It’s hard to believe, but the countdown to the NFL preseason has officially begun, and we are now less than 100 days away from kick-off. As we approach this exciting time, it’s essential to gather comprehensive information on the Seattle Seahawks’ full preseason and regular season schedule. By the end of this week, we should have a clear understanding of the dates for training camp in July and August, ensuring fans are well-prepared for the upcoming season by the end of June.
With the NFL Draft and rookie minicamp now in the rearview mirror, it’s the perfect moment to take an early look at the Seattle Seahawks’ roster with a preliminary forecast of the 53-man lineup. This exercise serves multiple purposes: it satisfies our curiosity and provides engaging offseason content. Keep in mind that we are still in May, and adjustments to this lineup are expected as we move closer to training camp, with more informed predictions likely emerging in August.
Analyzing the Seahawks’ Offensive Lineup
Quarterback (2): Geno Smith, Sam Howell
Cut: Chevan Cordeiro
Running Back (4): Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh, George Holani (R, UDFA)
Cut: Kobe Lewis, TaMerik Williams
Wide Receiver (5): DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jake Bobo, Laviska Shenault
Cut: Dee Eskridge, Dareke Young, Easop Winston Jr, Dee Williams, Hayden Hatten, Cody White
Tight End (4): Noah Fant, Pharaoh Brown, AJ Barner, Jack Westover (R, UDFA)
Cut: Tyler Mabry, Brady Russell
Offensive Line (9): Charles Cross, Abe Lucas, Christian Haynes (R), Laken Tomlinson, Olu Oluwatimi, Anthony Bradford, Nick Harris, George Fant, Sataoa Laumea (R)
Cut: Stone Forsythe, McClendon Curtis, Raiqwon O’Neal, Garret Greenfield, Mike Novitsky, Max Pircher, Tremayne Anchrum Jr, Michael Jerrell (R)
Evaluating the Seahawks’ Defensive Strategy
Defensive Line (7): Byron Murphy II (R), Leonard Williams, Jonathan Hankins, Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed, Mike Morris, Cameron Young
Cut: Myles Adams, Matt Gotel, DeVere Levelston, Buddha Jones
Outside Linebacker (5): Boye Mafe, Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, Darrell Taylor, Nelson Ceaser (R, UDFA)
Cut: Sunny Anderson, Rason Williams II
Inside Linebacker (4): Tyrel Dodson, Jerome Baker, Tyrice Knight (R), Jon Rhattigan
Cut: Patrick O’Connell, Easton Gibbs, Drake Thomas
Cornerbacks (5): Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Tre Brown, D.J. James (R), Nehemiah Pritchett (R)
Cut: Ro Torrence, Carlton Johnson, Artie Burns, Mike Jackson Sr, Andrew Whitaker
Safeties (5): Rayshawn Jenkins, Julian Love, K’Von Wallace, Coby Bryant, Jerrick Reed II
Cut: Jonathan Sutherland, Ty Okada
Punter (1)
Michael Dickson
Kicker (1)
Jason Myers
Long Snapper (1)
Chris Stoll
Key Insights and Observations on the Roster
- George Holani and Jack Westover stand out as top undrafted free agents (UDFAs) with strong potential to secure a roster spot on the offensive side. Typically, teams carry four running backs, making Holani a strong candidate to make the final 53-man roster. Westover’s chances are less certain, but his blocking and receiving skills could bolster his case for inclusion.
- The decision to cut Dareke Young may catch some off guard. While I appreciate Young’s contributions as a special teams gunner, his limited performance as a pass catcher over the past two seasons raises concerns. Jake Bobo has proven himself both on special teams and as a reliable receiver. Additionally, Laviska Shenault presents a potential option for kick returns and has been positioned higher on the WR depth chart in previous teams. It’s clear that both Young and Dee Eskridge are at risk of losing their spots, especially given Young’s one standout kick return.
- The Seahawks’ strategy of drafting multiple guards and bringing in a seasoned player like Laken Tomlinson suggests that Tremayne Anchrum Jr. could be on the roster bubble, despite being signed during free agency. This situation will be worth monitoring as it unfolds.
- I remain skeptical about Stone Forsythe’s guaranteed spot on the roster. The return of George Fant makes Forsythe somewhat redundant, given Fant’s versatility as he can effectively play both left and right tackle. Rookie Michael Jerrell may also be competing with Forsythe for a coveted roster position.
- Nelson Ceaser may be the most intriguing UDFA signing on the defensive side. It is surprising he was not drafted, considering his versatility. If included, he could add depth as a situational edge rusher, possibly at the expense of Darrell Taylor.
- The situation at inside linebacker will be fascinating to watch. Tyrel Dodson, Jerome Baker, and Tyrice Knight appear to be the primary candidates. However, the question remains regarding how many additional players will be included for depth and special teams roles. It’s likely that the team will maximize at four or five inside linebackers.
- The selection of cornerbacks James and Pritchett raises questions about the future of Burns and Jackson Sr. on the roster, as both players may find their positions in jeopardy.
- If Jerrick Reed II faces challenges in his recovery from an ACL injury, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which could create an opportunity for Sutherland to secure a roster spot.
- I strongly believe that every Seahawks draft pick, with the exception of Jerrell (and Anthony Bradford), will make it onto the initial 53-man roster. Jerrell remains the only one I have reservations about.
That wraps up our early analysis! We invite you to share your thoughts on the roster prediction or provide your own insights in the comments section below!
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