Seahawks initial 2021 53-man roster: Some odd choices after cuts

The Seattle Seahawks finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2021 season on Tuesday. There were some odd choices made. First of all, for the first time since 2013, Seattle kept three quarterbacks on the team. And for all the lack of K.J. Wright, Seattle listed only three linebackers.

Seattle didn’t list Nick Bellore among the linebackers even though he seemed like a natural fit there this preseason. Bellore is listed at his normal fullback spot though he rarely gets reps there in the regular season. Maybe Seattle did Bellore a favor when it comes to Pro Bowl contention because he has a better chance at fullback than linebacker.

The Seahawks also only kept four receivers even though five seemed like a given. Not that the four didn’t seem good but just there is a lack of real depth and maybe that means Seattle will be looking to sign or trade for a veteran receiver.

Seahawks initial 53-man roster announced for 2021 season

Quarterback – Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, Sean Mannion

Mannion seemed likely for the practice squad so that he stayed on the active roster is one of the Seahawks oddest moves. Maybe they kept him on with the thought of releasing him once a bigger – non-quarterback – move is made. Wilson is clearly the starter and Smith clearly the backup.

Running backs – Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, Alex Collins, DeeJay Dallas, Travis Homer and Bellore

Carson is the true starter here. The question is who is his real backup? Collins or Penny? And will Dallas be the main kick returner?

Receivers – D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett. D’Wayne Eskridge and Freddie Swain

Among the cuts was Penny Hart. The top four, especially the top three, seem solid. But depth will be needed during the regular season at some point.

Tight ends – Will Dissly, Gerald Everett and Colby Parkinson

If this group remains healthy, especially Parkinson who seems to get injured easily, then this is a very strong group that should produce good numbers in Shane Waldron’s system.

Offensive line

Tackles – Duane Brown, Brandon Shell, Jake Curhan, Stone Forsythe

Anywhere guys – Cedric Ogbuechi, Jamarco Jones, Phil Haynes

Guards – Gabe Jackson and Damien Lewis

Centers – Ethan Pocic and Kyle Fuller

If the starters, Brown, Shell, Lewis, Jackson and Fuller (?) stay healthy, then Seattle is in good shape. After that, it weakens fairly quickly.

Defensive line

Defensive ends – Carlos Dunlap II, Darrell Taylor, Benson Mayowa, Alton Robinson

Hybrids – Kerry Hyder, Jr., L.J. Collier and Rasheem Green

Defensive tackles – Poona Ford, Al Woods and Bryan Mone

Overall at edge rusher, especially if young guys Robinson and Taylor produce, this is a potentially very good group. DT could be a question mark as there isn’t a ton of run-stopping depth should someone get hurt.

Linebackers – Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks and Cody Barton

To be fair, Taylor and Robinson will play more linebacker, especially on passing downs, that defensive line, so this group of three is really five. Still, the three listed as LBs on the roster are really good.

Cornerback – Ahkello Witherspoon, Tre Flowers, D.J. Reed and Tre Brown (Sidney Jones once the trade processes)

This is the defensive group that will make or break the Seattle season. Are any of these guys really good enough to stop opposing offenses from eating the clock and scoring long touchdown drives? Time will tell.

Safeties – Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Marquise Blair, Ugo Amadi and Ryan Neal

This is an extremely strong group. Period. If only the CBs were as good.

Specialists – Jason Myers (kicker), Michael Dickson (punter) and Tyler Ott (long snapper)

Possibly the strongest part of the Seahawks team is Myers and Dickson. Both are worthy of First-Team All-Pro in 2021 and both could, and likely will, change the outcomes of games.