Seattle Seahawks: What’s their worst-case scenario?

Much has been made this week of the Seahawks unique strategy for roster construction.  They pay out huge contracts to their young stars while relying on their ability to identify and get contributions from rookies and unheralded young players to balance out the payroll.  Jason Fitzgerald does an amazing job of breaking that down in great detail on overthecap.com.

But here’s the rub, while it’s admirable and gutsy to trust so many young players, it comes with a risk as well.

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Towson defensive back Tye Smith runs the 40 yard dash with his chain in his mouth during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In our “what if” scenario, Alvin Bailey is over his head at LG and rookie Terry Poole is too raw to help out, Drew Nowak struggles in his first season as starting center.  The running game struggles to gain traction and Russell Wilson still has to bail out of the pocket far too often.  The offense never gains any consistent rhythm.

On defense, Jordan Hill, Cassius Marsh and Frank Clark aren’t ready for significant snaps, leaving the starting D-linemen to play too many snaps and the pass rush struggles.  No one from the group of Will Blackmon, Tye Smith or Marcus Burley steps up to take hold of the nickle cornerback spot.

Third down is again a weakness for this team, on both sides of the ball.

Next: Contract distractions linger