Seahawks projected 53-man roster: Version 3.0 offense

The Seahawks first preseason game is only days away. Here is yet another silly attempt at guessing who makes Seattle’s offense in 2018.

The Seahawks have a lot of work to do to get back to the playoffs in 2018. There is certainly enough talent on the team to do so. But not as much as in previous years where Seattle could seemingly walk on the field and beat most teams.

Still, Russell Wilson is Seattle’s quarterback and he is pretty OK. And Bobby Wagner is still smacking people in the face. Doug Baldwin is making crazy catches. And others who can make positive differences in games for Seattle.

But who actually fills out the rest of the roster offensively? Here is my best guess. (Yell at me later when I turn out to be wrong).

Quarterback (2)

Starter: Russell Wilson

Backup: Austin Davis

Why?: We all know Wilson will be the starter so let’s just push that one to the side. The backup is the real question here. Davis is a known, if not great, commodity. 2018 draftee Alex McGough is battling Davis for number two. McGough has raw skill that resembles Wilson’s. But McGough has been inconsistent in offseason workouts and may simply be too raw for Seattle to trust as Wilson’s backup.

Running back (6)

Starter: Chris Carson

Backups: Rashaad Penny, C.J. Prosise, Mike Davis, J.D. McKissic and Tre Madden

Why?: I still believe the Seahawks go with five running backs because they saw what ineffectiveness and injury did to the unit on 2017. Why not keep one more running back than they need? But they may need the back. Seattle wants to get back to a more heavy running attack and they need depth to do that. McKissic stays as the fifth and mostly third-down back.

I think Madden sticks at fullback. Seattle needs a good blocking fullback to make Brian Schottenheimer’s offense run to scheme. Madden makes the team even though Seattle probably prefers rookie Khalil Hill. Hill, though, hasn’t shown the ability to stay healthy yet as he missed five of the first eight days of training camp.

Wide Receiver (5)

Starters: Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett

Backups: Jaron Brown, Amara Darboh and David Moore

Why?: I think Seattle goes with Darboh and Moore because the team overall wants to get younger. Brandon Marshall has been better than expected (by fans anyway) in camp, but I still think when cuts come Seattle will go with youth over age. Brown has a chance to make a big impact this year, if he can earn Wilson’s full trust.

Tight end (3)

Starter: Ed Dickson

Backups: Will Dissly and Nick Vannett

Why?: In previous roster projections I thought Vannett would be the starter. Vannett still makes the team as he looks like he can catch and the Seahawks knew he could block out of college. Dissly can be a great blocker. But Dickson has proven NFL stock. And while he may not be the best receiving tight end ever, he isn’t bad. Dickson also came into camp in amazing shape.

Offensive line – tackle (4)

Left tackle starter: Duane Brown

Right tackle starter: Germain Ifedi

Backups: Isaiah Battle and George Fant

Why?: I wrote earlier that Ifedi has to be better. In fact, he has been such a disappointment that I believe if Seattle had any real answer to take his place they would just let Ifedi go. But they don’t. Ifedi starts. When, and unfortunately not if, he falters, Battle will step in. But he isn’t a long-term solution either.

Thank goodness the Seahawks know that Brown will be with the team for the next few years at left tackle. That value cannot be understated.

Offensive line – guard (5)

Left guard starter: Ethan Pocic

Right guard starter: J.R. Sweezy

Backups: Jordan Roos, D.J. Fluker, Rees Odhiambo

Why?: Pocic is the versatile one here and I think that is why the Seahawks keep five guards. Justin Britt will be the only center due to Pocic’s ability to flip over to Britt’s positions should Britt get hurt. Keeping five guards means if that has to happen there is enough depth to help Sweezy and whomever takes Pocic’s place.

Sweezy starts over Fluker because Seattle’s management is more comfortable with him. Maybe there is a new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach with the Seahawks, but Pete Carroll still makes the decisions.

Center – Justin Britt

Why?: Seattle needs only one center due to Pocic’s ability to play multiple positions. Britt was good in 2016 and decent in 2017. I think he is even better this season.

This projection is, of course, far too early. Last year halfway through preseason we all knew that Trevone Boykin was going to backup Wilson. And then he didn’t even make the team and rightfully so. So anything can happen in the next month for the Seahawks. It will be fun to watch how it plays out.