Seattle Seahawks roster projection: Version 4.0

Defense

Defensive Line (9):

Starters: DE Michael Bennett, DT Ahtyba Rubin, DT Jarran Reed, DE Cliff Avril

Backups: Frank Clark, Nazair Jones, Cassius Marsh, David Bass and Quinton Jefferson

NFI: Malik McDowell

Summary: Naz Jones had a really good first game. That he did not do as well in the second was simply because he saw fewer snaps. He looks to be a very good player in Seattle for a long time.

It is good to see Jefferson finally playing. I also think he will become a solid player for Seattle, if he can stay healthy.

Bass is on this list just because I am riding the wave with him. He was excellent in the second game, but he also looks like a Seahawks-type guy.

Linebacker (5):

Starters: Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright

Backups: Michael Wilhoite, Terence Garvin, Dewey McDonald

Summary: Honestly, I am a little disappointed in Mike Morgan’s play since his return to Seattle. I thought he would step in and take ownership of the SAM. But he hasn’t.

McDonald has been really active in games. This is exactly what the Seahawks want. He looks more like a safety than a linebacker, but that versatility will help him stay in Seattle.

I do not have D.J. Alexander on this list because I think Seattle has made so many other moves to improve the special teams that Alexander does not seem needed. And just because I said that, he will make the team.

Wright’s “injury” seems to be nothing serious and he should be back soon.

Cornerbacks (6):

Starters: Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane

Backups: Shaquill Griffin, Mike Tyson, DeAndre Elliott and Neiko Thorpe

PUP: DeShawn Shead

Summary: Goodness, Griffin is getting in a lot of snaps during preseason. Last count he has been throw at 382 times and Sherman twice. That is not entirely accurate, of course, but it feels that way. All this practice will pay off. At this point, though, Griffin still seems a little awkward out there. Week one I think the Seahawks go with experience and Lane.

Now, all that said, Seattle will play 4-2-5 most of the time. Lane will probably move inside of 70 percent of the plays. This means Griffin could be out wide. Aaron Rodgers is who Seattle faces week one. A tough task for a rookie.

Safeties (5):

Starters: Chancellor, Earl Thomas and Bradley McDougald

Backups: Delano Hill and Tedric Thompson

Summary: No changes here. Hill did look like someone who belongs in the LOB at least on one play versus the Vikings, though.