Seahawks Roster Analysis: Specialists

Our analysis of each position group on the Seahawks continues, this time with the special teams players. We still have two defensive groups left to finish, so look for those in the next couple days.

Kicker Steven Hauschka was an unexpected member of the 2011 Seahawks team. He was with the Broncos during training camp, and only signed with the Seahawks just days before their week 1 game. Despite those inauspicious beginnings with the team, Hauschka made the most of his opportunity. He made 25 out of 30 field goals, and was perfect on extra point attempts. The only concern was his inability to consistently get the ball deep enough on kick offs. While he would occasionally hit the ball out of the back of the end zone, he didn’t do it with the regularity that the team would have liked.

Punter John Ryan had a very good year as well. He set career highs in average, net average, and kicks inside the 20. While Ryan is not among the elite at his position, he is still well above average and true asset for the team.

The thing about the Seahawk’s long snapper, Clint Gresham, is that you never notice him. Believe it or not, that the best thing that can be said about a long snapper. He never skips the ball to the holder on FG attempts, and he never snapped the ball over John Ryan’s head. I personally think that the long snapper’s job is more important than most people think, and Gresham did an excellent job in 2011.

Prediction: All three players return in 2012.