Seahawks' rising secondary could spell doom for Nehemiah Pritchett

The Seattle Seahawks are rich in defensive talent and depth, from the defensive line to their secondary. Even with the free agency departure of Pro Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen, the Seahawks had no reason to panic thanks to Josh Jobe being the next man up and Devon Witherspoon on the other side. 

Jobe, who signed a new four-year deal with Seattle, will step into Woolen's spot as a starter, and all signs point to Jobe being ready for his new gig. With Witherspoon and Jobe as the starting cornerbacks, that leaves six-year veteran Noah Igbinoghene, who signed a one-year deal as a free agent, this year's third-round draft pick Julien Neal, and 2024 fifth-round pick Nehemiah Pritchett.

There are a handful of Seahawks fighting for roster spots currently at training camp, and on defense, Pritchett is one. With Neal being one of the Seahawks' better draft choices at a position they needed to build depth in, and Igbinoghene impressing greatly at camp, this puts Pritchett's future under the spotlight in what could be a make-or-break season. 

Nehemiah Pritchett may have one more season to show he can be a greater part of the Seattle Seahawks' secondary

The Seahawks actually have lengthy depth at cornerback, but it's quality or quantity that usually wins out. After Witherspoon and Jobe, Pritchett is fighting with Neal, Shemar Jean-Charles, Jordan Washington, and former Washington Commanders’ Igbinoghene, who may be the one player making it the hardest on Pritchett today. 

Igbinoghene's strong training camp thus far has made a strong case to slot right in behind Witherspoon and Jobe as first-option backup, or at least to make a strong push for a major role at nickel. It's great for Igbinoghene, and not so great for Pritchett. 

In fact, with the rookie Neal dealing with injuries and having missed portions of camp, Pritchett's direct competition might very well be Igbinoghene for the remainder of camp. Right about now is where things could become dicey for Pritchett.

Not necessarily because he's under threat of losing his roster spot altogether. Instead, because if he doesn't prove he's the better backup option at cornerback going into his third season, this season could have significant weight to it.

Pritchett has two more years on his rookie deal and has yet to carve out a solid role for himself with the Seahawks. The current offseason is building to be his most important of his young career. If the Seahawks keep him on for the regular season, every opportunity he gets to be on the field grows that much more important. 

What could save him a spot at cornerback is the amount of usage the Seahawks plan for Pritchett on special teams, where he played a large chunk of football last year. Pritchett's best assets—press-man ability, athleticism, and explosive speed—make him a reliable special teams player. Whether his abilities on that side of the ball are enough for the Seahawks to keep him is another question. 

All in all, it's not looking great for the former Auburn Tiger. Should he up his game and play well enough during camp and the preseason to earn one more season, Pritchett gets some room to breathe. If he were smart, though, he shouldn't breathe that air in lightly. Right now, it's under duress. 

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