The Seattle Seahawks are one step closer to finalizing their roster ahead of their expected Super Bowl defense, with a Week 2 preseason matchup against the Tennessee Titans giving them an opportunity to shake off more rust after a 17-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1.
Seattle will also use this as an opportunity to get the depth chart finalized before they open the season with a Super Bowl rematch against the New England Patriots. Even though most of the heavy hitters on both sides of the ball are already locked in place, there are some questions Mike Macdonald needs to answer.
These four position battles may be ongoing at the moment, but a strong performance from one of the combatants in the Tennessee game on Sunday might be enough to end their respective debates once and for all.
4 Seahawks position battles that will be decided after preseason Week 2 vs. Titans
4. No. 3 Cornerback: Nehemiah Pritchett vs. Julian Neal vs. Noah Igbinoghene
The Seahawks feel so unsatisfied with the cornerback room that they signed Trevon Diggs and were willing to tip their toes in the toxic Terrion Arnold pool. Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe are locked in, but the CB3 role is up for grabs.
With Igbinoghene having bounced around despite solid camps in the past and Neal entering the NFL as a rookie who was billed as raw, Pritchett, who has been "ballin" so far, seems ready to take a Year 3 leap.
Winner: Nehemiah Pritchett
3. Safety: Ty Okada vs. Bud Clark
The Seahawks invested a second-round pick in Clark despite some concerns about his aggressive style of play, all of which contribute to Okada seemingly having one of the starting spots next to Julian Love and nickel dynamo Nick Emmanwori locked up.
Clark may eventually start, but Okada should prove that this is his job to lose due to his experience in Macdonald's notroiously complex defense.
Winner: Ty Okada
Can Jalen Milroe be QB2 for the Seattle Seahawks?
2. Backup Quarterback: Drew Lock vs. Jalen Milroe
With a new offensive coordinator in Brian Fleury, both Lock and Milroe are starting from scratch. Lock may have been the backup last season, but the Seahawks likely didn't use a Top 100 pick on Milroe to have him be a healthy scratch every week. Even after a slow start, Milroe's processing seems to have improved.
Milroe's ability to make plays with his legs could appeal, especially if he is calmer and more controlled in the pocket.
Winner: Jalen Milroe
1. Running Back: Jadarian Price vs. George Holani
While Holani went so far as to be listed as the starter while Zach Charbonnet recovers from his injury, the Seahawks picked Price in the first round with the goal of him being an immediate impact player. The Tennessee game could show how far Price has come if he is healthy.
Hopefully, Price is less like a CJ Prosise and more like a Kenneth Walker III who can change the scope of the ground game.
Winner: Jadarian Price (if he plays)
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