Seahawks 53-man roster projection after preseason game 2
By Lee Vowell
The heart of the Seahawks defense
Linebackers (8)
The difference between the way this year’s linebackers are used versus previous seasons will be the biggest difference in the Seahawks defense. Instead of simply being counted on to eat up running backs and make solid tackles and having the random outside linebacker supply quarterback pressure from time to time, in 2022 the linebackers will be expected to provide most of the quarterback pressure.
Inside linebacker should be good even without the departed Bobby Wagner. Jordyn Brooks is ready to become an All-Pro and should have been last year after leading the NFL in solo tackles and finishing second in tackles overall. Cody Barton is fast and will be Seattle’s best coverage linebacker since K.J. Wright left before 2021.
The outside linebackers can be truly special. Darrell Taylor and Boye Mafe are young and fast and each could get 8 sacks or more. Taylor also appears to be able to cover fairly well. Alton Robinson has simply needed more reps as he seems on the verge of making a tackle for loss or sack at a higher percentage than most LBs. Uchenna Nwosu is the Seahawks most expensive free agent addition and will be counted on to get at least 6 sacks.
Tyreke Smith will be a backup and pass rush specialist but probably needs a year to watch from the sidelines quite a bit. Iggy Iyiegbuniwe will make the team because of his special teams ability.