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There aren't many players who have continuously proved that they belong on an NFL roster.
Some players have been doing it for multiple seasons.
Fourth-year veteran linebacker Patrick OConnell has been doing it for years with the Seattle Seahawks.
OConnell is a player who has had to grind to where he is in the NFL.
Last season was among his most successful in the league and he has been able to play in Super Bowl LX.
Even though the odds are against him in terms of player typing and competition, there is a belief that OConnell could be a contributor to one of the leagues best defenses once again this season.
From College to the Seahawks OConnell was a multi-sport star athlete in high school while living in Montana.
He chose to transfer to play for the Montana Grizzlies after a year at the University of Mary.
OConnell was a starter for three full seasons and was one of the top defenders in the Big Sky Conference.
He finished his stellar collegiate career accumulating 242 total tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
OConnell went undrafted based on his consistent competition at Montana and his small frame, but he was good enough to find his way to the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.
For the last three seasons, he would find his way on the practice squad and then back on the active roster as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor.
This past season, OConnell played in nine games while accumulating 19 total tackles, 11 solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.
What OConnell Brings to the Seahawks There are a few attributes that make OConnell a valuable player for the Seahawks.
Even if he isnt a day one 53-man roster player, OConnell has the drive and the energy to be ready to be called up in case of injuries or other problems to the Seahawks defense.
This has been his way of life for the past three seasons.
Last season was his biggest yet as he not only played nine regular-season games, but also the three postseason games, including Super Bowl LX.
He has been an efficient tackler and well-balanced when put into games for the Seahawks.
What puts him behind some of his fellow linebackers is his lack of explosive, overall power and coverage skills.
Can OConnell Grow Beyond the On-Call Linebacker? The Seahawks have utilized a lot of talented defenders during the two seasons under head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
OConnell has been a player who has been serviceable at times for Seattle, especially this past season, but it isnt the lack of elite skills that holds him back.
The Seahawks often utilize a 4-2-5 front where only two mainline linebackers are on the field.
There are going to be only three-or-four linebackers on the roster at times.
OConnell has a case to steal a spot from other veterans like Chazz Surratt and Chris Paul Jr.
If any of the three linebackers fail to make the initial 53-man roster spot, OConnell has the edge to get back in the fight based on experience.
His best ability is availability and that has been key during a long season.
Michael Hanich is a long-time sports journalist with experience across print, digital, and television.
He is currently a producer and reporter for WKRG News 5 in Mobile, Alabama, and has covered Alabama football, Auburn football and basketball, and various college and pro teams for Gulf Coast Media and YardBarker.
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