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

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Projected depth chart:  T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Deon Butler, Ben Obomanu

Fullback

2008 starter:  Leonard Weaver

After losing starting fullback Leonard Weaver to the Philadelphia Eagles this off season, the Seahawks are hopeful to find a fullback to help open holes for the Seahawks running game.

Second year player Owen Schmitt and newly signed Justin Griffith look to earn the starting job out of training camp this season. 

Griffith, formerly of the Oakland Raiders, helped open up holes for the tenth best rushing attack in the league last season, averaging 124.2 yards per game.

Schmitt, a fifth round pick in 2008, looks to earn the starting position after playing in 15 games last season.

Both are solid blockers, but with Griffith playing for Gregg Knapp last season in Oakland, he should earn the starting spot this season.

Projected 2009 starter:  Justin Griffith

Kicker

2008 starter:  Olindo Mare

In an interesting and somewhat controversial decision last year, the Seahawks kept two kickers on the roster in Olindo Mare and Brandon Coutu.

Mare kicked very well for the Seahawks, making 24 of 27 field goal attempts including three of 50+ yards.

Coutu did not play in 2008 after suffering an injury. 

If Coutu impresses in training camp, he wins the job.  If he doesn’t, he is more than likely cut in favor of Mare.  It is hard to imagine the Seahawks keeping two kickers again for ’09.

Projected 2009 starter:  Olindo Mare

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