Seahawks first-round pick, L.J. Collier, embraces Michael Bennett's comparisons



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RENTON – The population of Munday, Texas, the birthplace of L.J. Collier, the Seahawks' first choice, is estimated at 1,324.

It is possible that Collier heard each of these events during the eight days that followed.

"I mean everyone is really proud of me," said Collier, who played at the TCU Friday after the first day of the Seahawks minicamp. "Everyone goes crazy. See all types of things on Facebook. Everyone is always overwhelmed. ''

When asked who he had news about, Collier said teachers, then laughed and added, "Maybe cousins ​​I did not really know, that sort of thing."

Collier used the same word – overwhelmed – to describe what the days that followed the sketch looked like.

"It's the best feeling in the world," said Collier, whose selection with the 29th Global choice means a four-year contract worth up to $ 10.8 million with $ 5.9 million guaranteed.

The designation of first round choice also means that Collier will be in the limelight.

If that were not enough, the Seahawks invoked a familiar name for the type of player they hoped to become: Michael Bennett.

To be precise, nobody says that Collier will be just as productive as Bennett during his career with the Seahawks from 2013 to 2017. But what the Seahawks expect is that Collier plays the same role of defender in the defense of the base and that he moves inside to play the tackle during the passes.

"He will play the place where Michael Bennett played, and we will ask him to do a lot of similar things and over time, you know, we'll see what that means," said Carroll. "But that's where we start anyway."

It was a role that the Seahawks had planned for Malik McDowell when he pulled her out of the state of Michigan in the second round in 2017. McDowell was lifted without ever losing the cause of injuries sustained in an accident ATV.

The nature of the rookie minicamp means that it is difficult to judge many linemen.

But Carroll liked what he saw from Collier Friday.

"He has a style of play that attracts me from the start," Carroll said. "He plays with a very good leverage and very long arms and uses his hands very well. And you can see it in the same walk, just in its position and it makes sense for that. It's a special feature he already has.

"On the technical side, he's also been very well trained, and we can do things with him. I think he's going to be a really exciting guy to integrate into this stratagem. "

On Friday, Collier was not only sunbathing on the Renton practice field, but he also met Carroll's expectations.

"I think it's a great comparison (for Bennett) because he can play outside and inside," said Collier. "It's a tough guy. He likes to hit people. I love his style of play and his flexibility to go in and out. Obviously, I can do it too. That's where I see the comparison. "

Any pressure there?

"Not at all," said Collier. "If anything, it makes me feel better. The guys here are going to push me. They will help me get better. It does not put pressure on me at all. I have lived under pressure all my life. It makes me go stronger and play better. ''

The role of Bennett type is different from what he played at TCU.

"I played at the end," Collier said. "I played a little in three techniques (plaquements) a season. It's not difficult at all (changing roles). It's just a matter of rehearsal, buying and learning from the coach. "

On Friday, he also received some advice from one of Bennett's best friends – Cliff Avril – who works for KJR-AM 950. He stopped to share some tips with Collier.

"He helped me a little on the bags," Collier said. "M told me to stay down and things like that. He will spend a lot of time here, and he's a good guy to learn.

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