5 breakout stars to watch for Seattle Seahawks in 2020

4. DE L.J. Collier

Unfortunately, Collier is coming off an incredibly disappointing rookie season. The Seahawks desperately needed to replace the impact of Frank Clark’s departure and were hoping to do so with Collier after making him the 29th pick in the first round a year ago.

The rookie defensive end offered a minimal impact last season, but an ankle sprain suffered during Seattle’s third training camp practice could provide the reasoning as to why. The injury was described as “significant” and “rare” by Carroll and initially put Collier’s entire rookie season in doubt.

Still, the damage was done. Collier was set at a disadvantage after missing crucial reps in training camp and preseason to overcome the hurdle of transitioning into the NFL. The uphill battle the defensive end faced during his rookie year, while learning the system on the fly, saw Collier be a healthy scratch for six games, including both of the Seahawks’ playoff games.

Seattle valued the versatility Collier put on display during his final season at TCU. The pass-rushing ability he showed came not only from the edge but the inside as well, which is something the Seahawks prefer from their base defensive ends.

With Jadeveon Clowney not expected to return, Seattle will need Collier to step up and produce in year two. After impressing the team throughout offseason team activities last year, the former first-round pick has drawn comparisons to ex-Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett.

The Seahawks’ 26th-ranked defense will need a Bennett-type contribution along their defensive line. Seattle is hoping Collier help provide a similar type of impact in 2020.