Getting his feet wet with his first official NFL action last season, could Ty Okada be an X-factor to watch competing for a reserve safety spot in Seattle?
Starring as a quarterback at East Ridge High School in Woodbury, MN, Okada transitioned to defense after committing to FCS level Montana State and though he battled through injuries over the next two seasons, he emerged as the team’s primary nickel back.
After not playing due to the COVID pandemic in 2020, he finally became a full-time starter, earning Second-Team All-Big Sky honors while racking up 79 tackles and two interceptions.
Finishing his collegiate career with the Bobcats on a strong note, Okada exceeded 70 tackles for the second straight season and posted a team-high nine pass breakups while earning Second-Team All-Big Sky honors again.
Signed undrafted by the Seahawks, he appeared in five games as a rookie after opening the season on the practice squad, producing one tackle on 38 special teams snaps.
At 5-11, 185 pounds, Okada isn’t built to play extensive snaps in the box and most of his production in college actually came from the slot, which should translate well to free safety in Mike Macdonald’s system.
He has enough positional versatility to be able to move some around the formation in multiple roles.
During the preseason last August, he also saw significant action on several special teams units.
Building off limited game action as a rookie last season, the athletic, feisty Okada takes advantage of Jerrick Reed II’s absence recovering from a torn ACL by intercepting a pass from his free safety spot and racking up several special teams tackles during the preseason, earning himself one of the final spots on the 53-man roster.
