Seattle Seahawks' Offensive Line, Secondary in Summer Spotlight

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Everybody returns from this starting unit and that's the problem after it finished dead last in the league against the pass. Recently acquired CB Ken Lucas, who was released by the Panthers, will compete for the starting cornerback slot alongside CB Marcus Trufant. His primary competition will be from former starter Kelly Jennings and backup Josh Wilson.

Perhaps the more critical area of concern is safety and despite there being no significant newcomer brought in, changes could occur through in-house turnover.

Practice squad safety Jamar Adams was a personal favorite of Jim Mora Jr. and with an excellent training camp, could be in line to supplant veteran Brian Russell. Deon Grant's position as starter should be safe.

Player to watch: Jamar Adams. Russell is the biggest weakness of this unit and with a year of learning under his belt, Adams should be ready to go.

Projected starting lineup: CB Trufant, CB Lucas, SS Grant, FS Adams

Defensive Line

Another area of concern from last season was the pass rush so entering the '09 season the Seahawks will be looking hard at the defensive line to produce more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Defensive ends Patrick Kerney (coming off offseason surgery), Lawrence Jackson (last year's No. 1 pick) and Darryl Tapp will compete for the two starting jobs with Baraka Atkins waiting in the wings should anyone falter.

Defensive tackle is a bit more solidified. The starters should be Brandon Mebane and newly acquired Cory Redding. However, the Seahawks like to rotate their defensive tackles regularly so backups Colin Cole and Red Bryant should see plenty of playing time as well. Their main competition will be provided by veterans Craig Terrill and Kevin Brown.

Players to watch: Cory Redding and Lawrence Jackson. Redding will be used both as tackle and end likely, so he should garner the most playing time of the group. Watch out for Jackson, however. After a rookie season that was spent mostly learning the ropes, his sophomore campaign could be special.

Projected starting lineup: DE Jackson, DT Mebane, DT Redding, DE Kerney

Wide Receiver

The position that was probably most devastated by injuries last season. The Seahawks saw 11 players start and receive significant playing time, even getting so desperate at the time to trade a fifth round draft pick for Denver WR Keary Colbert who is no longer with the team.

Newly acquired WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh was the big offseason acquisition for the team and should get a starting nod while third round pick Deon Butler of Penn State should help augment the loss of Bobby Engram to Kansas City.

Veterans Deion Branch and Nate Burleson will be counted on to stay healthy and be consistent producers this time around.

Player to watch: Deion Branch. If he can stay healthy, and it's a big if, he is the biggest playmaker of this group and will solidify a potentially very solid group of receivers.

Projected starting lineup: Houshmanzadeh and Branch with Burleson and Butler coming in as third and fourth receivers.

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