Seahawks 2022 practice squad features some true surprises

Seahawks stash some key players

Wide receiver Bo Melton was a late-round steal for the Hawks. Basically, Penny Hart made the last spot ahead of Melton. At 5’11” and 194, Melton is bigger than Hart, and his 4.34 40 at the combine would leave Hart’s 4.63 in the dust. The very dry dust. But Hart has been reliable, and Melton will have to work his way off the practice squad. I expect he most definitely will.

Quandre Mosely didn’t make the cut for the Cowboys at cornerback, as he was released a week ago when teams dropped to 80 players. The Seahawks were more than happy to add the former Kentucky Wildcat to their practice squad. With his 6’1″, 185-pound frame and his 4.40 time in the 40, Mosely is a good fit for the Hawks CB mold.

Tanner Muse spent most of his rookie season on the Hawks practice squad last year. He got into six games, all on special teams. At 6’2″ and 227, his 4.41 speed could definitely come into play at linebacker or special teams again.

Safety Scott Nelson looked pretty good in preseason, earning an overall grade of 76.0 per Pro Football Focus’s Doug Kyed. He allowed just one catch in 44 snaps – although to be clear, 44 snaps isn’t the same as 44 pass defenses. With the Hawks depth at safety, he’ll have his work cut out for him to get off the practice squad.

Tackle Liam Ryan may not have made the 53-man roster, but he showed the Seahawks enough to make the practice squad. Ryan can play guard as well, although he played at left tackle his last three years at Washington State. Never hurts to have a Cougar on the team!

Running back Darwin Thompson making the practice squad was hardly the biggest surprise. Although he did completely whiff on a block versus the Steeler, he was one of Seattle’s few bright spots against the Bears. After two seasons with the Chiefs, you know he can catch out of the backfield. 16 catches on 21 targets isn’t too shabby a record. And with the Hawks luck at the position, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see him in a game at some point this year.

And now we come full circle, as linebacker Aaron Donkor made the practice squad. He looked good in preseason, and of course, was on the Hawks practice squad last year. I mean, how could the Seahawks play the NFL’s first regular season game in Germany without him?

My biggest surprises were both wide receivers. I was surprised that Bo Melton didn’t make the 53-man roster, and that Arcega-Whiteside made it as far as the practice squad. We’ll see how that plays out. The league allows 16 practice players now, and as other teams continue to shuffle their rosters, you can be sure the Seahawks will be combing the wires for any possible addition to the team. Practice squad players might not be at the top of your mind, but all good 12s remember that DeShawn Shead and Ryan Neal started out there. Keep your eyes peeled, 12s!