Seahawks Hoping Uchenna Nwosu 'Hits Another Level'

Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is hoping to build off of a career season.

The Seattle Seahawks were arguably the biggest surprise team last season, earning a playoff berth after being seen as a contender for the first overall pick all offseason long. 

However, while there was a lot to like about the Seahawks last season, they entered this offseason with room for improvement. Namely, improving the 25th ranked scoring defense that allowed opponents to score 23.6 points per game on 361.7 yards of total offense. 

While there was definitely issues with the Seahawks defense last year, one bright spot was the emergence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu during his first season in Seattle. His breakout campaign earned him a spot on CBS Sports' top 50 "under the radar" players heading into the season.

"Promoted to a full-time player after coming over from the Chargers, Nwosu did not disappoint: 9.5 sacks, 26 quarterback hits and a 14.9% pressure rate," CBS Sports writes. 

"Those last two figures both ranked in the top 10 among 50 players with at least 400 pass rush snaps. Is there another level Nwosu can get to? The Seahawks hope so."

Starting in all 17 games for the Seahawks last season, Nwosu put together the best season of his career. He recorded a career-high 66 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and the aforementioned 9.5 sacks. The veteran edge was also forced three fumbles.

Coming off such a strong season, it might be hard to see Nwosu as an "under the radar" player in Seattle. However, after the Seahawks bolstered the defensive front with key free agent signings such as Dre'Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, some have forgotten about him.

What we saw from him last season is what he's always been capable of as a player. If he can take that production and match it or improve on it, then the Seahawks defense will be that much better.

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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