Seattle Seahawks roster analysis: offensive line
By Keith Myers
Our Seattle Seahawks roster analysis moves on to the offensive line this time. This is a difficult group to evaluate. While they excel in run blocking, they remain one of the league’s worst groups as pass blockers.
While fans will clamor for a major upgrade to the unit this offseason, they likely aren’t going to get their wish. Instead, I believe the Seahawks will look for continuity and hope that the continued improved of young players on the right side of the line will be enough of an upgrade for next season.
Other positions groups completed:
Players on 2015 Roster:
Key Players: Russell Okung, Max Unger, Justin Britt, J.R. Sweezy, Alvin Bailey, Gary Gilliam
Depth: Nate Isles, Drew Nowak, Lemuel Jean-Pierre, Patrick Lewis
Free Agents:
Unrestricted: James Carpenter, Steve Schilling
Outlook:
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Four of the five starting spots are set, and Alvin Bailey is capable of starting at LG if Seattle can’t find an upgrade there. The depth behind that group though is fairly poor at this point.
The Seahawks have a tough decision ahead on what do to with James Carpenter. While he have overall been a major disappointment, he’s also shown flashes of real potential. Ideally he’d be brought back as a backup with a chance to compete for his old job, but other teams will likely be willing to offer him spot as a starter.
The Seahawks also will need to consider what they are going to do with LT Russell Okung. Except for the occasional frustrating penalty, Okung has been very good for the Seahawks. He’s also has difficulty staying healthy, and is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Seattle would love to keep Okung, but it is difficult paying him what it will take to do so when they know they are only paying for 12 games per year. They must also be willing to pay for a quality backup for him. It might be time for the Seahawks to start looking to begin grooming Kung’s eventual replacement.