Seattle Seahawks Training Camp: Making the Cut

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

With a roster rich in veterans, predicting who will start for the Seahawks in 2009 isn’t too much of a challenge.

The competition for roster spots remains intriguing however, with plenty to play for in training camp. Here’s a positional breakdown of the battles we’ll see heading into the new season.

Quarterbacks

Number kept last year: Three

Guaranteed: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace

Camp Battle: Mike Teel vs. Jeff Rowe

The Seahawks drafted Teel in the sixth round this year. This gives him an edge over Rowe, taken from Cincinnati’s practice squad last December. Teel is likely seen as a long-term project, so teething problems in his first camp may be excused.

Prediction: Teel to take 3rd spot on depth chart.

Running backs

Number kept last year: Four

Guaranteed: Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett

Camp Battle: Justin Forsett vs. Devin Moore vs. Tyler Roehl

The team is likely to keep three running backs this year, and Forsett is the front runner. Moore and Roehl were signed as undrafted free agents. Special team’s value is the key here—Forsett returned kicks in 2008, but Moore’s speed could lead to an interesting face off.

Prediction: Forsett on the roster, Moore to the practise squad.

Full backs

Number kept last year: Two

Guaranteed: Justin Griffith

Camp Battle: Owen Schmitt vs. David Kirtman

Schmitt is the heavy favorite here. Kirtman recently re-signed as camp competition, but both players are former fifth-round picks of Seattle. Kirtman left the team in 2008 before spells with New Orleans, San Francisco, and San Diego.

Prediction: Schmitt sticks, features alongside likely starter Griffith.

Wide receivers

Number kept last year: Eight

Guaranteed: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Deon Butler

Camp Battle: Ben Obomanu vs. Courtney Taylor vs. Logan Payne vs. Jordan Kent vs. Michael Bumpus vs. Billy McMullen vs. Mike Hass

Any of the above could make the roster, so this provides one of the most interesting positional battles. The team usually keeps seven receivers but may look for greater depth after last year’s injury crisis. There are no clear favorites, but McMullen and Hass have the most to prove.

Prediction: Obomanu, Taylor, and Kent make it. Bumpus or Payne could beat the cut if the team keeps eight receivers.

Tight Ends

Number kept last year: Three

Guaranteed: John Carlson, John Owens

Camp Battle: Joe Newton vs. Cameron Morrah

Newton has been with the team two seasons but is yet to make a lasting impression. Morrah, a seventh-round pick this year, has raw potential and should win out.

Prediction: Morrah joins Carlson, Owens on the roster.

Offensive Lineman

Number kept last year: Eight

Guaranteed: Walter Jones, Mike Wahle, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, Sean Locklear, Ray Willis, Max Unger

Camp Battle: Steve Vallos vs. Mansfield Wrotto vs. Kyle Williams vs. Na’Shan Goddard

The team may keep an extra lineman this year as security against injuries. Wrotto is almost certain to make the roster. Vallos has valuable flexibility, having played center and guard in his career. Williams started at tackle at the end of 2008 but has been featured at guard during mini-camps.

Prediction: Wrotto for sure, Vallos if they want an extra body.

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