10 Observations as Seahawks Announce 53 Man Roster
By Andy Larkin
5. Running Backs look promising
How the Seahawks will replace Marshawn Lynch has turned out to be more of a national storyline than a local one. Around Seattle the the talk has shifted to the exciting possibilities of the young talent in the backfield.
Don’t get me wrong, Marshawn was the best I ever saw do and he will be sorely missed. But I believe the Hawks can have success with a young stable of backs with different styles. Thomas Rawls will lead the charge this season and will share the torch with Christine Michael, CJ Prosise, and Alex Collins.
6. The Offensive line should be better in 2016.
Last season the line was a glaring weakness that proved to bed costly. Especially in the first half of the season. I think the Seahawks have done their best to address that issue and though it may not be a top tier unit, the play up front will certainly be improved.
The line consists of Bradley Sowell, Mark Glowinski, Justin Britt, Germain Ifedi, Garry Gilliam, J’Marcus Webb, Joey Hunt, Rees Odhiambo, and George Fant. As the coaches have preached the three interior spots have a chance to truly be special. Britt has settled in nicely at center and Glowinski and Ifedi seem to be playing at an extremely high level heading in to week one.
The question marks come at the tackle spots where it appears Sowell has won the all important job on the left side. He has been up and down in the preseason, but he is proficient enough to at least slow down adept pass rushers. On the other side they’ve gone back and forth between Gilliam and Webb.
Still no word on who has won that position battle, but I believe Gilliam has more upside and it’s good for him to get pushed by Webb. Overall I am not as nervous about the offensive line as I was back in June. I think they are young and only going to improve. It’s also nice that they seem to have some depth in case of injury.
7. Where’s Clint Gresham?
Of course Jon Ryan and Steven Hauschka are back. However the third key ingredient in the kicking game has been long snapper Clint Gresham. The Seahawks decided to go younger and cheaper and let Gresham go in the offseason. He is replaced by rookie Nolan Frese. Frese had several bad snaps in the preseason.
While I understand and respect that he was battling through a shoulder injury, but this isn’t something the team should mess around with. If they are looking to save money, there are other places to do it. It’s not like the long snapper is the position that is putting the dent in their cap space. My opinion? Bring back Clint.
8. Tight End position could strongest in league
This position group is as deep as its ever been. Injuries create a bit of a question mark with Jimmy Graham still working his way back and Nick Vanett battling a nagging ankle injury. However with those two fully healthy and added to a mix of the uniquely skilled Luke Willson and the surprising emergence of Brandon Williams, this could be a special group.
I think the tight ends will be a huge x-factor in 2016. They have the potential to be right up there with New England as the best tight end group in the NFL.
9. D-Line needs production from young talent
The defensive line has been anchored by two mainstays during the teams historic run. Michael Bennet and Cliff Avril return as the leaders of the group again for another season. And all indications point to not even a hint in decline.
Ahtyba Rubin is back to plug up the middle and I love that the team recently brought back underrated veteran defensive tackle, Tony McDaniel. So the veteran leadership should be pretty solid. But the team let go the longest tenured Seahawk (Brandon Mebane) go to San Diego.
The known commodities on the line are as good as any, but I’m interested to see where the young guys are at. Frank Clark will be expected to take the next step this season and I believe he will have to for this defense to be successful.
With the team placing Jordan Hill on the waived/injured list, the pressure is on for rookie Jarran Reed to produce right away. He must prove that he can play at a high level beginning with his first snap on Sunday against Miami.
Other players in the mix are Cassius Marsh who I think is in a make or break year. Marsh is in his third season and though he has special teams value, it’s time for him to make an impact on defense if he’s going to stick around.
Quinton Jefferson and Garrison Smith (claimed off waivers from San Francisco) round out the group of youngsters on the D-line. These two will need to develop a little more, but the coaching staff seems to like what they have seen to this point.
10. Overall Feel
I wish the Miami game could kickoff right now. This roster has its question marks, but overall I feel great about where the team is at heading in to week one. The majority of the rosters core remains in tact and with the infusion of young talent, expectations should be through the roof. At first glance I see a roster that rivals what the team had in 2013. Obviously that means nothing until they prove it on the field, but Seahawks fans certainly have a reason to be optimistic in 2016.