Keeping a cornerback who never plays defense was best roster decision by the Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks had a number of surprises when their official 53-man roster was announced on Tuesday. Sixth-round offensive lineman Michael Jerrell was retained, for instance, even though he is unlikely to see the field much. Seattle might have thought another team would have claimed him had they released him.

One positive aspect was that, at least initially, edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu was not placed on injured reserve. That might indicate the team hopes he can return sooner than expected. Reports said he could miss up to six weeks. If he returns in three or four, he would only miss a game or two. There is still a chance that Nwosu does get placed on IR, though.

One thing was clear about general manager John Schneider's view of how the roster should be built. He wants lots of speed and potential explosiveness. While he did not keep Dee Eskridge, he did choose to keep Laviska Shenault, Jr. Schneider also decided to keep one cornerback who probably will never play a down on defense.

Keeping Dee Williams was likely the Seattle Seahawks smartest roster decision

That player is former University of Tennessee defensive back Dee Williams. Williams started training camp with Seattle as a receiver. He was not going to play there, either. Williams was kept because he has an otherworldly ability to return kickoffs and punts well.

In 2022, Williams led all of college football with an average return of 18.7 yards. Last year, he returned 20 punts and averaged 13 yards a return. In both seasons, Williams returned a punt for a touchdown.

His kickoff return average wasn't quite as spectacular at Tennessee, but this preseason, Williams returned four kicks for an average of 30.8 yards a return. Once the real games begin, teams will likely just kick the ball into the end zone more for touchbacks. This means Williams' real value for the Seahawks lies in punt returns.

Even in college, Williams did not play much as a defensive back. In two seasons, he had a total of seven tackles. Head coach Mike Macdonald will probably never use Williams as a cornerback, and he does not need to for Williams to have an impact.

Williams has enough explosiveness to change the outcomes of games. He is potentially Seattle's best returner since Percy Harvin, only Williams will likely stay healthier than Harvin. If the Seahawks can win one more game with Williams and his return ability then that might just be the game that gets them into the playoffs.

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