Does the Seahawks depth rival 2013?
The 2013 Seahawks depth
In 2013 the Seattle Seahawks had some of the best depth in the NFL. As many analysts, such as 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock and Salk, have noted, the cornerback room had several future starters. Richard Sherman, Byron Maxwell, Jeremy Lane, Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond are some of the most noteworthy. Cornerbacks cut from the team in preseason became starters on other teams. The defensive line group was similarly deep. Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Tony McDaniel, Clinton McDonald, Brandon Mebane and O’Brien Schoefield, all either played significant time or were starters at some point. The great depth of this squad contributed much to winning the Super Bowl. What kind of chance does the 2017 squad have of going to the Super Bowl? One could argue that the 2017 roster might be even deeper than the 2013 roster.
How does the 2017 roster compare?
The D-line group still has Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, and has added Frank Clark, Dion Jordan, Malik McDowell and Quentin Jefferson. While Beast Mode has moved on, fans can get excited about the depth of the running back room. Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls, C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins and Chris Carson should all push for playing time. The wide receiver group is another that will be very competitive. Facing stiff competition from Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Amara Darboh, Tanner McEvoy, David Moore, Kenny Lawler, Paul Richardson and Cyril Grayson, there is a possibility that last year’s starter Jermaine Kearse may not even make the team. McEvoy is my pick for breakout player of the year, and Moore reportedly is getting rave reviews. The linebacking corps, quarterback and the safeties have the same starters as 2013, and should have even more experience than the Super Bowl year.
What position groups have less experience this year?
There are of course a few differences between the two squads. The secondary this year is more similar to the 2011 or 2012 Seahawks than the Super Bowl squad of 2013. While there is a lot of depth in that position group, they are pretty young. The learning curve for the rookies is steep, and some mistakes are expected. The offensive line also has less experience than 2013. Even in this position group, however, there are reasons for optimism. While an offensive line consisting of George Fant, Luke Joekel, Justin Britt, Ethan Posic and Germain Ifedi most certainly has less experience than the 2013 version, the potential is easy to see. In addition, despite these issues, the vast improvement in experience for the rest of the offense should compensate for the lack of depth and experience in the secondary and line.
Super Bowl Prediction
Will the 2017 Seahawks win the Super Bowl? Only time will tell. But there are good reasons to believe.
Related Story: Which rookies will add depth in 2017?
Author’s Prediction: The ‘Hawks will go to the Super Bowl this year. In a very competitive seesaw battle, Russell Wilson is the difference defeating the Oakland Raiders 27-24, leading the Seahawks to a come from behind victory in the final 45 seconds.