Seahawks’ Defensive Line: How DeMarcus Lawrence is Forging a New Edge for Derick Hall
The raw intensity of training camp often reveals the hidden dynamics that will shape a team’s season, and for the Seattle Seahawks, the burgeoning mentorship between veteran pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and third-year outside linebacker Derick Hall is emerging as a pivotal storyline. Amidst the final drills of a spirited practice, Lawrence wasn’t just participating; he was meticulously guiding Hall, dissecting hand placement and footwork with the precision of a seasoned coach. “Always think,” Lawrence advised Hall, “I’m going to beat him on the second move. The first move is to set him up.” This wasn’t a solitary moment, but rather a clear indication of a powerful bond forming between a 12-year veteran and a developing talent, a relationship poised to significantly bolster Seattle’s defensive front.
The Veteran’s Blueprint: Lawrence’s Impact on Hall
The synergy between Lawrence and Hall is palpable, as described by defensive tackle Leonard Williams. “We joke around saying D-Law has the little brother he never had and D-Hall has the big brother he never had,” Williams commented. “They’re competing and talking smack with each other all the time, but then they’re also giving each other tips. I think D-Law is just a great veteran for him to have right now.” Lawrence’s arrival in Seattle, a three-year, $32.5 million deal after 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, was a clear move to fortify the edge. The Seahawks saw the four-time Pro Bowl selection not only as an upgrade but as a vital reinforcement for their outside linebacker rotation, especially with uncertainties surrounding other players.
Hall’s Leap Forward: From Underwhelming Rookie Year to Promising Year Three
Derick Hall’s second year showed significant growth, racking up 8.0 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in 17 games. This marked a dramatic improvement from his rookie campaign, where he recorded no sacks and only five quarterback hits. Hall himself acknowledged the importance of his recent performance, stating, “It was good to go out, be able to have that experience, start playing well.” He identified his run defense and power in the pass game as strengths but emphasized the need to refine the finer details. “That’s that jump from an eight-sack year to a 10-, 12-, 14-sack year. Being able to hone in on the details, find little tidbits of things that you can find to be able to grow from,” Hall elaborated.
“Balls to the Wall” Mentality: The Shared Drive
Defensive tackle Jarran Reed sees a striking parallel between Lawrence and Hall, noting, “I see a lot of D-Law in Derick. That’s kudos to him. He’s going to be a great player. The sky’s the limit for him.” Reed believes Lawrence’s presence is the ideal catalyst for Hall’s development, particularly concerning their shared mentality. “They’re crazy as hell,” Reed remarked. “They play one way, and that’s balls to the wall. That’s all you can ask for. That’s a standard we’re trying to set with this defense, fast and physical as s—.” This shared intensity is a critical element as the Seahawks aim to establish a dominant defensive identity.
Lawrence’s Unintentional Coaching and the “Giant” Presence
Hall finds Lawrence’s approach to the game invaluable. “Just the way he does everything, everything is very intentional,” Hall said. “It’s like perfect timing the way he came in. The way he goes about his business, it’s second to none.” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald echoed this sentiment, lauding Lawrence’s practice habits as the “best drill player I’ve ever seen in my life.” Macdonald emphasized that Lawrence sets a high standard for the entire defensive front. “So the guys don’t have a choice but to fall in line. It’s just exciting to see him out there working,” Macdonald stated.
The Seahawks view the 33-year-old Lawrence as a more impactful run defender than his predecessor, Dre’Mont Jones, despite a slight weight difference. Macdonald described Lawrence’s on-field presence vividly: “This is probably the best compliment I have: He looks like a giant on film.” This physical presence, combined with his technical acumen, offers a significant upgrade.
Building a Formidable Foursome: The Edge Rotation
With Lawrence now in the fold, and the Seahawks having worked out a pay cut with Uchenna Nwosu to keep him with the team, the potential for a strong edge rotation is clear. If Hall, Lawrence, and Nwosu can stay healthy, alongside Darrell Taylor, they form a formidable group. However, Nwosu’s history of injuries, having missed 22 games over the past two seasons, means the team still could benefit from further depth at the position. Discussions with players like Budda Baker before his move to Washington and the consideration of even players like Micah Parsons (though unlikely) indicate the team’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the pass rush. Jadeveon Clowney could also emerge as a sensible option.
The Future of Seattle’s Pass Rush: Mentorship as a Strategic Advantage
The DeMarcus Lawrence Derick Hall mentorship exemplifies a strategic approach to player development in the NFL. By pairing a proven veteran with a developing talent, teams can accelerate growth and foster a winning culture. This dynamic not only improves individual performance but also elevates the collective unit. The “nasty” potential Reed alluded to when discussing Lawrence and Hall together on the field speaks to the disruptive force they could become. This partnership is more than just a veteran helping a young player; it’s a blueprint for building a sustained defensive powerhouse, emphasizing that the right guidance can unlock unforeseen potential.
The Seahawks are not only acquiring talent but also investing in the transfer of knowledge and attitude. As the NFL continues to evolve, prioritizing these player-to-player development models will become increasingly crucial for long-term success. The impact of this mentorship could resonate far beyond this season, shaping the identity of the Seahawks’ defense for years to come.
What are your predictions for the Seahawks’ defensive line this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
/
Meta Description: Discover how DeMarcus Lawrence’s mentorship of Derick Hall is transforming the Seahawks’ defensive line and shaping the future of their pass rush.
/
