12th Man Rising
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Seattle Seahawks: Tony McDaniel release creates problems at DT

By Keith Myers

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When Russell Wilson signed his big contract extension, Bobby Wagner took to twitter for three simple words: “Can’t keep everyone.” This words turned out to be prophetic. Following Wagner’s extension last night, the Seahawks released veteran defensive tackle Tony McDaniel this morning.

The move leaves the Seahawks paper thin at defensive tackle. Rubin now becomes the starting 3-tech. The Seahawks have no real backups behind him and Mebane. Rubin was brought in to play in the Kevin Williams role from last season. The Seahawks are now left without anyone in that rotational role.

Jordan Hill is a situational pass rusher only. He lacks the functional strength to hold up against the run. He’s been a major liability on running downs thus far in his career.

The Seahawks will also use Michael Bennett and Frank Clark on the inside on obvious passing downs. Like with Hill, this isn’t advisable on downs where the opposing team could run the football.

That leaves Jimmy Staten and D’Anthony Smith, one of which must take a major step forward in their development and prove that they can handle a major role on the league’s best defense.

Another potential option would be Jesse Williams. Williams was a guy with first round pick talent in college because a knee injury allowed him to slip to the Seahawks in the fifth round.

Williams has spent the last two seasons on injured reserve because of serious knee issues. He also had a cancerous kidney removed just two months ago.

He is currently on the the NFI list, but is working his way back into football shape. He should begin practicing soon. If Williams can finally be healthy (which is a massive “if”), he instantly become the best option for the Seahawks as a backup defensive tackle.

Next: Bobby Wagner now NFL's highest paid inside linebacker

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