggressive, quick defensive lineman who the staff at N.C. State would tell you, ‘This guy has a chance to be a really good offensive lineman.’”
Sweezy is confident about playing well on offence and the team also thinks the same. However, his true abilities will be showcased once he steps on the field.
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