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IDP Spotlight - DL Grant Wistrom, St. Louis Rams

Culcasi's Thoughts

Phillip Daniels, Lamar King, Antonio Cochran and Chike Okeafor. Not necessarily your who's-who of top pass rushers in the NFL, but these are the leading sackers from defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks over the last five seasons. Not since Michael Sinclair posted 16.5 in 1998 has a Seahawk end tallied double digit sacks, but that streak is in serious danger.

One of the Seahawks top priorities this offseason was to find a pass rusher, whether it be through the draft or free-agency. They were said to be interested in Jevon Kearse (signed with Philadelphia), Darren Howard (slapped with the franchise tag in New Orleans) and Adewale Ogunleye (currently holding out) but settled for Grant Wistrom (if a $14.5 million signing bonus constitutes settling). With four year averages of 48 solo tackles and eight sacks, Wistrom has grown to become one of the best all-around defensive ends in the game. He makes up for a lack of ideal size (6'4 272) with great speed, athleticism and a relentless, nonstop motor. He's also mastered the use of leverage, helping him improve against the run, an aspect of his game that was questioned early on.

Coming out of Nebraska in 1998 with a full credential of accolades, there was a possibility that he'd be better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The Rams didn't think so, making him the 6th overall pick. He took over as a full-time starter during his second NFL season, picking up 33 solo tackles with 6.5 sacks and two interceptions in 16 starts, and has missed just two games since. His durability sets him apart from Kearse and Howard, making him a much safer addition for their money.

In Seattle, Wistrom should help improve both the run and pass defenses in his own play and by freeing up teammates with his presence. Okeafor, a capable pass rusher in his own right, will move to left end allowing Wistrom to step in at RDE. This duo should turn into the best set of bookend defensive linemen that Seattle has had in quite some time. With the addition of Marcus Tubbs in the middle (rookie 1st round pick), the entire defense looks headed in the right direction. Ray Rhodes is not used to finishing with a 19th ranked overall defense and he should have this unit in the top 10.

Positives

  • Grant Wistrom is a prototypical Lovie Smith-type defensive end, possessing great speed and athleticism. His sideline-to-sideline skills for a defensive lineman are outstanding.


  • Durable, he's missed just two games over the last five seasons. He just turned 28, which should leave him with a handful of productive years left in the tank.


  • Often overlooked when discussions arise about the leagues top defensive linemen, underrated as a run defender. He's posted very consistent solo tackle numbers, between 45-51 over the last four seasons.


Negatives

  • The Seahawks have very little experience at defensive tackle. Chike Okeafor will be relied on heavily to relieve double teams. If he struggles, Wistrom could be neutralized. Wistrom does not get to play alongside Leonard Little any longer.


  • With just 12 sacks combined over the last two seasons, he's fallen short of expectations as a pass rusher. He's posted double digit sacks just once in his six year career (11 in 2000).


Final Thoughts

Grant Wistrom is one of those players that you can't help to root for. His energy is contagious, he flies around the field like a linebacker, and he never gets hurt. Look for him to quickly become a fan favorite in Seattle. While his presence is expected to help those around him, their success will likely determine whether or not he has the space to make his own plays. I see Chike Okeafor playing well enough this year and I have high expectations for their entire defense. Ray Rhodes definitely has some talent to work at every position and he should have this squad playing well above the level that we've come to expect from the Seahawks.


Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:

To view the entire thread, click here: DL Grant Wistrom, St. Louis Rams

grady:
"Wistrom is not flashy, nor is he a bum either. He is a strong run supporter who will get his sacks from time to time. The downside for him this year is that he doesn't have a reliable bookend and will probably draw a good amount of double teams."


Projections

Source
Solo
Asst
Sacks
INT
PD
FF
FR
FntPts
Aaron Rudnicki
50
10
7.5
0
3
1
1
84.5
Shawn Culcasi
57
13
10.0
0
1
1
1
98.5
Spotlight Consensus
55
5
4.0
0
2
1
0
73.5

IDP Scoring System
1 pt per Solo Tackle
0.5 pt per Assisted Tackle
3 pts per Sack
4 pts per Interception
1 pt per Pass Defensed
2 pts per Forced Fumble
2 pts per Fumble Recovery

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