The current NFL collective bargaining agreement prohibits live contact during offseason workouts, which can make evaluating players, especially untested rookies, a burdensome exercise for teams.

But even with these limitations, Seahawks first-round pick L.J. Collier has shown enough on the field through his first month on the team to earn the respect of veteran teammates and coaches.

When asked about his first impressions of Collier, starting left tackle Duane Brown said, “I think as a rookie coming in, he definitely has some savviness, some craft in his moves that you normally wouldn’t see from a younger guy. He’s strong. He’s got long arms, strong player.”

After trading back in the first round with the Packers, the Seahawks used the No. 29 overall selection to select Collier, a 283-pound defensive end out of TCU. In four seasons with the Horned Frogs, he recorded 82 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 20.5 tackles for loss despite only being a full-time starter during his senior year.

Initially viewed as a mid-round pick, Collier bolstered his draft stock exponentially with a sensational week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. Already on the Seahawks radar, the team met with him at the NFL Scouting Combine and also brought him to the VMAC for a private visit prior to the draft.

Given his size and strength, Collier has already drawn comparisons to Michael Bennett and should take over as Seattle’s starting base five-tech defensive end. Though he didn’t reduce inside to defensive tackle much at the college level for the Horned Frogs, he’s not worried at all about playing the same role Bennett thrived in for several years.

With his versatility being an immediate asset, Seahawks defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. is thrilled to have a “pretty good football player” in Collier as one of the new foundational pieces for his front line.

“Really glad he’s on our team.” Norton Jr. said. “Strong, fast, smart. He loves ball and he fits right in with our guys.”

Entering his 12th NFL season, Brown understands real evaluations will begin when training camp opens in July and he’ll have plenty of chances to put the rookie in his place once that time comes. But the two-time Pro Bowler has already seen enough to suggest Collier should be able to hold his own and contribute immediately for the Seahawks.

“I think right now with no pads on, it’s hard to assess someone, but I think he’s definitely going to make some plays this year just based on what I’ve seen so far.”