ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Weaver

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Other than the retired Mack Strong, the Seahawks' running backs generally haven't been great in blitz pickup. Sometimes they've been horrible. Perhaps that is changing. Fullback Leonard Weaver apparently held up against Lofa Tatupu and flattened Leroy Hill, one of the Seahawks' most violent (in a good way) players. That was the word from Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune following practice.

Weaver is a converted college tight end who has impressed more with his running than his blocking during the recent summer. With Strong retired, Seattle badly needs Weaver -- or someone -- to emerge as a complete fullback. I've never seen Weaver plant linebackers in blitz pickup, so this is a potentially significant development, albeit a first step.

The team drafted fullback David Kirtman from USC a couple years ago, but he hasn't emerged as a blocker. Rookie Owen Schmitt is another drafted fullback in camp, but Weaver is the clear favorite to claim that position. Seattle uses the traditional fullback more than just about any team in the league. That is a staple of Mike Holmgren's offense.