The Seattle Seahawks are a perfect example of a team that doesn’t look at the experience and numbers that come with a player: They give the best and most suitable ones the bigger roles. Rookie Cassius Marsh out of UCLA might be a fourth round pick and a defensive end, position the Seahawks are loaded in, but it doesn’t mean there’s no chance for him to start next season.
The competition is fierce. It’s not just starters Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett who were excellent in the postseason. There’s also Benson Mayowa and Greg Scurggs to consider as competition, but Marsh had an excellent rookie minicamp and despite missing the OTAs because his school was still in session, he has made quite an impact during workout before the fall schedule begins.
According to Terry Blount, Marsh has looked like the kind of player the Seahawks are looking for in their key guys. This defense is about physical defensive backs and a lot of pass rushing off the edges. Marsh fits that mold in a system that proved itself to be an excellent formula for playoff success and eventually winning a championship.
He didn’t participate in the OTAs because NCAA rules didn’t allow him to while his school was still in session, but when he has been out there, he’s made a big impression. He’s fast off the edge. He’s had a few sacks. He’s looked good.
Russell Wilson came out of nowhere to lead the Seahawks twice into the postseason and eventually the Super Bowl title as well, the first in franchise history. He was a third-round quarterback who entered training camp as a backup, supposed to wait behind Matt Flynn for a chance. We all know how that worked out, and with injuries being such a big part of the life of NFL players, you never know just how quickly Marsh can suddenly find himself playing a big part on one of the best and most loaded teams in the NFL.
Side note: He also slightly reminds us of Richard Madden, who played Robb Stark on Game of Thrones until the Freys along with Roose Bolton and the Lannisters decided it’s time to end the King in the North.