Seahawks sign two

The Seahawks announced today that they have signed DB Roy Lewis and WR Isaiah Stanback to contracts for the 2011 season.  I like these moves; they are role-playing guys but locking them in is important.

Roy Lewis is a nickel and dime 3rd down package guy that brings solid depth to the Hawks secondary.  Playing in that role he recorded 26 tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble in the 2010 season.  The University of Washington product was a special teams captain and Seahawks Man of the Year this past season and his presence in the locker room and on the field will be a big boost for the Hawks.



Lewis boasts intangibles in leadership that led him to being voted the Special Teams captain at the beginning of September after spending most of the 2009 season on the practice squad.  It's a testament to his tenacity and dedication; his role is mostly on special teams but he gets a chance to play on the defense in certain packages.  He said at the time:

It's crazy. It's an honor. I'm actually kind of speechless.  I voted for Olindo (Mare) and if Sean Morey was still here, I'd have voted for Sean, because those are the guys I look up to as far as special teams and how they approach and being prepared.

I like the move, he adds depth to the secondary and a solid presence on the Seahawks 4th ranked special teams unit.  Special teams saved the Hawks' butts on a few occasions this year and I'm glad they're looking at it again this offseason.  He obviously has the respect of his peers.  Solid signing.

Isaiah Stanback is actually someone I have been wondering a lot about.  He came in last year to mini-camps and there was a lot of excitement around him.  One, because he's another UW alum, and two, he's got potential explosive playmaking ability and a versatility that could make him valuable to the Hawks.

When I was doing some scouting of possible FA target Legadu Naanee, I took a look at Stanback as a WR with a comparable skillset.  Stanback is a former QB that has converted to WR/KR and has had flashes of brilliance in his short career. He's 6'2", 208, fast, physical and I believe Carroll had brought him in to compete for a chance to play the slot and do some wildcat work. His versatility was forefront in the mind of the coaching staff.  Obviously, before he was able to prove his worth, he tore his achilles tendon and was placed on IR.  Will he be back to full health next year?  It seems as though the Seahawks believe he will be.

If he is back to full health, he will be able to compete for a roster spot, and most likely contribute on special teams and wildcat formations, if the Hawks go that route at all this season. He'll probably have a chance to compete at slot receiver too if Brandon Stokely isn't brought back, though that could be a stretch.

Check out Michael Irvin talkin' Stanbeck, back in 2008, here.

For some old UW nostalgia, check out the frickin' arm strength... 70 yard toss, no big deal.



Also, watching this next clip makes me wonder if they have any plans to incorporate wildcat-esque formations next year:  he would obviously be a very good fit for that role; can throw the ball (deep, if need be), and can run well.  Also, I could see them employing some end-around option throws too.  Either way, it's pretty exciting to watch the guy.