Seahawks 53-man roster projection post minicamp
By Lee Vowell
Offense
The Seahawks did what they set out to do in 2018. This was run the ball a lot more, eat up more of the clock and save their defense some time on the field. It worked well for the most part as Seattle managed 10 wins and made the postseason. In 2019, the offense could be even more explosive, even if they do have to replace Doug Baldwin. Here’s who will take the field for Seattle offensively.
Quarterback
Starter: Russell Wilson
Backup: Geno Smith
Cut: Paxton Lynch
Clearly, Wilson is the long-term starter in Seattle. He has been very good and will continue to be so. The concern, obviously, if he actually gets hurt enough to not play. This hasn’t happened in his career. I am thinking Smith sticks on the roster just because his ability acclimates a bit more to what Seattle wants to do offensively. Neither current backup is a true replacement for Wilson, though.
Running back
Starter: Chris Carson
Other backs: Rashaad Penny, J.D. McKissic, Travis Homer and Nick Bellore
Cuts: C.J. Prosise, Bo Scarbrough
Carson and Penny should get the majority of snaps should both stay healthy. I think McKissic makes the team over even-more-oft-injured Prosise. McKissic and Homer will be the third down backs and spell relief for Carson and Penny. Seattle wants to keep a fullback and Bellore is solid.
Wide receiver
Starters: Tyler Lockett and Jaron Brown
Other receivers: D.K. Metcalf, Gary Jennings, David Moore and John Ursua
Cuts: Amara Darboh, Keenan Reynolds, Terry Wright and Malik Turner
I think that the Seahawks will keep six receivers because of the lack of experience among the group. Lockett is the only proven threat. But the unit overall has a lot of speed and explosive potential. Now they just have to show they can be good and reliable.
Tight ends
Starter: Will Dissly
Backups: Nick Vannett and Jacob Hollister
Cuts: Ed Dickson and Tyrone Swoopes
Dickson missed most of the 2018 season but was solid when he came back to the team. Still, he’s expensive and the Seahawks will save over $2 million in cap space in 2019 if they release him. Seattle has been saying they think Dissly will be ready by week one and, if healthy, he gives Seattle its best option at the position of both blocker and receiver. Hollister might flank out wide as a receiver in some sets.
Offensive line
Starters: Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, Justin Britt, D.J. Fluker and Germain Ifedi
Backups: George Fant, Joey Hunt, Phil Haynes and Jamarco Jones
Cuts: Jordan Simmons, Ethan Pocic, Jordan Roos, among others
The starting five is set, barring injury. And the starting five should be good and is made for running the ball well. Besides Haynes and Fant, the backups are the questionable ones. I think Hunt sticks because he can replace Britt and can make the offensive line calls as well as Britt. Pocic leaves because he simply isn’t strong enough to play offensive line coach Mike Solari’s way. Simmons gets cut because Haynes is younger and probably better and they play the same spots.