Seattle Seahawks' Early Offensive Depth Chart

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The Seahawks have made a fury of moves this offseason and the roster has been added to in hopes of strengthening the reigning NFC West Champs.

The Seahawks are still lacking a franchise quarterback but are hoping Tarvaris Jackson can man the position for at least a season.

Only 16 players are left since Carroll took over last year as he has brought his competitive nature from USC where one of his mantras was "Always Compete."

Now in Seattle it is "Earn Everything" and players have to or else they will be just another name on the transaction list that spans over 110 since Carroll took over.

Quarterback

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Starter: Tarvaris Jackson—6'2" 225lbs

Carroll named Jackson his starter shortly after Jackson signed his two year $8 million deal. After being the starter in Minnesota, then losing his job to Brett Favre, Jackson wanted a fresh start and Seattle provided him with that. Being familiar with new Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevellx—Minnesota's former Coordinator—also played a role as Jackson already knows Bevell's West Coast offence.

In five seasons Jackson has 3866 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 21 interceptions along with a passer rating of 86. Also Jackson has 521 rushing yards.

Back-up: Charlie Whitehurst—6'5" 225lbs

Thought to be Matthew Hasselbeck's replacement, Whitehurst is again waiting in the wings with the Jackson signing. In two starts last season Whitehurst threw for 305 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His game against the Giants was something he would want to forget but he led Seattle to the playoffs in the final week with a win over St. Louis. It seems Whitehurst will forever be a back-up with Seattle most likely drafting their franchise quarterback next year.

Third String: To be determined

Carroll loves competition and will most likely bring in many quarterbacks throughout the season to try and be the third string quarterback.

Running Back

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Starter: Marshawn Lynch—5'11" 215 lbs

An in-season trade, Lynch brought a much needed spark to the Seahawks offence on the ground. Who could forget his beast mode run in Seattle's upset over New Orleans in the playoffs?

Behind a porous Bills and Seahawks line Lynch ran for 737 yards and had six touchdowns. Now behind a revamped, highly skilled albeit inexperienced line Lynch will be the focal point of the offence.

Back-up: Justin Forsett—5'8" 198lbs

Forsett and Lynch were teammates at Cal and complement each other nicely. Lynch brings the muscle while Forsett brings the agility.

Last season Forsett rushed for 523 yards and two touchdowns and paired with Lynch this upcoming season should lead Seattle to one of the better rushing attacks in the NFC.

Back-up: Leon Washington—5'8" 203lbs

A tweener between Lynch and Forsett, Washington brings power and speed. He only rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown last year but can spell Lynch and Forsett when need be.

Also Washington was recovering from season ending leg surgery last year and is 100% healthy this season.

He is the primary kick returner and will be kept fresh for special teams over carrying the rock 10-plus times a game.

Fullback

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Starter: Michael Robinson—6'1" 223lbs

Robinson is listed as a running back on the team roster but played fullback last season and is a very versatile player after being a quarterback in college.

He can block, run, catch and will be a vital part of the offence. He rushed for 77 yard last year and had 37 receiving yards. In 2008 though Robinson had 202 receiving yards showing his soft hands.

Back-up: To be determined

Dorson Boyce (6'1" 237lbs) is the only listed fullback and played for the Washington Huskies but Carroll loves competition and will most likely bring in another player to push Boyce.

Wide Receiver

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Starter: Sidney Rice—6'4" 202lbs

The Seahawks signed the top free agent receiver who went to a new team in Rice—signed for five years and $41 million—who played the last four seasons with Minnesota. In 48 games Rice has 2,129 yards, 18 touchdowns and 146 receptions. He was a Pro Bowler in 2009 but was injured for much of last season. He is a deep threat on the outside and adds another dimension to the offence. Getting him the ball may be tricky in year one but he signed a five year deal and by year three should be flourishing along with the Seahawks.

Back-up: Ben Obomanu—6'1" 204lbs

Obomanu has fought hard and long to finally stick on the 53-man roster but with the additions of Rice and draft picks makes it again a battle for balls. Last season was a breakout year for Obomanu starting in six games and catching 30 passes for 494 yards and four touchdowns.

Wide Receiver

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Starter: Mike Williams—6'5" 235lbs

Williams was a great comeback story after being out of the league for over two seasons and led the team in receiving with 751 yards to go along with 65 catches and two touchdowns. He is the ultimate red-zone target and a great possession receiver. With Rice on the other side the two form a great tandem and will give opposing teams fits.

 

Back-up: Kris Durham—6'5" 216lbs

Not many rookies will make this list unless dubbed a starter by Pete Carroll already but Durham is the perfect back-up to Williams as he brings the same height and possession like skill set. When All-American and fourth overall pick A.J. Green was suspended for four games Durham filled Greens big shoes and should continue on in the NFL

Wide Receiver

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Starter: Golden Tate—5'10" 202lbs

Things did not go according to plan in year one for Tate but he should step up with a season under his belt. He is a home run threat and a great slot receiver using his speed and playmaking abilities when he has the ball in his hands. He caught 21 passes for 227 yards in 11 games. As well with the league going more and more pass happy it benefits the third wide receiver but the results may not come until another two or three years in Seattle.

Back-up: Deon Butler—5'10" 182lbs

Butler was having a fine campaign until late in the season where he suffered an injury forcing him to miss the remainder of the season and playoffs. He still caught 36 passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns. Butler has the skill but will have to prove he is fully healthy. A crowded receiving corps may keep him off the field but he provides valuable depth.

Tight End

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Starter: Zach Miller—6'5" 255lbs

Another great signing in the offseason, the Seahawks were able to get a Pro Bowl player who is also a complete tight end, being able to not only catch but block. In four seasons Miller has caught 226 passes and 2,712 yards along with 12 touchdowns. He signed a five year $34 million deal making him one of the highest paid tight ends in the league but at 25 and already full of credentials it is well worth it. Without having a legitimate quarterback, a tight end is an offence's best friend. Miller will help in the passing and running game.

Back-up: Cameron Morrah—6'3" 251lbs

Morrah was a seventh-round draft pick but has made the team the last two seasons and started three games last year having nine catches for 117 yards. He is not an every week starter but provides valuable depth to a position that will be used quite frequently.

Tight End

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Starter: John Carlson—6'5" 251lbs

With the addition of Miller many had Carlson out of town but Carroll quickly shot down those rumours as he says he plans on using a lot of two tight end formations. This is not new to Carroll as he frequently used two tight end sets at USC. This is why fullback may not be a high position of need as with two tight ends it will only be a single backfield. The possibilities of plays are endless which allows both Carlson and Miller to produce on offence. 

Back-up: Anthony McCoy—6'5" 259lbs

McCoy played in two games last year after being drafted in the sixth round. He is a project that will take time to develop mentally and physically but like Morrah provides good depth to a position that will be getting a lot of looks this season and seasons to come.

Left Tackle

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Starter: Russell Okung—6'5" 310lbs

Okung is the franchise tackle protecting the quarterback's blindside for the next decade-plus. He was drafted sixth overall last year but missed some time due to nagging ankle injuries. Okung possesses a mean streak that is much needed week in and week out. He is only in his second season but will be counted on to lead a young and inexperienced offensive line.

Back-up: Tyler Polumbus—6'8" 300lbs

Polumbus started seven games last season for an injury riddled offensive line playing at multiple positions. He is a good back-up but the Seahawks hope that he just provides depth and Okung can play a whole season as the talent level drops a lot from one to the other.

Left Guard

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Starter: Robert Gallery—6'7" 325lbs

In a move many had expected Gallery followed his former Head Coach Tom Cable to Seattle providing a much needed veteran to a young and inexperienced line. He brings a nasty attitude but also valuable leadership. His play at the left guard spot helps protect the quarterback's blindside with Okung and will help pave ways in the running game.

Back-up: Mike Gibson—6'3" 298lbs

Gibson started in eight games last year and played well and will be Seattle's most versatile lineman playing all three interior line positions. If someone is to go down to injury or great struggles Gibson can give Seattle much needed depth and spot start duty.

Centre

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Starter: Max Unger—6'5" 305lbs

Unger started one game last year before having season ending foot surgery, but in 2009 as a rookie started all 16 games at right guard. This season Unger has already been named the starter at centre. He is the lightest on the offensive line (319lb average for the other four spots) but has a high football IQ that is needed at the centre position.

Back-up: Mike Gibson—6'3" 298lbs

Gibson is Mr. Versatile and as of now will most likely be the back-up at all three interior lineman positions.

Right Guard

Starter: John Moffitt—6'4" 319lbs

Only a rookie Moffitt has already been named the starter at right guard. In college at Wisconsin Moffitt played both guard and centre and has a very high football IQ. He will be asked to do a lot in only his rookie season but comes from a lineman factory that produces great talent in the NFL.

Back-up: Mike Gibson—6'3" 298lbs

Until preseason and training camp is complete, the back-up position along the interior will be held by Gibson though that will most likely change in the future.

Right Tackle

Starter: James Carpenter—6'5" 321lbs

Like Moffitt, Carpenter has already been named the starting right tackle after being selected in the first round of this year's draft. He was apart of Alabama's National Championship team and will be eased in not having to play the important left tackle position. Carroll never hesitated playing younger players in the past whether it be freshmen or rookies and Carpenter is no exception.

Back-up: Zach Hurd—6'7" 321lbs

Many were surprised to see Hurd go undrafted but the Seahawks are not complaining as he may be a diamond in the rough. With some seasoning Hurd could turn into a capable starting right tackle and should push Carpenter each week keeping both players on their toes.

Conclusion

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The Seahawks are stocked well at Wide Receiver, Tight End and Running Back.

The Offensive Line is highly talented but is greatly inexperienced. They will need time to gel and get accustomed to everything.

Quarterback is the only thing holding the offence back and by next year that worry will be no more.