The Seattle Seahawks have finished with mandatory minicamp and have just three more days of OTAs before the longish break between OTAs and training camp begins. The list that follows is based on players returning healthy to training camp, except linebacker Jordyn Brooks. I assume Brooks will start on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.
Brooks' injury means Seattle will be pretty thin at inside linebacker, but more on that in just a bit. Seattle is also a bit thin at running back, too. But because of the influx of young talent the last couple of drafts, the Seahawks have an excess of talent at many other position groups.
The last few days of OTAs are not mandatory for veterans so other than some walk-throughs and learning the playbook, there shouldn't be a lot to be learned. I say that, of course, in hopes no one gets injured. At this point in the offseason, any huge breaking news for the Seahawks is probably not good news.
Predicting the Seattle Seahawks 53-man roster after OTAs are basically done
Seattle Seahawks quarterback (2)
Starter: Geno Smith
Backup: Drew Lock
There is really little doubt about this position group. But just think back a year ago and how little we knew about how well Geno Smith would perform. Heck, we didn't even know for sure he was going to start. But Smith made it through the entire 2022 season, led the league in completion percentage, and made the Pro Bowl.
Meanwhile, Lock didn't play a down but still chose to return to Seattle. That says a lot about Lock, the Seahawks coaching staff and how people are treated, and how Smith didn't push Lock out. Lock has a strong arm and now knows the offense. He should be a quality backup.
Seahawks running backs (4)
Starter: Ken Walker III
Backups: Zach Charbonnet, DeeJay Dallas, and Kenny McIntosh
Lots of 12s will hem and haw about how Seattle chose a running back in the second round again. But just think of where this group would be without Charbonnet. Charbonnet is likely very capable of being a Week 1 starter on many teams and just gives Seattle more weapons on offense.
Of course, Walker will start and should be even better in 2023 after a solid 2022 season. Dallas is a good RB3. But one of the steals of the 2023 draft might be McIntosh who Seattle chose in the seventh round. He can run with power and catch.
Seahawks wide receivers (5)
Starters: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Backups: Dareke Young and Dee Eskridge
The starting three are sealed, barring some kind of extremely unfortunate injury. In Smith-Njigba is as good as expected, he could have been a number 1 receiver on some teams. In Seattle he will start as WR3 with the likelihood of replacing Lockett as WR2 one day.
I know some have the Seahawks releasing Eskridge but I think he sticks. Geno Smith has sung his praises a bit this offseason and Eskridge might finally figure out what it means to be a pro. Young, if he gets more playing time, could be a very good WR4.
Seahawks tight ends (3)
Starter: Will Dissly
Backups: Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson
For 2023, at least, this group is set. I have Dissly as the starter here simply because he is the best blocker, but Seattle will probably do a bunch of 12 personnel which means two tight ends on the field at one time. Fant and Parkinson are both pretty decent receivers.
Seahawks offensive line (10)
Starters: LT Charles Cross, LG Damien Lewis, C Olu Oluwatimi, RG Phil Haynes, RT Abraham Lucas
Backups: Anthony bradford, Evan Brown, Stone Forsythe, Jake Curhan, Greg Eiland
There are two spots on the offensive line that could be up for grabs and that is center and right guard. The Seahawks could choose to go with veterans early in the season with Brown at center and Haynes at right guard. Or Seattle could just go with who they think will work out the best long-term and have Oluwatimi at center and Bradford at right guard. But starting two rookies can be dangerous.
The other spots should be good. Lewis is an underrated left guard who was ranked highly by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) last year, though he did have a bad performance in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. Lucas and Cross were pretty good as rookies and should be better in year two.
Seahawks defensive line (6)
Starters: Jarran Reed, Dre'Mont Jones, and Myles Adams
Backups: Cameron Young, Mike Morris, and Mario Edwards, Jr.
Seattle still might have an issue as nose guard. But Adams is big enough and has some decent athleticism where I think playing between Reed and Jones helps him hit his ceiling. I don't think he will be a starter for long as I think Young overtakes him, but early in the season, Adams should be the guy.
Jones should supply good interior pass rush and Reed should just be a solid performer. Mike Morris should get a lot of snaps, too, and could be a starter in 2024. Edwards was a good get for veteran help in run defense.
Seahawks edge rushers (5)
Starters: Darrell Taylor and Uchenna Nwosu
Backups: Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, and Tyreke Smith
Nwosu is the only guy you can really count on here. While I believe that is true that last sentence is also as misleading as Taylor's sack totals over the first two years of his career. Taylor gets his sacks in bunches but is not at all consistent.
But this group also has a ton of upside. Mafe could make the second-year leap in 2023, Smith could prove he belongs in the NFL, and Hall has the physical ability to be a number 1 pass rusher. If the group maximizes its potential, it will be very dangerous.
Seahawks inside linebackers (5)
Starters: Bobby Wagner and Devin Bush
Backups: Nick Bellore (also a fullback), Jon Rhattigan, and Vi Jones (until Jordyn Brooks comes back)
It's good to have Bobby Wagner back, isn't it? He might not have the numbers he had with the Rams in 2022 because Los Angeles' defense works differently. But his leadership was lacking last year and with him back, the communication should be much better.
Bush might also be due for a renaissance after leaving Pittsburgh and joining the Seahawks this offseason. He has the speed and tackling ability to be good. But if either Wagner or Bush get hurt, I am not sure how good Rhattigan or Jones can be. If Brooks gets back sooner than expected, the world will be a better place.
Seahawks cornerbacks (5)
Starters: Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon
Backups: Tre Brown, Mike Jackson, and Coby Bryant
If Witherspoon is as good as hoped, this is a very good group. That is assuming Woolen doesn't suffer a sophomore slump after NFL teams have a year of film on him. But Jackson was a good tackler in 2022 and decent in coverage. Bryant now has experience in the slot and should be fine there. Brown, if he can stay healthy, is a good backup. Of course, this is all assuming Seattle keeps Witherspoon outside and doesn't move him into the slot as they played around with in mandatory minicamp.
Seahawks safeties (5)
Starters: Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs
Backups: Julian Love, Jerrick Reed II, and Joey Blount
This is another deep position group for the Seahawks. If Adams isn't ready in Week 1, Love can step in and there wouldn't be much, if any, of a drop off. Love is great against the run, though he lacks Adams' ability to blitz as well.
Diggs is one of the best free safeties in the league and seems to prove it every year even though he sometimes gets off to slow starts. Reed has gotten rave reviews in camp. Blount is solid on special teams.
Seahawks special teams (3)
Kicker: Jason Myers
Punter: Michael Dickson
Long snapper: Chris Stoll
I can probably copy and paste these three players for the next few years in articles like this. Myers and Dickson are signed through at least 2025 and are very good. Stoll was the best long snapper in college last year and could be the long snapper for the next 10 years with Seattle.