Who Will Start Opposite Richard Sherman for the Seahawks?
By Luke Allen
The Seahawks’ right cornerback position across Richard Sherman is still up for grabs.
With starter Deshawn Shead looking less and less likely to be ready for the start of the season after suffering a grueling non-contact ACL injury in Atlanta in the playoffs this January, the Seahawks have an open competition at his position.
The Seahawks do not have the depth at the position they once had. This leaves them with a locker room full of unproven youngsters who will be competing for the position throughout camp and the entire pre-season.
The most likely pick?
The most likely candidate for the job is Jeremy Lane, who started at the nickel spot last season. Although he didn’t play well at all, he has the most experience and possibly the most talent at the position.
If Lane earns the starting outside corner position, that will then open another hole in the secondary—the nickel position. However, this hole may be easier to fill with newly signed free agent Bradley McDougald, who has experience at the position and started for Tampa Bay last season.
A rookie wildcard?
The Seahawks brought in a couple guys through the draft to bolster the position, including third-round selection Shaqull Griffin. The 6’1″ product from the University of Central Florida has been highly regarded in minicamp so far, drawing high praise from both Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Kris Richard.
Other candidates include Neiko Thorpe, who is in his second year with the Seahawks. Thorpe was called upon a few different times last season, and didn’t play too terribly. He replaced Deshawn Shead in the game in Tampa Bay, as well as the playoff game in Atlanta. Both times this was due to injuries to Shead.
The Seahawks are hoping one of these guys—or some other unexpected name, comes out and holds down the outside corner position.
Who else?
Players like Pierre Desir or second-year guy DeAndre Elliott may have a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves by stepping up and winning the open cornerback position.
Just a friendly reminder, week one is a matchup in Lambeau Field against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Whoever wins the starting job must be ready to go week one against the best.