Seattle Seahawks Roster Battle Update: Linebackers
By Keith Myers
May 20, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) participates in organized team activities at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
As we get ready for the first Seahawks preseason game this Thursday, it’s time to take a look at how the roster battles are shaping up through this point in training camp. Keep in mind that nothing is set by any means. We still have a long way to go.
I thought we’d start with the linebackers, since this is the position group that has seen the most change since camp has begun.
Locks: Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright, Bruce Irvin*
Irvin starts the year on the suspended list, so he doesn’t count toward the 53 man roster, which opens the door for another player to make the team.
Near Locks: O’Brian Schofield, Malcolm Smith, Allen Bradford
Schofield’s pay cut means he likely makes the squad in Irvin’s spot. Allen Bradford has spent the last few days as the #1 MLB while Wagner has been sidelined. Smith is currently the “starter” at SAM, though he only plays in obvious running situation, coming out for Irvin the rest of the time.
Competing for that last spot: Kyle Knox, Heath Farwell, Korey Toomer, Craig Wilkins, John Lotulelei
Noticeably absent from this list is Mike Morgan, who’s been moved to DE. Otherwise this battle would be much tougher. Heath Farwell is the odd man out at MLB right now, especially since his cap number is really high for a backup MLB.
I really expected this battle to come down to Lotulelei vs Toomer, but that hasn’t been the case so far. Toomer has been hurt and hasn’t played, and Lotulelei hasn’t impressed they way I expected him too. Right now, I’d say that Knox is in the lead, but this decision will likely be come down to special teams. There’s just no way to evaluate that before the preseason games begin.
Ultimately, this battle wont be decided until the 53 man roster is set, and even then a couple of these guys will end up on the practice squad.
Bold Prediction: Schofield supplants Smith as the starter at SAM before week 1.