While they don't seem to be getting enough credit, the Seattle Seahawks should feel great about themselves ahead of the 2026 season. The defending champions have everything they need to finish the season with another parade.
General manager John Schneider has put together a strong roster on both sides of the field. Of course, this team isn't perfect, and the final 53-man roster might not look the same, but going so far as to say the team should be worried about a particular position group would be hyperbole.
But just for the sake of the argument, what if we had to break up the 53-man roster into position groups to figure out the team's weakest and strongest units? All fans and analysts may have their own preferences, but probably, it would look something like this.
Seattle Seahawks' position groups ranked
Defensive line: Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Jarran Reed, Rylie Milles, Mike Morris, Brandon Pili
The defensive line isn't only the Seahawks' best unit; it might be the best defensive line in the entire league. Leonard Williams just secured a big payday, but Byron Murphy looks like a superstar in the making, and even depth pieces like Mike Morris and Brandon Pili would probably be starters elsewhere.
Outside linebacker/Edge: DeMarcus Lawrence, Derick Hall, Dante Fowler Jr., Uchenna Nwosu, Connor O'Toole
The Seahawks' pass-rushing unit has been absolutely elite under Mike Macdonald's tutelage. They don't need to rely on heavy blitzes to keep the quarterback on his toes; they use disguised coverage and rotate multiple guys depending on the situation. There's plenty of talent, but execution is what sets this unit apart.
Safety: Julian Love, Nick Emmanwori, Ty Okada
Even with health concerns around Nick Emmanwori, the Seahawks' safety trio might be the best in the game. Losing Coby Bryant in free agency and rookie Bud Clark to an injury was a big blow, but having Emmanwori, arguably the most dynamic and versatile defensive back in pro football, elevates this group significantly.
Inside linebacker: Ernest Jones IV, Drake Thomas, Tyrice Knight, Patrick O'Connell, Chazz Surratt
Defensive coordinator Aden Durde has a knack for wreaking havoc with his inside linebackers lined up directly in the gaps. Just like the rest of the defense, these guys are elite at pre-snap motion and disguised coverage, and Ernest Jones IV might be the most underrated linebacker in the game right now.
Wide receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed, Tory Horton, Montorie Foster Jr.
Losing Jake Bobo was a gut punch, though he wasn't going to be a starter. Fortunately, this team had more than enough to get by without him, led by reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Rashid Shaheed should also have an expanded role in his first full season with the team, and Tory Horton should pick up where he left off after his injury-shortened, impressive rookie campaign.
Running back: George Holani, Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, Brady Russell (FB)
Even with Kenneth Walker III gone and with Zach Charbonnet set to miss time, the Seahawks should feel great about their running back corps. Jadarian Price drew rave reviews in training camp, and George Holani has done a solid Charbonnet impersonation in his absence. As for Wilson, he's an efficient backup who has made big strides in pass protection.
Quarterback: Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe
Opposing fans will probably argue that this is the team's weakest link, but that stems from old narratives around Sam Darnold. He had some rough outings last season, but after his four-interception game versus the Los Angeles Rams, he took great care of the ball and kept the offense ahead of the sticks in the playoffs.
Drew Lock is a solid, proven backup, and Jalen Milroe might only be a gadget player at this point, but he provides some exciting athleticism and big-play scrambling potential.
Tight end: AJ Barner, Elijah Arroyo, Eric Saubert, Nick Kallerup
Chances are that this position group will rank much higher by the end of the season. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury should have some thoughts on how to get tight ends going, and a fully healthy AJ Barner should keep building on two strong seasons. Elijah Arroyo was also a standout in camp.
Specialists: Jason Myers (K), Michael Dickson (P), Chris Stoll (LS)
This is clearly the most overlooked position group in the game. Ironically, it's also one of the most important. Jason Myers has usually been pretty solid, but he did miss three field goal attempts and two PATs in the preseason, so he might be on thin ice here.
Cornerback: Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, Julian Neal, Nehemiah Pritchett, Avery Smith
Wait, what? How on Earth does a unit including Devon Witherspoon, the highest-paid cornerback in the game, be the second-least reliable on the team? That's not a knock on this group, but a testament to how strong and well-rounded this roster is.
The top guys are set, and they should be elite, but the flurry of late moves they made in the offseason — including adding Trevon Diggs and Terrion Arnold — shows they have doubts about their depth.
Offensive line: Charles Cross, Grey Zabel, Jalen Sundell, Anthony Bradford, Abraham Lucas, Beau Stephens, Christian Haynes, Bryce Cabeldue, Olu Oluwatimi, Josh Jones
We've officially reached the bottom of the pyramid, but again, this is only because someone had to be last. The Seahawks have strong tackles and an underrated center, but there are some doubts at both guard spots.
Grey Zabel showed plenty of promise as a rookie, but he's still unproven, and Anthony Bradford might actually be the weakest link on the team. Again, this is probably nitpicking. This roster is great.
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