3 & Out: Geno Smith ‘far and away’ better than Paxton Lynch in Seahawks quarterback battle

It’s never too soon for a Mile High Homecoming, and so Paxton Lynch returns as a quarterback on the Seattle Seahawks. In lieu of the occasion I spoke with Field Gulls’ staff writer Alistair Corp to get his insight into the team as well as Denver’s former first-round pick.

1st and 10

What position groups on the Seahawks’ roster are you most eager to see tonight?

I’m most eager to see the Seahawks’ wide receivers. Obviously, everyone is going to be excited to see how D.K. Metcalf looks in live(-ish) action, assuming he is good to go after dealing with a little injury last week. But beyond him there are two other draft picks, Gary Jennings and John Ursua, who are quite intriguing, and a couple of UDFAs in Jazz Ferguson and Terry Wright who have stood out at separate points in camp.

From a roster construction standpoint, it’s going to be interesting too. If several of the perimeter WRs step up--Metcalf, David Moore, Jaron Brown--we’d see Seattle’s number one, Tyler Lockett, play almost exclusively in the slot in 2019. But if an inside receiver or two step up, be it Jennings, Ursua, Keenan Reynolds or Wright, Lockett could play around 50/50 inside and out, as he did last year when Doug Baldwin was on the team.

After receivers, I’m pretty excited to see the linebackers. Cody Barton, the team’s third round pick, looks to be a legitimate piece for the future and will likely start next to Bobby Wagner next year, so it’ll be great to get a first look at him (should he play, he’s also dealing with an injury). Shaquem Griffin, who I think has fair questions surrounding his ability to play beyond special teams, has switched to the strongside and has said he’s more comfortable. It’ll be a fun group to track, as well.

2nd and 7

What groups have looked the shakiest in camp?

It’s hard to say who has looked shakiest without having been there, but the defensive line is the biggest cause for concern. You have Frank Clark’s exit earlier in the offseason, Jarran Reed’s looming suspension, and L.J. Collier’s injury. Barkevious Mingo has moved back to EDGE full-time and has played with the first team a lot in camp. The best available pass rusher on the team (with Ezekiel Ansah still recovering) is Jacob Martin--who, while exciting, is a rotational player. If the defensive line isn’t the shakiest, it’s certainly the most concerning.

3rd and 3

What young guys have stood out so far. Any breakout players to keep an eye on?

Metcalf and Barton have definitely been the two young standouts so far. Jazz Ferguson is picking up momentum and has the physical makeup of a guy who will dominate second and third string defenses in preseason. The team’s first second round pick, Marquise Blair, just began practicing and isn’t with the first team defense yet, so he is definitely worth keeping an eye on going against Denver’s second stringers.

4th and 1

I’m sure you’re aware that this will be a homecoming of sorts for a certain former first round quarterback. Any thoughts on Paxton Lynch through camp? What should Broncos Country expect tonight?

I’ve been pretty adamant from the start that there is no backup QB competition in Seattle; Geno Smith is so far and away better than Lynch. Other than a few “wow” throws here and there, it’s sounded like Smith has been the much steadier QB in camp, too. I think Broncos fans know just what to expect from Lynch, and it sure isn’t good!