The Seattle Seahawks have largely dodged the injury bug that has struck several other teams so far this offseason. But that doesn’t mean things haven’t changed on the roster since we did our early projection back in May,
Now, we actually have a real live game in our data set. Sure, a lot of starters sat out against Las Vegas, but that just allowed fans to get a firsthand look at many of the lesser-known players vying for backup roles. And it lets us see where the coaching staff appears to have those players ranked about a month before the season kicks off.
So let’s try an updated roster projection, with brief explanations of why things may have changed, and what questions remain unresolved. We have to be careful not to read too much into the Raiders game.
Performance during practice will still be the most important part of Mike Macdonald’s final decision. By the same token, players – especially the youngsters – need to prove they can carry over practice habits into actual games. So we can’t exactly ignore the first preseason game either.
Who will make the Seattle Seahawks' final 53-man roster?: Preseason Week 1 edition
I’m not sure anyone won or lost a job last night, but some players definitely improved their odds.
QUARTERBACK (3)
- Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe
Lock moved the offense well, but also threw a bad interception early. Milroe showed off his fabulous wheels, but also made several poor throws at key moments.
No changes
RUNNING BACK (3)
- Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, George Holani
This was a sensational night for Holani, who came up just short last season. It was not a good night at all for draftee Damien Martinez, who might have been surpassed by the hard-running Jacardia Wright, as well as by Holani.
Change: Holani in, Martinez out
FULLBACK (2)
- Robbie Ouzts, Brady Russell
The release of Noah Fant opens a spot which Russell can fill, while also providing depth behind Ouzts and excellent special teams play, things that Eric Saubert cannot match.
Change: Russell in
WIDE RECEIVER (6)
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Tory Horton, Ricky White III, Jake Bobo
Horton was one of the real standouts against Las Vegas. Though he didn’t do much with his one punt return, he proved dynamic enough to allow for the release of Steven Sims, who I saw as the top candidate to return kicks. Cutting Sims allows fan-favorite Jake Bobo to remain, so 12s can celebrate.
Changes: Bobo in, Sims out
TIGHT END (2)
- A.J. Barner, Elijah Arroyo
Though I am calling this “2,” both fullbacks can line up at tight end if need be.
Change: Noah Fant out (released)
OFFENSIVE LINE (10)
- Charles Cross, Abraham Lucas, Grey Zabel, Christian Haynes, Olu Oluwatimi, Josh Jones, Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Laumea, Jalen Sundell, Michael Jerrell
Josh Jones was one of the best players on the field on Thursday. Playing against Raiders starters, he was dominant on the right side. It bodes very well for depth at tackle. Zabel had a shaky first series but recovered nicely. Sundell, despite his holding call, was solid at center in place of the injured Olu Oluwatimi.
I suspect center-right guard is now a three-way battle between Sundell, Oluwatimi and Anthony Bradford. Flexibility on the interior allows Seattle to keep Michael Jerrell as insurance at tackle.
Changes: Jerrell in, Cabeldue out
DEFENSIVE LINE (6)
- Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Byron Murphy II, Rylie Mills, Brandon Pili, Quinton Bohanna
The starters did not play, so we got a very good look at the players competing for the depth role. Both Quinton Bohanna and Brandon Pili looked massive and quick in the middle, but both also seemed to tire. So I am reshuffling and keeping both to platoon at the nose. That leaves Morris and rookie edge Jared Ivey out.
Changes: Bohanna and Pili in, Morris and Ivey out
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (5)
- DeMarcus Lawrence, Derick Hall, Boye Mafe, Tyreke Smith, Connor O’Toole
Tyreke Smith was dominant early. What a luxury to have him in reserve. Nwosu's health is a constant concern and opens the door for Connor O’Toole to grab a spot.
Changes: O’Toole in, Nwosu to PUP list
INSIDE LINEBACKER (4)
- Ernest Jones IV, Tyrice Knight, Drake Thomas, Patrick O’Connell
O’Connell was beaten on a touchdown but generally looked fast in coverage. Jackson Woodard was something of a surprise cut.
Changes: O’Connell in, Woodard out (released)
CORNERBACK (5)
- Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Josh Jobe, Shaquill Griffin, Tyler Hall
This position is in a constant state of flux. The signing of Shaquill Griffin means four spots are locked. I give the slight edge right now to Tyler Hall for the final one, though Damarion Williams could claim a sixth. Seattle has safeties who can play corner in an emergency, which may allow them to settle on five.
Changes: Griffin, Hall in, Shemar Jean Charles, and Zy Alexander (waived with injury) out
SAFETY (4)
- Julian Love, Coby Bryant, Nick Emmanwori, D’Anthony Bell
We got a brief glimpse of Emmanwori on Thursday. He will be special. Bell has moved into the final spot.
Changes: Bell in, Finley out
SPECIALISTS (3)
- Jason Myers, Michael Dickson, Chris Stoll
No change, though Zach Triner was signed to act as long snapper while Stoll deals with an injury.