Which Seahawks practice squad players might help the most in 2021

The Seahawks announced their initial 2021 practice squad on Wednesday. But which players might actually help this season? Players can join the active roster as needed when a player on the active 53-man roster is injured and has to miss several games. Seattle has had decent like, with players like Penny Hart, actually helping in real games.

Fortunately, Hart is again on the practice squad to start this year. He’s great in the locker room. It turns out that Seattle only kept four receivers on the active roster so Hart had little chance of making the team unless it was on the practice squad. That doesn’t mean Hart won’t find a way to help Seattle win a few games in 2021 as he is a likely call-up at some point.

But which practice squad players might end up truly helping Seattle the most in the regular season? Here are my best guesses.

Practice squad players that should help Seahawks in real games in 2021

First of all, the entire list of practice squad signees is below:

DT Myles Adams
LB Aaron Donkor
G Greg Eiland
WR Aaron Fuller
WR Penny Hart
DT Jarrod Hewitt
WR Cade Johnson
RB Josh Johnson
G Pier-Olivier Lestage
TE Tyler Mabry
DT Robert Nkemdiche
CB John Reid
LB Jon Rhattigan
WR Cody Thompson

The Seahawks only kept four receivers. This means they have confidence they are going to sign or trade for another receiver. Four is a measly number. That means the receivers on the practice squad unless something changes have a great chance at helping this year.

Number one: Penny Hart

Hart is going to play in real games this year at some point. Pete Carroll seems to like him quite a bit and he’s good for the team. Hart will try his best at whatever is asked. If there is anyone on this list who has the best chance of making a difference in real games whether it be special teams or making a good catch or two it’s Hart.

Number two: Cade Johnson

The same that is said for Hart could be said for Johnson. But I think Johnson is the better pass catcher. He might end up being the next John Ursua, meaning almost good enough to be an every game NFL receiver but not quite. I think Johnson offers more than that and will make a play or two that will help change the outcome of a game.

Number three: Robert Nkemdiche

I am partly surprised Nkemdiche accepted a practice squad spot. He seemed undermotivated prior to 2020, missed all of 2020 and then came back this year for a try-out with the Seahawks and then got hurt. That means he actually might be motivated to play this year and if he does, he might supply a bit of interior pass rush on the defensive line that Seattle needs.