Seahawks DC on L.J. Collier's lack of playing time: 'It came down to competition'

The Seahawks clearly had high hopes for L.J. Collier when they selected the defensive end in the first round of the 2019 draft. However, through the first three games of Collier’s third professional season, the player has seen only 20 defensive snaps and has been inactive in two of three games. Defensive coordinator Ken Norton was asked about Collier’s lack of playing time, and the coach simply pointed to the depth chart.

“It came down to competition,” Norton said, via ESPN’s Brady Henderson. “It came down to being able to play, being able to make quick decisions…and right now we felt like [Robert] Nkemdiche was a little ahead of him.”

Collier barely played during his rookie campaign, but he took on a more significant role in 2020. The defensive lineman started each of the Seahawks 16 games last year, collecting 22 tackles and three sacks. He also started Seattle’s playoff game.

However, he’s found himself buried on the depth chart once again in 2021. Nkemdiche, a recent practice squad promotion, had even jumped ahead of Collier on the depth chart. Fortunately for the 26-year-old, he could have a role this weekend while Kerry Hyder recovers from a concussion.