Seattle Seahawks Roster Battles Update: Defensive Backfield

Jun 12, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) talks with cornerback Brandon Browner (39) during minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Locks: Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor

No surprised here. All of them are starters and considered part of the team’s “core.”

Near Locks: Jeremy Lane, Walter Thurmond, Antoine Winfield, Byron Maxwell, Brandon Browner

I moved Browner down here, but only because the other CB have looked so good so far in camp. Browner wont get cut, that’s not a concern, but I wouldn’t be shocked (surprised, but not shocked) if the team traded Browner to Jacksonville if Gus Bradley offered up enough draft capital for him.

I could also see either Lane or Maxwell get traded to avoid cutting another CB. Both are good enough to start for some teams, and will attract interest if they’re made available.

Battling For 2 Safety Spots: Winston Guy, Jerod Johnson, Chris Maragos, DeShawn Shead

I simply have no way to handicap this battle right now. All 4 are competing well. About the only thing I’d add is that Maragos will have the toughest road to making the 53 man roster just because of his cap number. Other than that, your guess is as good as mine.

Hoping For One Of The CBs To get Hurt Or Be Traded: Ron Parker, Will Blackmon

Don’t sleep on either of these guys. Both can play if healthy, though Parker currently isn’t. The Seahawks wont want to just cut either of these players just to have a CB needy team like the 49ers gobble them up. It will make for interesting drama as we get close to cut days.

Edit: It seem I forgot to add Tharold Simon to the list. This was an accident, but it’s because he doesn’t factor into the competition at this point. What I’m hearing is that he’s not close to returning, and likely starts the season on the PUP list.