5 veteran Seahawks who could lose their roster spot to rookies
By Keith Myers
Nov 10, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Will Blackmon (24) scores a touchdown on a fumble by Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4) (not pictured) during the second half at LP Field. Jacksonville won 29-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Will Blackmon
The Seahawks brought in Blackmon when they were desperate at cornerback. It was a great match. He knows the defense, has starting experience from his time in Jacksonville and would come cheaply.
Then Seattle signed Cary Williams. Williams is clearly going to be the starter opposite Richard Sherman. That alone is bad news for Blackmon, but he has the ability to slide inside and play in the slot. With Jeremy Lane unlikely to be back until mid-season after ACL surgery, Blackmon still has a role in the defense.
That is, only if he can hold off rookie Tye Smith. Smith is a guy that profiles perfectly as what the Seahawks look for in a nickel corner. He’s also coming from tiny Towson College, and Seattle cornerbacks typically take a year of development before they’re ready to play.
If Smith shows that he can be counted on early in the season, the Seahawks could choose to cut Blackmon and save close to a $1 million on the salary cap.
Lemuel JeanPierre
The Seahawks brought back JeanPierre just before the draft as insurance in case things didn’t fall properly for them. That isn’t what happened. Instead, the Seahawks added three interior linemen in the draft and another after the draft was over.
JeanPierre still have a shot to make the roster though. He has starting experience at all three interior line positions, including center where there is no established starter.
There are simply too many moving part to know exactly how this position group is going to shake out. Terry Poole, who can play four positions on the line is a direct threat to JeanPierre’s roster spot. Unless of course, that Poole wins the starting LG job. Then he isn’t a threat at JeanPierre’s roster spot at all.
Ultimately, JeanPierre’s future rests on his ability convince the coaches that he is a more viable option as the backup center than Kristjan Sokoli or one of the other rookies.
Next: A LB and another WR