Seahawks: Projected 2016 starters and the next man up

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Sep 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 26-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

Starter: Jimmy Graham

Backup: Nick Vannett

Pete Carroll keeps saying Jimmy Graham will be back and ready to play by Week 1. History suggests that’s overly optimistic, but until we have evidence to support that Carroll is wrong, we might as well trust his assessment.

If Graham is healthy, he’s the starter. If he’s not healthy, rookie Nick Vannett will the guy.

Vannett is actually a better fit for Seattle’s offense from a scheme perspective. Unlike Graham, Vannett can block. The Seahawks won’t ever have to hide Vannett with odd formations like they occasionally did last season when they want to run the ball.

Next: Left Tackle

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