Jordyn Brooks replaces Bobby Wagner calling the defense, and more as Seahawks start OTAs

Drew Lock versus Geno Smith to replace Russell Wilson isn’t the only big change going on with the Seahawks this offseason.

Jordyn Brooks is the new signal caller of the Seahawks’ new, more 3-4-style defense. The third-year pro is taking over for and implementing the lessons of departed Bobby Wagner.

Brought-back Rashaad Penny is priming for the lead rusher role with Chris Carson’s future in doubt. But Penny, who had the four best games of his career to end last season, is hurt. Again.

Coach Pete Carroll says it’s minor.

“Yeah, he’s got a hamstring thing that is still tight. We are just making sure that he’s OK,” Carroll said Monday about his often-injured first-round draft choice from 2018. “He’s working out and conditioned really well (Monday). He was running and flying around — but not ready to get where he can control the tempo.”

Penny’s latest injury gave rookie third-round pick Ken Walker from Michigan State a longer look in the offense at the Seahawks’ first practice of offseason organized team activities this week.

Carroll said the team should know more later this week about what may be next for Carson. Seattle’s lead rusher played in only four games last season then had a tricky neck surgery. The team hasn’t been sure when, or if, he will return to playing in 2022.

“Chris is around (team headquarters),” Carroll said Monday. “I’ll know more later in the week. I don’t have any update for you.”

That plus the continued, expected absences of DK Metcalf, Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs and Tre Brown as they progress in recoveries from surgeries were the news items on the Seahawks’ first practice of OTAs Monday.

Brooks was in the role Wagner had until the Seahawks released him for financial reasons in March and the rival Rams then signed him. Brooks was the signal caller in the middle of the defense during day one of OTAs.

It’s a different role for Brooks, who set the Seahawks’ record with 184 tackles in 2021. He was the weakside linebacker in his first two seasons after Seattle drafted him in the first round in 2020.

But it’s more what Brooks has done for the rest of his football life. He called the signals in the middle of Texas Tech’s defense all four of his college seasons. He did it for Stratford High School in Houston, too.

He said this faster, more versatile, more 3-4-style Seahawks defense is more like what he did at Texas Tech.

“It’s been a good challenge. Anytime you got something new, it can take a little bit of time for everybody to get adjusted to it, but I think it’s been going smooth these last couple weeks. Just getting in the playbook and really getting familiar with new terminology. So it’s been good for us.”

What is he using most that Wagner taught him?

“Leading by example,” Brooks said.

“I think that was the best thing that Bobby showed anybody. Just the way he carried himself, while he was in these buildings. And his day-to-day routine, what he did to get prepared for practice, let alone the game.”

The new 3-4 look

Brooks was next to Cody Barton at inside linebacker, while Darrell Taylor and Uchenna Nwosu, signed this offseason from the Los Angeles Chargers, filled the outside spots Monday.

That’s four linebackers, one more than on the Seahawks defense Wagner directed and anchored as an All-Pro the last decade for Carroll.

Carroll fired Ken Norton Jr., promoted line coach Clint Hurtt to replace him as coordinator then hired Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai and Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Karl Scott to remake Seattle’s back seven. It’s more a 3-4 than the 4-3, Cover-3-zone base defense Carroll used to win a Super Bowl and go to another.

Carroll wants the Seahawks to attack and pressure quarterbacks and offenses far more than Seattle did while producing a franchise record-low 18 turnovers on defense last season. It ended with the team 7-10 and out of the playoffs for just the second time in 10 years.

While much offseason focus has been on the need for a more consistently effective pass rush, the pass coverage in the back will be different, too.

How so?

Justin Coleman excelled as a nickel, inside cornerback in Carroll’s old 4-3 scheme before he signed a record contract worth $9 million annually with Detroit before the 2019 season. Signed back by Carroll to the Seahawks this offseason on a one-year contract, Coleman already sees and feels the differences in Seattle’s 2022 defense.

“I feel we want to be a little more attached on the receivers, put our guys in better position,” Coleman said Monday.

“We have some things that we are working on so we can thrive on defense. Changes in coverages. Changing everything.”

Of new coaches Desai, who has a doctoral degree in educational administration from Temple University, and Scott, Coleman said: “Honestly, they’re great coaches. Intelligent. They know what they’re talking about. They know what they’re doing. They know how to coach well. And I’m glad that they’re our coaches.

“And let’s just be honest, these guys are really good coaches. I know I just look forward to being able to play alongside my teammates and have them coach me.”

Fant, others absent

New tight end Noah Fant, acquired with Lock and defensive tackle Shelby Harris plus five draft picks in Seattle’s trade of Wilson to Denver in March, was absent for the first voluntary OTA practice.

“He had a thing that he had to take care of,” Carroll said. “He was out of here (Monday).”

Rookie cornerback and fifth-round pick Tariq Woolen missed practice with the same sore hamstring that kept him out for two of the three practices of rookie minicamp the previous week. Carroll said the 6-foot-4 former wide receiver at Texas-San Antonio who ran 40 yards in 4.26 seconds at the NFL scouting combine in March will be on the field for the next OTA on Wednesday.

“We just wanted to buy him a couple more (days),” Carroll said.

“I’m really intrigued by this opportunity for him. He’s a rare athlete and has size, speed, weight, and all of that. His history and background, I like the receiver background for a number of reasons.

“But I can’t tell much (so far) — other than that he fits the build and looks very comfortable in the things that we are doing.”