Tuesday Round-Up: Garry Gilliam Discusses Move to Left Tackle

Good morning, 12s. Here’s a look at what’s “out there” for today – Tuesday, April 12 – about your Seattle Seahawks.Garry Gilliam Talks About Move to Left Tackle Garry Gilliam spent most of his college career playing tight end before eventually moving to tackle, and that move paid off, as he not only earned a roster spot with the Seahawks as an undrafted rookie in 2014, but eventually became Seattle’s starting right tackle in 2015. Now Gilliam is preparing himself for another position switch, moving from right tackle to left tackle to possibly be the replacement for Russell Okung, who signed with Denver in free agency. Gilliam was recently a guest on Legion of 12 Radio where he discussed that transition, among other topics. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have both said that Gilliam will compete with Bradley Sowell at that position (though a yet-to-be-added free agent or rookie could always factor in as well), and Gilliam said having his head coach’s confidence to play left tackle “Is a real big thing for a player.” “In terms of switching from right to left, at least in our system, they generally like their right tackles to be big bruisers, run-blocking tackles,” Gilliam said. “At left tackle, you get more of your outside linebackers who are speed rushers, so you want an athletic guy out there who can kind of combat that speed. Other than that, our scheme from left to right and right to left are very similar… So as long as I make the transition in terms of the way I anchor and the way I step—obviously I’ll be stepping with one foot more than I was on the other side.” Gilliam offseason workouts have included drills designed to specifically prepare him to play on the left side of the line.Gilliam also says offensive line coach Tom Cable has a teaching method that helps him learn a new position. “He’s not a yeller—at least now, I don’t know about back in the day—he talks to you man-to-man, and he’s very cerebral with what he’s doing, how he breaks it down,” Gilliam said. “He can make it simple, ‘Your foot should be here, and it’s here, so fix it. Either go out and do it, or continue to get beat.’ He breaks it down and tells it like it is.” As for the line as a whole, Gilliam is a lot less worried about that position group than are a lot of fans and pundits. “I have full confidence,” Gilliam said. “Obviously they're going to try to move me to left and I'm going to do my best there, handle my business on the left side. Whoever they end up putting at right tackle, right guard, center, I have no doubts that they're going to come in and work. Coach Carroll, Mr. Schneider, Coach Cable, they don't bring in guys that aren't going to work and they're not going to handle their business. So I've got full confidence in the guys that are going to be there." Gilliam pointed out that Seattle’s line is mostly made up of young players such as himself, Justin Britt, Patrick Lewis and others who should only continue to improve. “Everyone is going to continue to get better, I have no doubt about it,” he said. “They’re going to bring guys in who are going to compete and make each other better. By the end of it, when it’s all said and done, we’re going to have a really good offensive line.” Tweet of the Day Today’s Tweet of the day comes from USC Football student manager Marshall Cherrington, who has video of Doug Baldwin working out at USC with other Seahawks teammates. Already last week video surfaced of Russell Wilson working with Paul Richardson and Tyler Lockett, but now it looks like that group is growing with Baldwin in L.A.Oh, and recently re-signed receiver Jermaine Kearse is there too.More From Around the Web ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia looks at how the Seahawks attempt to scout intangibles. From Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole, an informative Q&A with Washington general manager Scot McCloughan, whose career has included two stops in Seattle, including when he was the Seahawks’ senior personnel executive from 2010-2013. While a lot of the interview focuses on his current team, McCloughan also touches on his time in Seattle, and it’s clear he and Seahawks GM John Schneider have a lot in common when it comes to evaluating players. Here at Seahawks.com, a recap of parts two and three of running back Thomas Rawls’ interview with Q13 FOX.

Tuesday Round-Up: Garry Gilliam Discusses Move to Left Tackle

A daily link round-up of what’s “out there” about the Seattle Seahawks.