PROJECTING SEAHAWKS 53 MAN ROSTER

The 12th man is primed and ready to cheer for the latest version of the Seattle Seahawks.

 The Seattle Seahawks Projected 53 Man Roster

These are my early picks to make the Seattle Seahawks 2013 opening game roster.  Some of these  players might get released and reassigned to the practice squad, if they clear waivers.  These numbers are based on a basic I-formation offense and a base 4-3 stretch defensive set.  Many of these position numbers would be drastically different, depending on the personnel available, injuries and how the coaching staff decides to use certain players.  

The Seahawks had an outstanding 2013 draft class considering they didn't have a first-round selection after training it to the Minnesota Vikings for Percy Harvin.  Also, Carroll and Schneider chose to move back from their 56 pick to the 62nd, gaining to extra draft selections in the move.  Unfortunately, that move prevented them from drafting perhaps the best all-around linebacker in the draft (Arthur Brown, Kansas State). It was such a conspicuous oversight, it's likely the Seahawks have other plans in store for the vacancy at the outside (weak side) linebacker position. I suppose we have to trust in GM John Schneider and his talent scouts all over the world.

* Lines with multiple names and an * reflect hotly contested positions and players battling for the final position spot.  Listed (left to right) in order of probability to win a spot. 

Total Offense = 24 players.

QB’s (2):

Russell Wilson

*Brady Quinn/Jerrod Johnson

-Brady Quinn has the early nod because of experience, but Jerrod Johnson looked very good at the rookie minicamp.  Now, Quinn's backup job is less secure.

RB’s (4):

Marshawn Lynch

*Michael Robinson/Spencer Ware

Christine Michael

Robert Turbin

-Michael Robinson is due to make $2.5 million in 2013, and if LSU rookie Spencer Ware catches on to the job at fullback, he might be the cheaper version of Robinson (without the interview show of course)

WRs (6):

Percy Harvin

Sidney Rice

Golden Tate

Chris Harper

Doug Baldwin

*Steven Williams/Phil Bates

-This is going to be a very competitive group of wide receivers for Seattle this year.  The sixth receiver on the roster better be able to play special teams in the gutter position.  Williams and Bates are speedy, big, physical receivers which Carroll likes and both could battle for the sixth spot.  There are others that could climb into that position, however.

OL’s (9):

Russell Okung

Breno Giacomini

James Carpenter

JR Sweezy

Max Unger

Paul McQuiston

Lemuel Jean-Pierre

John Moffitt/Jared Smith

*Ryan Seymour/Michael Bowie/Alvin Bailey

-Offensinve line will be a difficult group to grade this off-season Camp.  Schneider and  Carroll have found another project to convert from the D to the O.  Jared Smith might make the conversion like Sweezy last year.  Alvin Bailey also has a shot to make the roster.  John Moffitt and James Carpenter must stay healthy in order to contribute this year, otherwise, the door can open for new fish on the roster.

TE’s (3):

Zach Miller

Luke Willson

*Victor Marshall/Anthony McCoy/Cooper Helfet

-Pete Carroll has found what he believes to be his intermediate passing threat at the tight end position.  Luke Wilson looked mighty good at the rookie minicamp.  Local favorite Victor Marshall has the size and speed that the Seahawks love.  He might oust Anthony McCoy, but Cooper Helfet is a great special teams player.  If Marshall or McCoy can't compete on special teams, they could be expendable.

Total Defense = 26 players.

DL’s (10):

Red Bryant

Brandon Mebane

Cliff Avril

Michael Bennett

Bruce Irvin

Jesse Williams

Jordan Hill

Chris Clemons

Clinton McDonald

*Tony McDaniel/Jaye Howard/Kenneth Boatright

-The defensive line was very good last year, but it's going to be excellent this year.  After acquiring Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, and with Chris Clemons rehabilitating, this could be a scary bunch.  Jesse Williams and Jordan Hill were drafted to stuff up the interior rush.  I think they'll fit in nicely.  McDaniel may be expendable unless he learns to get more leverage with that 6'7" frame.

LB’s (7):

KJ Wright

Bobby Wagner

Malcolm Smith

Craig Wilkins

Ty Powell

John Lotulelei

*Kory Toomer/5 Heath Farwell/Mike Morgan/Kyle Knox/Allen Bradford

-Pete Carroll and John Schneider chose not to get aggressive about replacing Leroy Hill at the weak side linebacker position.  Either the two believed they already had their OLB on the roster or they really like some of the dark course players they selected in the draft and as UDFA's.  Standouts John Lotulelei and Ty Powell could be the diamonds in the rough that they like.  After all, they passed up the best OLB in the draft at number 56 (Arthur Brown Kansas state).  They might regret that faux pas. Lotulelei might be Seattle's Lofa Tatupu, and not just because they're both from Hawaii.

CB's (5):

Richard Sherman

Brandon Browner

Antoine Winfield

Jeremy Lane

*Tharold Simon/DeShawn Shead/Will Blackmon

-This is a position that practically no one believed Seattle would draft for early.  The Seahawks used a fifth round selection to pick Tharold Simon out of LSU, a big and tall DB, just the way they like them.

S’s (4):

Kam Chancellor

Earl Thomas

Walter Thurmond

*Jeron Johnson/Winston Guy/Ray Polk/Chris Maragos

-Seattle has excellent safeties, but they are not particularly deep as a position.  Walter Thurmond is very capable, but injury prone.  If he isn't healthy this year, look for Ray Polk or Jeron Johnson to stick, maybe Tharold Simon could transition to safety.

Total Special Teams = 3 players.

ST’s (3):

P: John Ryan

*PK: Steven Haushcka/Carson Wiggs

LS: Clint Gresham

-Pete Carroll has not yet chosen his placekicker, and Seattle is looking for a kicker who doesn't take a deep swallow before lining up a 50+ yard kick each time.  Wiggs might be the man, but he's going to have to win the position in camp.  Haushcka is relatively accurate and capable, but not the strongest kicker and he is scheduled to make over $2 million this year.  Seahawks might choose the bargain method if he can kick accurately and deep on KOs.  Clint Gresham is also a tight end, but the most value comes from his long snaps on punts and field-goal attempts.  He'll stick.

NOTE: I haven't listed the 46 players that will dress for the opening game, but that is nearly impossible to do at this point in the off-season.

Total 53 Man Roster.