Seattle Seahawks: Who Starts Out of Training Camp?

In my third installment detailing the Seattle Seahawks heading into training camp, I take my shot at predicting who makes the starting lineup for the 2009 season.

Quarterback

Matt Hasselbeck is attempting to bounce back from a herniated disk that really limited him last season.  Hasselbeck was injured in the Week Four matchup against the New York Giants and really never found a groove. 

Seneca Wallace filled in admirably for the Seahawks, who went on to finish 4-12.

Look for Hasselbeck to come back with a vengeance this season.

Projected Starter:  Matt Hasselbeck

Running Back

This could be a running back by committee offense this season. 

Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett look to improve from last season and jump start the Seahawks' rushing offense.  Jones gets the starting nod with Duckett used for short yardage situations

Projected Starter:  Julius Jones

Fullback

This week, Jim Mora announced that Owen Schmitt will enter camp as the starting fullback, and Justin Griffith will enter as a “mentor” to the young fullback out of West Virginia. 

Training camp battle could be intense, but it appears as if it’s Schmitt’s job to lose.

Projected Starter:  Owen Schmitt

Wide Receiver

T.J. Houshmandzadeh was the big addition to the offseason for the Seahawks and will be the Seahawks' No. 1 receiver this season.

Deion Branch, if healthy, should be the No. 2 receiver. 

The camp battle will be between several players for No. 3 and No. 4, including Nate Burleson, Deon Butler, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, and Jordan Kent

Projected Starters:  T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson

Tight End

No camp battle here. 

John Carlson will be the starter, especially since he was one of the only bright spots last season. 

A wildcard for back up could be seventh round pick Cameron Morrah, who could be the blocking tight end for this team.

Projected Starter:  John Carlson

Offensive Line

Walter Jones looks to come back from knee surgery in the offseason. 

Jones and Sean Locklear are the only starters not in danger of losing their starting jobs in training camp.  Wahle could be supplanted by Unger, and Spencer could lose his job to Vallos. 

Rob Sims and Ray Willis battle for right guard.

Projected Starters: Walter Jones, Mike Wahle, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, and Sean Locklear

Defensive Line

With some new additions in Colin Cole, Cory Redding coming in, and the return of Patrick Kerney from season ending shoulder surgery, this could be the deepest position for the Seahawks. 

Darryl Tapp and Lawrence Jackson will battle for a starting position in camp.

Projected Starters:  Darryl Tapp, Brandon Mebane, Colin Cole, and Patrick Kerney

Linebackers

Barring any injuries, these three spots are reserved for Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu, and Leroy Hill. 

This is another deep position for the Seahawks with D.D. Lewis, David Hawthrone, and Will Herring as the backups.

Projected Starters:  Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu, and Leroy Hill

Corner

With the left side being manned by Marcus Trufant, the real battle will be between Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson, and Kelly Jennings. 

Unfortunately, for Wilson and Jennings, I think Lucas gets the nod because of his experience and size.

Projected Starters: Marcus Trufant and Ken Lucas

Safety

This is probably the thinnest position for the Seahawks entering training camp.  Deon Grant probably holds his starting job as the strong safety, but Brian Russell could be in danger of losing his job as the free safety. 

Courtney Greene, Jamar Adams, C.J. Wallace, and Jordan Babineaux all could challenge Russell to start this season.

Projected Starters:  Deon Grant and Brian Russell