Breaking down the Seahawks roster
Quarterback
Matt Hasselbeck looked solid during the offseason and stayed healthy. Seneca Wallace has been a capable backup, and could get on the field in situations like the Wildcat offense the Miami Dolphins successfully used last season, taking advantage of Wallace’s explosiveness. There’s a battle for the third quarterback spot between rookie Mike Teel and Jeff Rowe. I would give the edge to Teel right now. If Hasselbeck stays healthy, quarterback remains a plus for Seattle.
Running back
Both head coach Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp believe the team has enough depth at running back. Julius Jones will be counted on to be the main ball carrier, while T.J. Duckett and Justin Forsett will play complimentary roles. Owen Schmitt and Justin Griffith will compete for the starting fullback spot. Griffith has experience on his side, having played in Knapp’s offense in both Atlanta and Oakland. But Schmitt seems to be picking up the scheme quickly, and has the physical tools to excel at the position. Devin Moore, a rookie running back with good speed through the hole, is likely headed for the practice squad.
Wide receiver
This position group will be one of the most competitive position battles for Seattle during training camp, and should emerge as a strength. Free agent acquisition T.J. Houshmandzadeh has picked up the offense well, and developed some chemistry with Hasselbeck. Nate Burleson and Deion Branch seem to be coming along after rehabbing their respective knee injuries. Deon Butler has shown glimpses of becoming a playmaker. The real fight for a roster spot will occur for the last two spots, as Seattle is likely to keep only six receivers. I give Ben Obomanu and Billy McMullen the nod for right now. Obomanu is a complete receiver who does everything competently and also can return punts. McMullen has done a nice job catching the ball and gives Seattle a big target in the red zone. But Jordan Kent, Courtney Taylor and Logan Payne are right on their tails. And all Mike Haas has done is find ways to get open and make plays when the ball has been thrown to him during offseason workouts. Don’t count out the Oregon State product.
Tight end
Heading into his second season, John Carlson should be productive again this year, with the Seahawks likely moving him around the field, including splitting him out wide, to get better matchups. John Owens could see the field a lot with Seattle using more two-tight-end sets, and rookie Cameron Morrah could be a nice addition as a third tight end who can stretch the middle of the field. However, Joe Newton is improving and could finally get his opportunity to be on the active roster. John Tereshinski is likely headed to the practice squad.
Offensive line
The Hawks already lost guard Mike Wahle, who failed his physical and was released. They signed offensive linemen Cory Withrow and Grey Ruegamer to add depth with Wahle gone. If Walter Jones can come back healthy, then Seattle should be OK up front. If not, the Hawks could have some problems, both running the ball and in pass protection. Also, center Chris Spencer and guard Rob Sims must stay healthy. Rookie Max Unger is coming along with the second unit, but still needs to adjust to the more physical play at this level.
Defensive line
Although Seattle hasn’t practiced yet in pads, Brandon Mebane appears to have made a nice transition to more of a pass rushing role inside. Mora has made glowing comments about the progress of defensive ends Lawrence Jackson and Darryl Tapp. If both continue to show improvement, and Patrick Kerney can come back healthy, this unit should be much better in 2009. Defensive lineman Cory Redding, picked up in an offseason trade with Detroit, will be counted on to add versatility and veteran leadership up front. Mebane also has been complimentary of new teammate Colin Cole’s play inside. And Red Bryant has been a disruptive force in camp during offseason workouts.
Linebackers
Talented linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill make this unit the strength of the defense. And even though rookie Aaron Curry still hasn’t signed, he proved to be the real deal during offseason workouts, pleasantly surprising the Seahawks coaching staff with his ability to rush the passer. Curry’s presence in the starting lineup adds versatility to an already strong linebackers unit. Once he returns to the field, veteran linebacker D.D. Lewis will continue to offer versatility by being able to play all three positions. David Hawthorne is a solid backup for Tatupu, while Will Herring has potential to contribute.
Cornerbacks
Bringing Ken Lucas back from Carolina gives Seattle more experience, depth and size at the cornerback position. Josh Wilson has responded to having his spot taken away with a good offseason. Former first round draft pick Kelly Jennings, still rehabbing from a shoulder injury, will have to battle to get back into the rotation. Kevin Hobbs and Marquis Floyd both have had their moments during offseason workouts. Defensive backs coach Tim Lewis says this is the most talent he’s had at the defensive backs position as a coach in the league. Marcus Trufant is out with a sore back for the time being.
Safeties
Deon Grant and Brian Russell will once again serve as the eyes and ears of the defense from the back. However, Russell will have some competition, as situational player Jordan Babineaux will compete with Russell for the free safety spot. Expect fewer situations where Russell is left alone in single safety coverage over the middle. However, Mora still likes to pressure, so defensively Seattle will pick its spots to blitz. C.J. Wallace, Jamar Adams and Courtney Greene have seen time at both safety positions.
Specialists
The Seahawks picked up experienced long snapper Kevin Houser after Bryan Pittman was released because of a non-football related injury. Houser spent nine seasons in New Orleans and was four games shy of the team record for games played before the team released him during the offseason. Olindo Mare and Brandon Coutu will once again battle for kicking duties, with Mare reportedly looking for a contract extension. Seattle seems content with Jon Ryan at punter for right now, but he might have some competition if he struggles during preseason action.
