The Seattle Seahawks aren't just one of the most complete teams across the NFL; they're also incredibly well-balanced with younger and older players in all the right places. Seahawks fans should be looking forward to what this year's rookie class does, considering Seattle executed a great draft with players who could realistically take the field in year one.Â
Speaking of that balance, while younger Seahawks made spectacular plays last season, it was a year for the veterans, especially on defense. Long-time players like Leonard Williams, Ernest Jones Jr., Demarcus Lawrence, and even Jason Myers, Seattle's longtime kicker, came up in the clutch with their own highlights throughout the Seahawks' Super Bowl run.
Veterans can never be underappreciated, and the crop that brings experience and leadership to Seattle is a significant reason they were so successful last season.
The Seattle Seahawks have a backup QB, a re-signed WR, and a journeyman LB needing to prove something
That being said, veterans are also more prone to being on the bubble of roster cuts, playing in one-year prove-it deals, or having to prove they're worth the deal they just received. Seattle has some of these players, veterans who enter camp with something to prove.
Quarterback Drew Lock
Drew Lock's chances of becoming an NFL starting quarterback are long gone, but the Seahawks liked him enough as their backup to bring him back last season after letting him go three years ago. Lock is expected to back Sam Darnold up again, unless Jalen Milroe swoops in and gives the Seahawks a reason to elevate him, knocking Lock off.Â
Milroe is also one of those players whose future in Seattle is uncertain. Either he overtakes Lock this offseason, or Lock remains in place. Lock is fighting off the younger backup to keep his stay in Seattle going for at least another season. Lock needs a strong training camp showing to solidify his status as a high-end backup rather than one who slides down the ranks to the No. 3 on another team.Â
Edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr.
Dante Fowler Jr. may not be Demarcus Lawrence 2.0 for the Seahawks, but like Lawrence was when Seattle took a chance on him last offseason, Fowler is also a seasoned veteran whose career hasn't exactly played out the way it was projected when he was drafted in 2015. That said, the journeyman has still proved to be productive and a solid rotational linebacker.Â
The Seahawks are hoping Fowler can resemble some of what Lawrence did for them last season. Considering Fowler is on a one-year deal, it is a prove-it season for him, which could lead to a larger contract next summer and possibly his last chance at a multi-year deal. If the Seahawks find success again this year, that helps Fowler, but his numbers will show what he can still do on the field.Â
Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed
Seahawks general manager John Schneider pulled off last season's best midseason trade when he acquired former New Orleans Saints wideout Rashid Shaheed. In the big picture, Shaheed's impact on Seattle's Super Bowl run was instrumental. In the small picture, Shaheed wasn't much of a factor as a wide receiver, and yet, the Seahawks gave him a three-year deal this summer anyway.Â
There's only one thing that Shaheed needs to do to make his extension worth it: be a great kick returner and be a very good wide receiver. He doesn't need to be great on offense, but he needs to be very good.
The Seahawks offense is expected to involve the speedy pass catcher a lot more this season, so as long as he makes plays, and hopefully some big ones downfield, he'll have proved his worth.Â
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