Grading Seahawks position units after roster cuts

Defense

Defensive line

Starters: Frank Clark and Dion Jordan (ends), Jarran Reed and Tom Johnson (tackles)`

Backups: Poona Ford, Rasheem Green, Nazair Jones, Branden Jackson, Shamar Stephen, Quinton Jefferson

Short take: There are a lot of question marks still with the defensive ends and pass rush. Clark is obviously talented and has to play consistently at a high level for the Seahawks to do well this year. Jordan was taken off of the PUP list and needs to stay healthy. Green is still learning what it means to be an NFL player, but has the raw skill to be a good player.

At tackle, Seattle should be much more comfortable as they are loaded with run-stuffers. One nice thing to see was Seattle keeping Ford on the active roster after he had a tremendous preseason.

Grades:

Ends: C

Tackles: B+

Linebackers

Starters: Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright (though Wright may not start week one)

Backups: Shaquem Griffin (most likely the starter in place of Wright game one), Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Martin and Austin Calitro

Short take: Clearly, if Wright and Wagner are both healthy and playing, the Seahawks have one of the best – if not the best – linebacker duos in the NFL. Griffin is going to get a lot of snaps and is active and will get in on lots of tackles. Calitro was fantastic is preason game four.

Grade: A

Cornerbacks

Starters: Shaquill Griffin, Justin Coleman and Dontae Johnson

Backups: Neiko Thorpe and Tre Flowers

Short take: Griffin may take the next step to greatness for Seattle in 2018 and they need him to because right cornerback is a bit iffy. Byron Maxwell was expected to start there but has been injured the entire preseason and was placed on IR. Johnson gets the start based on experience while Flowers will push all year to become the long-term starter. Coleman is one of the best nickels in the NFL.

That said, the secondary underperformed in nearly every preseason game. Maybe once the starters are getting the majority of the snaps in real games things will get better.

Grade: C+

Safeties

Starters: Bradley McDougald and Tedric Thompson (for now)

Backups: Delano Hill and Shalom Luani

Placed on reserve/did-not-report: Earl Thomas

Short take: The defense overall is missing a huge piece when Thomas does not play. But so far he hasn’t shown up. Thomas will probably miss at least two games and maybe a lot more. McDougald is solid but not as talented as Thomas. McDougald will play strong safety, Kam Chancellor’s old spot. Thompson will take over for Thomas for now.

Hill will still compete for lots of reps and Luani might too. But Luani will probably be a better fit on special teams.

Grade: C