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Analysis: Seahawks got 'a warrior' in guard D.J. Fluker

The Seattle Seahawks addressed what many considered the team's biggest need when they signed veteran guard DJ Fluker. Terms of the deal have not been announced. However, Fluker has already sent a message to the 12's.
Oct 15, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; New York Giants offensive guard D.J. Fluker (76) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks addressed what many considered the team’s biggest need when they signed veteran guard DJ Fluker. Terms of the deal have not been announced. However, Fluker has already sent a message to the 12’s.

Fluker has spent his entire career on the right side of the line, playing primarily right guard with some right tackle mixed in earlier in his career.

He has been described as a big, mauling lineman. He has excelled as a run-blocker throughout his career, although he has posted less than stellar marks as a pass-blocker. However, Fluker has worked hard at improving his agility and losing weight, which could help him in the passing game.

Fluker was a first-round pick by the then San Diego Chargers in 2013. He spent four years with the team before signing with the Giants last season. He played in only six games in New York, suffering a toe injury that cost him most of the year.

However, when Fluker did play, the Giants excelled in the run game. The team averaged 25 more rushing yards per game when Fluker was on the field in 2017.

Now, Fluker takes his excellent run-blocking skills to Seattle, where he will be reunited with offensive line coach Mike Solari.

The Seahawks had a variety of players start on the right side of the line last year; including Oday Aboushi, Ethan Pocic, Mark Glowinski and Luke Joeckel.

Joeckel is a free agent and is unlikely to return. Joeckel primarily played left guard last season, but the Seahawks could choose to slide 2017 rookie Ethan Pocic over to left guard and slot Fluker in the right guard spot.

That would give them a starting offensive line of Duane Brown, Ethan Pocic, Justin Britt, D.J. Fluker and George Fant, who is expected to return after missing all of 2017 with a torn ACL.

Wherever Fluker ends up playing, he will make a big impact on Seattle’s maligned offensive line.

“DJ The Warrior” will improve Seattle’s run-blocking, a desperately needed boost for a team that ranked 23rd in rushing offense last season, thanks almost exclusively to quarterback Russell Wilson.

Having some muscle up the middle will help Seattle’s running backs push forward for more yards, setting up the passing game and helping Seattle put more points on the board.

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