Seahawks Roster Battles: Backs and Tight Ends

Our series examining the roster battles for the 2015 Seattle Seahawks is approaching its completion. Only one more left to go, but it’ll be a big one with the constantly-fluid offensive line. Today though, we tackle a trio of simple position groups.

The quarterbacks, running backs and fullbacks, and tight ends are all pretty much set already with little depth capable of mixing things up.

Quarterbacks

Roster Spots Available: 2

Locks: Russell Wilson, Tarvaris Jackson

On The Bubble:

Longshots: R.J. Archer

You’ll notice the lack of B.J. Daniel on this list. He’s not a quarterback anymore. He’s a wide receiver. The move is viewed as permanent by the Seahawks. He can complain all he wants, but all it will do is get him cut.

Archer isn’t going to make the roster either. Even if one of Wilson or Jackson in hurt in the preseason, the Seahawks will sign veteran backup.

Running Backs and Fullbacks

Roster Spots Available: 4-5

Locks: Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin, Christine Michael

On The Bubble: Derrick Coleman, Will Tukuafu

Longshots: Rod Smith, Thomas, Rawls, Brandon Cottom

Seattle’s three running back slots are set. The coaches like Rod Smith, but not enough to unseat one of the much more talented guys from last season. He’ll likely land on the practice squad. Rawls and Cottom are camp bodies, there only to help cover the practice reps so the defense can get their work in.

The Seahawks have kept five backs on the roster in the past, but that isn’t as likely this year despite the talent at the position. Keeping two fullbacks is simply too difficult to manage early in the season when the roster spots are needed elsewhere.

That leaves a tight battle between Tukuafu and Coleman for the final spot. Coleman is the better and more athletic fullback. Tukuafu can be better in short yardage and can fill in on the defensive line in a pitch in case of injuries. Both have their value, and it’ll be a fun battle to watch in training camp.

Tight Ends

Roster Spots Available: 3

Locks: Jimmy Graham, Luke Willson

On The Bubble: Cooper Helfet, Anthony McCoy

Longshots: Rashaun Allen

This has a major battle for the third tight end spot. Helfet is the better receiving threat, and McCoy is the better all-around player. Both have their place in the rotation, but there is only room for one on the roster. Whichever shows they can have the biggest impact on special teams likely wins the spot.

The coaches like Allen, but he’s a guy that is simply out of luck because of the talent above him. I expect him to land on the practice squad after training camp.

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