The Seattle Seahawks lost a couple of key defensive pieces this offseason, especially in the secondary. Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen played big roles in their Super Bowl-winning run, though the team was well-positioned to replace them.
While the starting lineup and the pecking order in the defensive backfield seem pretty much set, it looks like general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald still aren't entirely sold on the depth pieces.
The Seahawks worked out Brandon Johnson, A’Marion McCoy, and De’Antre Prince before training camp. They signed Johnson, a former undrafted free agent who spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, and while that addition won't move the needle, it speaks volumes about the team's concerns.
The Seattle Seahawks may not be convinced of their DB depth
After making some moves to acquire more draft capital, the Seahawks added eight rookies to the mix. Of those, five were on the defensive side of the ball, and four were defensive backs (three cornerbacks and one safety).
If that wasn't telling enough, then working out multiple defensive backs right before the start of training camp is a clear indication of some concerns at the position. Otherwise, why keep adding more guys to compete for the same spots?
Nick Emmanwori was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with an undisclosed injury, but he can be activated at any point in training camp. Perhaps Johnson's addition was just to add another body to the mix for drills while Emmanwori gets back on the field. But what if that's not the case?
Of course, the Seahawks' starting backfield is already more than set, with Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe starting out wide and Ty Okada, Julian Love, and the aforementioned Emmanwori handling things at safety and nickel.
They also have second-round rookie Bud Clark and third-round pick Julian Neal as the first guys off the bench. Fellow rookies Michael Dansby and Andre Fuller will have to impress to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Whoever they bring at this point in the offseason will be much more than a rotational/depth piece at best, and they will be a long shot to make the roster. If anything, their best bet might be to stick around on the practice squad and climb their way up like Josh Jobe once did.
Then again, this will be a situation to keep a close eye on as we inch closer to the start of the season.
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