Key Positions Up For Grabs for Seattle Seahawks as Training Camp Looms

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Spencer, Seattle’s first round pick in ’05, has struggled to live up to his potential.  After suffering a season ending back injury last year he was replaced by Steve Vallos.

Vallos started five games for the Seahawks last season and helped lead a depleted offensive line in a week 16 win against the New York Jets, allowing zero sacks and opened up holes for former Seahawks Maurice Morris who rushed for 116 yards.

Washington impressed coaches in the rookie minicamp and earned a spot at training camp.

Projected 2009 starters:  Walter Jones, Mike Whale, Chris Spencer, Ray Willis, Sean Locklear

Wide Receiver

The Seahawks will have a good battle for the third wide out in training camp.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch are projected to be the one and two wide receivers, with Nate Burleson and Deon Butler battling it out for the third wide receiver position.

Burleson was bumped to the number one receiving spot last season after starters Deion Branch and Bobby Engram suffered injuries preventing them from starting the season. 

However, Burleson was also sidelined for the 2008 after sustaining a torn ACL in the season opener at Buffalo.

Challenging him will be Seahawks third round pick Deon Butler.  Butler ran an impressive 4.38 40 yard dash at the combine and could provide the Seahawks with a deep threat. 

In his senior season at Penn State he compiled 47 receptions for 870 yards and seven touchdowns.  Butler has also impressed coaches with his speed and his hands during the rookie minicamp.

Courtney Taylor, Jordan Kent, Billy McMullen, Ben Obomanu, Michael Bumpus and Mike Hass also look to make a splash as the Seahawks fourth wide receiver. 

Obomanu suffered a broken collar bone in the preseason and Courtney Taylor struggled last season.  They should really challenge the others for that fourth position.

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