Jeremy

Lane

Lane wasn’t even a full-time starter for small-school Northwestern State until he was a senior, so he’s a true project for the Seahawks, who continue to make some of the draft’s most interesting picks. Lane is also shorter than current Seahawks starting CBs Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner, standing in at “just” 6-even. Lane will be a special teamer for the foreseeable future.

It’s a bit of a surprise in that he was viewed as a project after starting just one season at small-school Northwestern State. Lane did arrive with “surprisingly good hip flexibility and speed” while improving his ball skills under NFL coaching during OTAs. Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond are considered the favorites for nickel duties.

Lane had a rough year for Seattle, grading out as PFF’s 104th cornerback out of 120 qualifiers. Coach Pete Carroll criticized Lane’s tackling, but praised him for competing his “tail off.” With RCB Deshawn Shead’s (knee) status up in the air for Week 1, keeping Lane was a no-brainer for the Seahawks.

“Jeremy has really applied himself,” said Carroll. “He sees the opportunity. Across the board, everybody’s evaluation is that he’s really focused, really tuned in, he’s really ready to go for it.” Lane is coming off a disastrious 2016, getting exposed as a tackler and grading near the bottom of PFF’s ratings. Scheme familiarity and veteran status are working in his favor with Deshawn Shead (knee) sidelined. Rookie Shaq Griffin will push Lane in training camp.

The Seahawks are doing the same with RB Alex Collins and WR Jermaine Kearse. Expected to start opposite Richard Sherman, Lane is a much more surprising name, however. If this report is accurate, Seattle’s willingness to move him suggests they are comfortable with third-round rookie Shaquill Griffin starting. Lane has three years left on his deal, but he can be cut with few cap ramifications after this year.

Lane was expected to face stiff competition from third-rounder Shaq Griffin, but has evidently seized control of the job. Per Kapadia, Lane has been “arguably the team’s most impressive player through the first three practices.” Lane wasn’t great in the slot last year, but it’s likely he’ll kick inside in nickel situations.

Lane was not particularly good as a slot corner last season, but he earned praise from coach Pete Carroll for his work this offseason. He will need to beat out third-round CB Shaq Griffin and Neiko Thorpe for the job. Regardless of if he wins the “starting” job, Lane will be the primary slot corner in sub packages.

Seattle will be without their primary slot corner, giving Giants WR Sterling Shepard an easier matchup.

Lane’s absence helps the matchup for Sterling Shepard, assuming Shepard plays through his ankle injury. Lane covers the slot for Seattle on passing downs.

Also recovering from a torn ACL, Lane was already highly doubtful for Week 1. Now he’s all but assured of beginning the year on the reserve/PUP list. Will Blackmon is running as the starting nickel back in Lane’s absence. It’s quite possible Lane misses all of 2015.