The Seahawks defensive line is stocked with talent, but some players are aging. Which players make the roster in 2017 might say a lot about what the Seahawks are thinking for the future.
The Seahawks have three defensive ends who have proven they can get 10 sacks each in a season: Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Frank Clark. Seattle can provide pressure from the outside. The issue with the pass rush last season was the Seahawks could get nothing going with the interior of the line. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for example, quarterback Jameis Winston was able to step up in the pocket and complete passes. Sure, there was pressure on Winston from the corners, but room in the middle.
For Seattle to become the best defense in the NFL again, the guys in the middle need to be better. The Seahawks drafted for need along the interior in 2017. Now Malik McDowell and Nazair Jones need to make impacts, along with other players like second-year player Jarran Reed.
Here is our best guess (most probably wrong, mind you) on who will be a defensive lineman with the Seahawks in 2017.
Starters
Defensive End – Michael Bennett
The Seahawks play a lot of base of 4-2-5. This means four down-linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. The ends on the line are set. Bennett has made himself into a great player. He is smart and knows how to take advantage of the opposing offensive lineman’s weaknesses. Bennett missed five games in 2016, and his lack of presence affected the team. The only problem with Bennett is his age. He will be 32 years old in November. How many years does he have left?
Defensive Tackle – Jarran Reed
Reed was mostly good as a rookie in 2016. Still, he made some rookie mistakes and let his temper get the best of him in certain situations. Reed also needs to learn how to get to the quarterback more. He is a really good run-stopper, but the Seahawks need a bit more from him.
Defensive Tackle – Ahtyba Rubin
Why Rubin over Malik McDowell? Because he is a veteran. McDowell has a huge upside. He has more physical skill than Rubin could dream to have. But Rubin is a known commodity and solid. McDowell may be the starter by week 17, but until he proves he can be as consistent as Rubin, he will be a backup. There are no doubts as to Rubin’s run-stuffing abilities. I do expect, however, that over the course of the season we will begin to see McDowell more and more because of his presumed ability to get to the quarterback.
Defensive End – Cliff Avril
Avril is Mr. Underrated. He is a fantastic player, though. 2016 may have been his best year. Avril set a career best for sacks last season with 11.5 and finally made the Pro Bowl. As with Bennett, when Avril cannot go, Seattle is not the same team.
The Next Men Up
Defensive Tackle/End – McDowell
McDowell will not be a backup for long. He has the size at 6’6″ and 300 pounds and athleticism that is freakish. McDowell had top five talent in the draft, but due to the perception that he does not always give 100 percent, he dropped to the second round. With Bennett and Avril being in the same building as McDowell, the rookie will be tutored by two of the best. If McDowell can maximize his potential, the pass rush will be incredible.
It should be noted that the Seahawks have worked McDowell out a lot at end this offseason. If he continues to play end, the Seahawks may miss McDowell’s potential in the middle.
Defensive End – Frank Clark
Clark had his first double-digit sack season in 2016. He has the potential to do many more. In fact, Clark should be expected to become the Seahawks full-time starter at end once Avril or Bennett either slow down or move on. Clark in Seattle is something 12s should get used to for many years to come.
Defensive Tackle – Nazair Jones
Jones is the heir apparent to Rubin. Rubin weighs 30 pounds more than Jones at this point, but Jones is taller. Jones will add weight this year and could become even bigger than Rubin. Rubin is signed through 2018, but his cap hit goes from $3.7 million to $5.3 million next offseason. There is a chance Rubin is not on the roster in 2018 and Jones is the starter.
Defensive End – Cassius Marsh
Marsh had some good games in 2016. He also had some boneheaded moments. Marsh is not expected to ever be a full-time starter in Seattle, but he does good things on special teams. This alone will keep him a member of the Seahawks.
On the Bubble
Defensive End – Dion Jordan
Notice that photo on Jordan above. It is from 2013. Jordan has been in the NFL since then and has not accomplished much. He has tremendous athletic ability. Jordan could be a great speed rusher. But no one has seen this from him. Seattle decided to take a chance on him. Now he has had knee surgery this offseason. If Jordan cannot get back for training camp in late July, he will not make the team. If he does and shows his skills, he will.
Defensive Tackle – Jeremy Liggins
Liggins went undrafted this year and Seattle signed him. The coaches have been impressed with him so far. He has good size and could add more weight. If the Seahawks go with nine defensive lineman, he could be the ninth.