The Seattle Seahawks just did this with their defensive front by signing DeMarcus Lawrence to a three-year, $32.5 million contract. The four-time Pro Bowl selection, who spent the last 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, gives the Niners a massive upgrade on the edge over Dre’Mont Jones. Beyond him, though, he’s an underrated mentor to emerging star linebacker Derick Hall. As Lawrence integrates into the Seahawks’ roster, he is already making a significant impact on Hall’s development and the overall defensive strategy.
Over the course of practice, Lawrence showed that he had a good command of technique in terms of hand placement, footwork, and other important fundamentals. He challenged Hall intellectually with lessons that were right out of the playbook for an NFL position coach. Lawrence’s hyper-focused, hands-on approach won over his players and coaches. His experience and skill set provide valuable perspective for Hall, who recorded 8.0 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in 17 games last season.
Never have the mentality, I’m going to lose to him on move number two, Lawrence said to Hall. He said the key to the opening play is creating an opportunity for your opponent. This advice reflects the mentality that Lawrence brings to the field, setting a standard for fast and physical play within the Seahawks’ defensive unit.
Lawrence’s impact is being seen already in training. His ability to overpower opponents was evident when he lifted offensive tackle Josh Jones into the air during a drill, showcasing his strength and technique. Yet that intensity is a match made in heaven with the Seahawks’ defensive goals. They attempt to reflect a blue-collar and never-back-down brand of football.
I always see a little D-Law in Derick,” said Jarran Reed, a defensive player and performer who knows Hall’s potential. Reed thinks that the mentorship and guidance Reed will receive from Lawrence could be key to Hall’s future career trajectory. “That’s kudos to him. He’s going to be a great player. The sky’s the limit for him. I think D-Law is the best thing that ever happen to him. Both organizations’ commitment to their issues and similar mentality of getting things done only strengthens their bond.
The Seahawks have reasons for optimism about the future of their defensive line. With Lawrence and Hall as well as Boye Mafe all adding to the mix, if they can stay healthy this may be a deep foursome. This is a great opportunity, and Hall couldn’t be more excited about it. It was just good to be able to go out, have that experience, and start to play well.
As Hall grows into his game under Lawrence’s watch, he’ll learn to clean up those other aspects. In fact, I view the run as my ticket to winning. I try to set the edge during runs for sure, just try to be a dominating force and just try to make big splash plays in the pass game. Hall admits that focusing on the little things will be important for him to develop as a player. That’s that leap from an eight-sack season to a 10-, 12-, 14-sack season. Pay attention to the fine print. Don’t miss opportunities to find little nuggets that you can build into something bigger.
Lawrence’s impact extends well beyond the realm of technical training. He’s been doing everything to encourage that work ethic and attitude and that’s a major first step. Mike Macdonald said, “That’s the kind of standard that he’s setting for our front.” This ethos is reflected across the Seahawks’ defense, and Reed explains that they want to play “fast and physical.”
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