Is Leon Washington’s Roster Spot In Jeopardy?

When the Seahawks drafted Robert Turbin, everyone just assumed that Kregg Lumpkin was guaranteed to be the odd man out. Baring injury, Lynch, Robinson and Turbin are locks to make the final roster. That leaves just one spot remaining at back.

That leaves Lumpkin and Leon Washington battling for that last roster spot, and Washington should have the edge since he’s the teams kickoff and punt returner, right? Probably, but it might not be clear cut as you think.

For starters, Lumpkin brings something to the Seahawks that the rest of the backs do not; a threat as a receiver. Despite limited playing time in Tampa last season, Lumpkin still managed to get 41 catches for 291 yards last season. Lumpkin also has a reputation for being at good pass blocking; in picking up the blitz on passing downs. He’s a power back of the style the Seahawks like, and also a 3rd-down back.

Washington, on the other hand, averaged just 2.5 yards per carry when Lynch was hurt last season, not the type of production you want from a backup RB. He also had just 10 catches last season, even though he started the year getting most of the playing time on third down, playing time he lost to Michael Robinson as the season progressed.

While Washington was brilliant as a returner in 2010, he wasn’t so in 2011. Washington repeatedly made poor choices with kick returns, and was responsible for the Seahawks having some of the worst average starting field position in the league. I lost count how many time he decided to bring the ball out from 8 yards deep in the endzone only to get tackled at at 14 yard line.

I also don’t think that Washington is the Seahawk’s only option as the return man. The obvious choice at the position would be Golden Tate. While Tate’s route running problems have limited his production at receiver, he’s still a gifted playmaker with the ball in his hands. Robert Turbin is another possible choice. He might not make many people miss, he will get positive yards by running people over and if he gets into the open field he has the speed to take it the distance.

Do I think Washington will get cut in favor of Lumpkin? No, I don’t. I think it more likely that the Seahawks choose to keep 5 backs on the roster before Washington gets cut. But it isn’t out of the question that it could happen.