Seahawks announce 53-man roster for 2020: A breakdown

The players who make up the Seattle Seahawks 2020 53-man roster should be good enough for a deep playoff run.

The Seattle Seahawks are going to have a talented roster in 2020. They did make some tough roster decisions, like letting go of fan-favorite linebacker Shaquem Griffin, but when one looks at the way the team is built keeping Griffin would have been difficult.

That is because the Seahawks should be really good. With Russell Wilson leading the offense and offseason acquisition Jamal Adams helping lead the defense, Seattle should not take a backseat to any team. Also, it should be noted that with signings in the next few days of released veterans, even the 53-man roster below will change some.

This is how the team will look and who got released.

53-man roster

Quarterbacks (2): Russell Wilson and Geno Smith

Well, no brainer here. Wilson is great and Smith is a decent backup.

Running back (4): Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer

It should be noted that if 2020 goes the way of 2019, Dallas and Homer, both former Miami Hurricanes, could play very important roles late in the season. Seattle did cut fullback Nick Bellore but he should be expected back before week one.

Wide receiver (6): D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, David Moore, John Ursua, Phillip Dorsett and Freddie Swain

So I am a complete idiot. I assumed the Seahawks would keep five receivers originally and not Moore or Ursua. Swain has been impressive in training camp and will see some snaps in the slot. Dorsett should be the lead in the slot but has been dealing with an injury. Also of note, when Josh Gordon does get reinstated as he has already signed with the Seahawks one of these receivers will have to go.

Tight end (4): Greg Olsen, Will Dissly, Jacob Hollister and Luke Willson

There is a lot to like here. Hollister can catch but not really block. Willson can do a bit of both. Dissly and Olsen can do a lot of both. This is a loaded unit. Expect a lot of two-tight end sets for the Seahawks in 2020.

Offensive line (10): Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, Ethan Pocic, Damien Lewis, Brandon Shell, B.J. Finney, Jordan Simmons, Jamarco Jones, Cedric Ogbuehi and Phil Haynes

The starters should be in order from left to right of the first five listed here. There is a possibility that the Seahawks re-sign Justin Britt at center, however, as Finny has not really worked out. There is a lot of concern about this group in front of some really good skill position players.

Defensive end (5): Benson Mayowa, Rasheem Green, L.J. Collier, Damontre Moore and Alton Robinson

The Seahawks can’t really know how good this group can be and frankly, it needs to get better. Maybe it will if Jadeveon Clowney re-signs. Otherwise, Robinson will have to be good early on and Collier will have to be drastically better than 2019. And probably play a little defensive tackle too.

Defensive tackle (3?): Jarran Reed, Poona Ford, Bryan Mone

Three defensive tackles? This group will likely change quite a bit in the next few days and it will affect some of the players on other units who will need to be cut to make room for more DTs.

Linebacker (6): Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, Jordyn Brooks, Cody Barton, Bruce Irvin and Ben Burr-Kirven

Loaded. Group. Tons of speed and talent and this is the unit that will lead Seattle defensively as far as the team allows the unit to go.

Cornerback (5): Shaquill Griffin, Quinton Dunbar, Tre Flowers, Neiko Thorpe and Linden Stephens

This group can be pretty good too and has excellent depth. Dunbar will start opposite Griffin and Flowers will back him up. But Flowers has been a starter in the NFL and will be again. Thorpe is a great special teams player. Stephens might have surprised some by making the team but has been very good in training camp.

Safety (5): Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Marquise Blair, Ugo Amadi and Lano Hill

Diggs and Adams are great. Either Blair or Amadi will start as the slot corner, likely Blair, and Hill is still on the team.

Specialists (3): Kicker Jason Myers, Punter Michael Dickson and Long Snapper Tyler Ott

If each performs up to their level, Seattle will be more than solid here.

Cut

TE Tyler Mabry

QB Anthony Gordon

WR Aaron Fuller

WR Paul Richardson

OT Tommy Champion

DT Cedrick Lattimore

CB Gavin Heslop

CB Debione Renfro

S Chris Miller

CB Jayson Stanley

WR Penny Hart

WR Lance Lenoir

OT Chad Wheeler

TE Stephen Sullivan

DB Ryan Neal

WR Cody Thompson

DT P.J. Johnson

QB Danny Etling

EDGE Shaquem Griffin

DT Demarcus Christmas

PUP

Rashaad Penny

Reserve/Non-Football Injury

Darrell Taylor

Colby Parkinson

D.J. Reed

Reserve/Suspended

Kyle Fuller