Seattle Seahawks Roster Analysis: Defensive Line

Aug 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates a play by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (92) against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL offseason is starting to get rolling. There is a lot that needs done, and not much time before the NFL Scouting Combine to try and fit it all in. We’ll start with some Seattle Seahawks roster analysis for the 2015 season.

Keep in mind we are only discussing players who are with the team in some capacity right now. Free agents and draftable players that might fill some holes will be discussed later.

Players on 2015 Roster:

Key Players: Brandon Mebane, Jordan Hill, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Tony McDaniel, Cassius Marsh

Depth: David King, Ryan Robinson, Jimmy Staten, Jesse Williams, Justin Renfrow

Free Agents:

Unrestricted: Kevin Williams, Demarcus Dobbs, Landon Cohen, D’Anthony Smith, O’Brein Schofield

Restricted: Greg Scruggs

Outlook:

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Seattle went through a large number of defensive linemen this season due to injuries. That leave the Seahawks with a lot of guys already on the roster even if they don’t re-sign any of their UFAs. Quantity doesn’t exactly mean quality though, so it isn’t likely that the Seahawks avoid adding additional talent.

Since Scruggs is a restricted free agent, he will certainly be brought back. RFAs rarely have other options, especially ones that haven’t been able to contribute for two seasons. He did look very promising as a rookie, so there’s reason to be hopeful he can help the 2015 team.

The Seahawks definitely need a replacement at DT for Kevin Williams. Jordan Hill can fill his role, but that leave no one to fill Hill’s role in the rotation. The Seahawks need to address this in the draft and find a long-term solution at DT.

Brandon Mebane likely has one year left in Seattle before he becomes a cap casualty. Drafting and developing his eventual replacement as a rotational player in 2015 is the best option there.

The Seahawks were very thin on the edge this season. Michael Bennett couldn’t move inside in the nickel in some games because of the lack of depth on the outside. Schofield was a key member in that rotation, and now he’s a free agent. Getting Marsh back from injury helps, but the team needs to add another edge rusher as well.