Seahawks defense what-if? Possible starters for 2018
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks will be undergoing a lot of changes this offseason. How many changes remains to be learned. But assuming Seattle wants to cut down expenses, here is a look at what the defense could possibly look like in week one 2018.
Defensive line
End Frank Clark
Tackle Naz Jones
Tackle Jarran Reed
End Dion Jordan
John Clayton of 710 ESPN Seattle keeps repeating the Seahawks will not be bringing back Michael Bennett. Cutting Bennett would really only save Seattle $2 million in cap space, which isn’t very much. But I will trust Clayton on this.
Cliff Avril also will be cut and save Seattle much more than releasing Bennett. Releasing Avril could save Seattle up to $8 million in 2018.
Reed and Jones are already expected to be stalwarts on the interior for several years to come. Reed improved in his year two and Jones was better than expected in his rookie season.
Clark needs to be a lot more consistent next year, the last year of his current Seattle deal. Jordan starting might be a reach, but he was good in limited time in 2017. Seattle will really need to sign or draft a pass rusher to help with depth in 2018 and be a future starter.
Linebackers
I am only going with two linebackers. Seattle will still mostly play a 4-2-5 which is four defensive linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. Thankfully, the two linebackers are great.
Seattle will have to remake the depth at the position, though, as there were several players on the unit with one year deals last season.
Cornerbacks
Right corner Richard Sherman
Left corner Shaquill Griffin
Nickelback Justin Coleman
There is little chance in my opinion that Sherman is not on the roster in 2018. As good as Griffin was as a rookie, he is not ready to be a number one corner. But with Sherman on one side and Griffin on the other, Seattle is in excellent shape.
Coleman should be brought back. He was very good covering slot receivers including two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
Safeties
Free safety Earl Thomas
Strong safety Bradley McDougald
Kam Chancellor is still on the roster and probably will be when 2018 starts. But Chancellor will probably be placed on the PUP list. Chancellor’s contract is written in a way that is much better for the player than the team, something John Schneider probably regrets.
Thomas might be playing his last year in Seattle, but I think he gets extended a retires a member of the Seahawks. McDougald should be re-signed too to a contract longer than one season.
Related Story: 5 Seahawk free agents who should be brought back
Seattle needs to draft for a future starter in this year’s draft, though.