Projecting the Seattle Seahawks roster: Version 3.0
By Lee Vowell
Defense
Defensive Line (9):
Starters: DE Michael Bennett, DT Ahtyba Rubin, DT Jarran Reed, DE Cliff Avril
Backups: Frank Clark, Nazair Jones, Malik McDowell, Cassius Marsh and Quinton Jefferson
Summary: Clearly, the biggest question here is if McDowell will play at all this year. I am still going with him being on the active roster (at least, at some point) until the Seahawks announce otherwise. Jefferson is making a push to take his reps anyway.
Clark looks like a beast.
Linebacker (5):
Starters: Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright
Backups: Michael Wilhoite, Terence Garvin, Mike Morgan
Summary: For nearly 70 percent of snaps, the Seahawks will play with two linebackers. The third linebacker, the SAM, is player who really needs to backup Wagner and Wright and play special teams. The Seahawks brought back Morgan this week most likely because they simply feel comfortable with him in that role.
I still think we might see a safety take some snaps from the SAM, too. Either Kam Chancellor or Bradley McDougald are able to do that just so the Seahawks can have more flexibility.
Cornerbacks (6):
Starters: Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane
Backups: Shaquill Griffin, Mike Tyson, DeAndre Elliott and Neiko Thorpe
Summary: From all reports, Lane has been extremely impressive in camp. He will almost certainly start at the beginning of the season.
DeShawn Shead’s injury means he does not start on the active roster, but when he returns someone will have to go. I am thinking that will be Thorpe or Elliott instead of rookie Tyson.
Griffin has looked good through three days. Still, a rookie is unlikely to start at corner on Pete Carroll’s team.
Safeties (5):
Starters: Chancellor, Earl Thomas and McDougald
Backups: Delano Hill and Tedric Thompson
Summary: I believe we will see three safeties on the field more than three corners. This is only because of the versatility of the top three safeties on this team. McDougald can cover the slot. He tackles well and would help in the run. Chancellor and Thomas played only seven games together last season, though. If that happens again, forget everything I said about the three safeties.