Seattle Seahawks Roster 2012: Latest News, Cuts and NFL Preseason Predictions

The time is now, Seahawks fans.

After months of idle chatter, we can finally put our money where our mouths are and see whether this year's version of the 'Hawks are for real while answering some major questions, such as...

Who will be the starter at quarterback?

How many wide receivers will make the final roster?

Who will be this year's Doug Baldwin among the rookie class?

Can the offensive line stay healthy and be productive?

Do the 'Hawks finally have a suitable pass rush?

Does the team have enough talent at linebacker?

Is the secondary for real?

And perhaps most importantly, does this team have what it takes to make the playoffs?

Over the course of the next few weeks, some of these questions will hopefully be answered, but others will take months to sort out. 

For now it's been a quiet start to camp for the 'Hawks, but that isn't a bad thing when you think about it.

To get us started, here is all the latest on the Seattle Seahawks roster for 2012, including the latest news, cuts and preseason predictions. 

After trimming the roster down to 75 spots a few days ago, the 'Hawks have now finalized their 53 man roster. 

Here's the full list of cuts provided by the team segmented by the rationale behind their departure...

I've also added a point or two beside each player's name in regards to either why they were cut...

Waived

WR Deon Butler

WR Kris Durham

LB Korey Toomer

CB Phillip Adams

DE Pierre Allen

LB Allen Bradford

OT Paul Fanaika

WR Ricardo Lockette

QB Josh Portis

WR Jermaine Kearse

OG Rishaw Johnson

LB Kyle Knox

DE Cordarro Law

TE Sean McGrath

C Kris O’Dowd

S DeShawn Shead

WR Lavasier Tuinei

Waived/injured

TE Cooper Helfet

RB Vai Taua

Reserve/injured

LB Matt McCoy

Reserve/physically unable to perform

CB Walter Thurmond

Waived from Reserve/injured with settlement

DE Pep Levingston

After three weeks of action, I suppose we should cut to the chase with this update provided by Seahawks.com regarding roster reductions.

Here's the full list provided by the team segmented by the rationale behind their departure...

I've also added a point or two beside each player's name in regards to either why they were cut or a potential landing spot where they could end up. 

The following players have been waived with the designation as injured:

Linebacker Jameson Konz - shoulder

Seems that the older linebackers this year are going to find themselves challenged to get on the roster as a handful of young players have made strides.  First Barrett Ruud got shipped off to New Orleans, now Konz is gone with a shoulder injury. 

Defensive end Pep Levingston - knee

Much like Konz, Levingston is injured at a position where the 'Hawks might have more depth than originally imagined. 

Cornerback Roy Lewis - knee

Not an essential building block for the secondary, but a decent depth player who should have a job at some point when he's healthy again and could end up either back with the 'Hawks or elsewhere.

Tight end Cameron Morrah - toe

With roster spots likely reserved for Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow Jr. for the 1 & 2 spots, and a handful of rookies in camp, there was little room for error between vets Anthony McCoy and Morrah.  If being injured wasn't bad enough, Anthony McCoy has shown signs of life this preseason (including a pair of catches in Kansas City this past weekend) and therefore Morrah is out. 

The following players have been waived:

Wide receiver Phil Bates - Bates looked like an intriguing prospect as quarterback turned wide receiver, but apparently he didn't quite show enough?  Would be interesting to see if he sticks around as a practice squad player. 

Offensive tackle Edawn Coughman - A late addition to the roster in mid June, Coughman was a CFL castoff that didn't stick. 

Cornerback Donny Lisowski - Lisowski is a rookie who attended Montana, but attended Seattle's O'Dea High School, so the on again, off again relationship with the 'Hawks may end up with him getting some consideration for the practice squad.  

Cornerback Ron Parker - A member of last year's squad, Parker played sparingly and didn't make much of an impact in preseason. 

Running back Tyrell Sutton - Showed promise in the Denver game with a nice touchdown run, but apparently that wasn't quite enough to keep him on the roster.  Someone might sign him at some point, but only if they need him.

Contracts with the following vested veterans have been terminated:

Offensive tackle Alex Barron - Apparently Barron didn't have enough left in the tank for Pete Carroll to hang on to him. 

Don't be shocked if another team picks him up, but it would be strictly for depth or out of desperation.

Offensive guard Deuce Lutui - A little surprised that Lutui is gone so fast, but perhaps the rapid development of JR Sweezy has made Lutui expendable?

As for next steps, much like Barron I could see another team "needing" him at some point. 

Wide receiver Terrell Owens - Not surprised to see Owens on the list, but I'm not as thrilled about this move I would have originally thought.  He wasn't quite TO, yet he could be serviceable if a team is willing to give him a little more time to shake off the rust.  

Could the Jets be crazy enough to add him to the mix? 

QB (2): Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson

RB (4): Marshawn Lynch, Kregg Lumpkin, Robert Turbin and Leon Washington 

FB (1): Michael Robinson

WR (6): Doug Baldwin, Charly Martin, Ben Obomanu, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate and Braylon Edwards

TE (3): Zach Miller, Kellen Winslow, and Anthony McCoy

OT (3): Russell Okung, Frank Omiyale, and Breno Giacomini

OG(4): Paul McQuistan, John Moffitt, James Carpenter, and JR Sweezy

C (2): Max Unger and Lemuel Jeanpierre

DE (5): Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Jason Jones, Bruce Irvin, and Gregg Scruggs

DT(4): Alan Branch, Clinton McDonald, Brandon Mebane and Jaye Howard

OLB (5): Leroy Hill, Heath Farwell, Mike Morgan, Malcolm Smith and KJ Wright

MLB (1): Bobby Wagner

CB (6): Brandon Browner, Jeremy Lane, Chris Maragos, Byron Maxwell, Marcus Trufant and Richard Sherman

S (4): Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Winston Guy, and Jeron Johnson

ST (3): K Steven Hauschka, P Jon Ryan and LS Clint Gresham

PUP (1): CB Walter Thurmond III

QBs on Roster: Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson, Josh Portis, Russell Wilson 

Projected Starter: Matt Flynn 

Offseason Additions:  Matt Flynn—Free Agent; Russell Wilson—Draft Round 3 (75) 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson, Russell Wilson

Where else did you expect to begin but quarterback?

Perhaps no question in all of Seattle has created more debate since Pete Carroll took over as head coach in early 2010.

Everybody has an opinion on this one, but this decision is arguably the one that will make or break Carroll in Seattle, along with everyone on this list.

Should be interesting to see where things net out, but until they start playing games, the talk at practice is simply unhelpful, as Pete Carroll is forever positive, if not nonsensical.

As for my guess on who wins out?

In order for the 'Hawks to make some noise this year, I'm going with Flynn.

Beyond that, I think everyone somehow manages to stay on the roster...except Josh Portis.

RBs on Roster: Marshawn Lynch, Kregg Lumpkin, Tyrell Sutton, Robert Turbin, Vai Taua, Leon Washington—RB; Michael Robinson—FB

Projected Starters: Marshawn Lynch—RB; Michael Robinson—FB

Offseason Additions: Kregg Lumpkin—Free Agent; Robert Turbin—Draft Round 4 (106)

Roster Cuts: N/A

Projected Final Roster: Marshawn Lynch, Kregg Lumpkin, Robert Turbin, Leon Washington—RB; Michael Robinson—FB

"Beast Mode" is back in Seattle after the team and Marshawn Lynch agreed to terms just prior to the start of the open market in Free Agency. Until just a few weeks ago, this seemed like a win-win for the 'Hawks, but with Lynch's recent DUI charge, questions about his maturity have once again surfaced, even if he did apologize.

To me the two biggest questions regarding what happens on the field are...

Will Lynch miss any playing time as a result of his behavior coupled with past incidents?

Who will carry the ball for the Seahawks if Lynch does miss games?

While the answer to the first question remains a mystery, the answer to the second would appear to be rookie Robert Turbin.

Unfortunately, that's a lot to put on the former Utah State runner's plate, but what we see over the next few weeks could provide some insights as to whether the 'Hawks have "Beast 2.0" or a major problem.  

WRs on Roster: Doug Baldwin, Phil Bates, Deon Butler, Kris Durham, Ricardo Lockette, Charly Martin, Ben Obomanu, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Jermaine Kearse, Lavasier Tuinei, Braylon Edwards 

Projected Starters: Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin, Braylon Edwards 

Offseason Additions: Antoino Bryant, Braylon Edwards—Free Agents; Phil Bates, Lavasier Tuinei—Rookie Free Agents 

Roster Cuts: Mike Williams (7/13) 

Projected Final Roster: Doug Baldwin, Kris Durham, Ricardo Lockette, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Braylon Edwards

Leave it to Pete Carroll to add two more veteran wiedouts in Antonio Bryant and Braylon Edwards after unloading Mike Williams, but is there enough quality in the mix to help the 'Hawks passing game?

In many ways this is shaping up to be the most entertaining competition beyond the quarterback derby, yet I'm not so sure we will end up with any winners here.

Not to mix business with pleasure, but if you had to build a fantasy team from this group today, who would you choose to rely on for an entire season?

Yes, there is a lot of potential here, but potential can be a double-edged sword, and if I had to choose one word to describe this group, I'd opt for hodgepodge.  

One can only hope that wide receivers coach Kippy Brown and the rest of the 'Hawks staff has a keen enough eye to find the true gems within the current mix while not letting anyone go who could come back to haunt the team later.

TEs on Roster: Zach Miller, Kellen Winslow, Cooper Helfet, Cameron Morrah, Anthony McCoy, Sean McGrath 

Projected Starters: Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow 

Offseason Additions: Kellen Winslow—Trade w/ Tampa Bay; Cooper Helfet—Re-Signed Rookie Free Agent; Sean McGrath—Rookie Free Agent
 

Roster Cuts: N/A

Projected Final Roster: Zach Miller, Kellen Winslow, Cameron Morrah

Similar to the wide-receiver situation, in theory the 'Hawks should find what they need here with two former Pro Bowl players on the roster in Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow.

Oddly enough I like the combination and think it can open up the offense, but it would also require that both Miller and Winslow be of sound mind and body.

Beyond them, Cameron Morrah and Anthony McCoy continue to fill out the roster and provide depth, but this year the two might get some competition from undrafted rookies Cooper Helfet and Sean McGrath.

Out of that grouping, assuming that Miller and Winslow are healthy, only one player probably makes the final roster.

OTs on Roster: Russell Okung, Frank Omiyale, Allen Barbre, Alex Barron, Breno Giacomini and Edawn Coughman 

Projected Starters: Russell Okung—LT and Breno Giacomini—RT 

Offseason Additions: Frank Omiyale, Alex Barron, Edawn Coughman—Free Agents

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Russell Okung, Breno Giacomini, Alex Barron, Frank Omiyale

Entering his third year with the Seahawks, left tackle Russell Okung has reached the point where fans are going to expect something more than a pair of fragile feet standing atop a mountain of potential. While it's far too soon to consider Okung a bust, the 'Hawks as a team need the big man to step things up a notch if they plan on making the playoffs.

When healthy he looks to be a force, and with Breno Giacomini on the opposite side, the two bookends can help the offense push forward. 

Beyond them, Alex Barron, a former first-rounder, could find new life in Seattle.

As for the final spots on the roster, veterans Frank Omiyale and Allen Barbre along with second-year man Edawn Coughman could end up end up fighting it out over the next few weeks.

OGs on Roster: Paul Fainaka, Rishaw Johnson, Deuce Lutui, Paul McQuistan, John Moffitt, JR Sweezy
 

Projected Starters: John Moffitt and Paul McQuistan 

Offseason Additions: Deuce Lutui—Free Agent; JR Sweezy—Draft Round 7 (225); Rishaw Johnson—Rookie Free Agent
 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: John Moffitt, Paul McQuistan, Deuce Lutui, & JR Sweezy

In terms of the offensive line, the guard position is arguably the weakest, given the talent available for the Seahawks.

John Moffitt, now in his second year, has had his ups and downs but will be expected to step up; meanwhile, he could be seriously challenged by free-agent signee Deuce Lutui if he's not careful.

As for the left side, Paul McQuistan should end up starting, especially if other options fail to distinguish themselves in camp. 

While some might be curious to see how seventh-round draft pick JR Sweezy performs, I intend to keep a close eye on rookie FA Rishaw Johnson.

OCs on Roster: Max Unger and Lemuel Jeanpierre

Projected Starter: Max Unger

Offseason Additions: N/A

Roster cuts: N/A

Projected Final Roster: Max Unger and Lemuel Jeanpierre

Having signed a contract extension just a few days ago, Max Unger looks to be a lock at center for the Seahawks for the next several years.

Meanwhile, Jeanpierre is a solid backup rotational player that can fill in just in case. 

DEs on Roster: Pierre Allen, Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Dexter Davis, Jason Jones, Bruce Irvin, Cordarro Law, Gregg Scruggs 

Projected Starters: Chris Clemons, Red Bryant 

Offseason Additions: Jason Jones—Free Agent; Bruce Irvin—Draft Round 1 (15); Gregg Scruggs—Draft Round 7 (232) 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Dexter Davis, Jason Jones, Bruce Irvin

The Seahawks front line on defense certainly has questions, but fortunately none involve contracts.

With Red Bryant and most recently Chris Clemons back under contract, the 'Hawks can focus on stuffing the run and, perhaps more importantly this year, chasing the passer, with Clemons getting some help in the forms of free agent Jason Jones and rookie Bruce Irvin.

Obviously all eyes will be on Irvin, the 'Hawks' surprise first-round pick, but I'm curious to see whether Jones has any staying power after coming to the team as a free agent with a "prove it" one-year deal.

DTs on Roster: Alan Branch, Pep Levingston, Clinton McDonald, Brandon Mebane, Jaye Howard   

Projected Starters: Brandon Mebane and Jason Jones 

Offseason Additions: Jaye Howard—Draft Round 4 (114)   

Roster Cuts: N/A   

Projected Final Roster: Alan Branch, Clinton McDonald, Brandon Mebane, Jaye Howard

Jason Jones is officially listed as a defensive end, but depending on how you look at things, he could be in the tackle spot. 

Either way, the 'Hawks front four should generate more excitement this year than last, otherwise it will be a very long year.

One guy to keep an eye on in camp is rookie Jaye Howard, a fourth-rounder out of Florida who could be another patented mid-round steal by general manager John Schneider. 

OLBs on Roster: Leroy Hill, Allen Bradford, Heath Farwell, Kyle Knox, Jameson Konz, Matt McCoy, Mike Morgan, Malcolm Smith, KJ Wright 

Projected Starters: (list projected starting OLBs here) 

Offseason Additions: (list all OLBs added in offseason here) 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Leroy Hill, Heath Farwell, Malcolm Smith, KJ Wright

Quite a few bodies here, but not sure if the 'Hawks have a lot of depth at the end of the day.  Second-year man KJ Wright should stick along with veteran Leroy Hill, but beyond that?

I've said it before, the linebacking position is a major issue this year for the Seahawks, but perhaps someone within the mix will step up.

If not, Seattle may need to consider some other options...

MLBs on Roster: Barrett Ruud, Bobby Wagner, Korey Toomer 

Projected Starter: Bobby Wagner 

Offseason Additions: Barrett Ruud—Free Agent; Bobby Wagner—Draft Round 2 (47); Korey Toomer—Draft Round 5 (154) 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Barrett Ruud, Bobby Wagner, Korey Toomer

Perhaps this is a bit alarmist, but Bobby Wagner is the 'Hawks most important rookie this year, as the linebacking corps essentially needs him to assume command of the middle at some point this season.

I know it sounds crazy, but perhaps more than Russell Wilson, Bruce Irvin and Robert Turbin, Wagner needs to start from day one if Barrett Ruud has nothing left in the tank.

All other rookies should have a small grace period to get their feet wet this season, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Wagner is ready.

CBs on Roster: Brandon Browner, Coye Francies, Jeremy Lane, Roy Lewis, Donny Lisowski, Chris Maragos, Byron Maxwell, Ron Parker, Philip Adams, Marcus Trufant, Richard Sherman 

Projected Starters: Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman 

Offseason Additions: Jeremy Lane—Draft Round 6 (172); Donny Lisowski—Rookie Free Agent 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Brandon Browner, Roy Lewis, Marcus Trufant, & Richard Sherman

This time last year, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman were simply glad to be getting shots at playing in the NFL.

This year both are returning starters who proved they were not only capable players, but key fixtures in what could arguably be one of the league's best secondaries.

Beyond them there are question marks...

Does veteran Marcus Trufant have anything left in the tank?

Is sixth-round pick Jeremy Lane this year's Richard Sherman?

Is Roy Lewis capable of getting serious playing time?

Hopefully the next few weeks will sort out some of these details and more.

Safeties on roster: Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Winston Guy, Jeron Johnson, DeShawn Shead 

Projected starters: Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor 

Offseason additions: Winston Guy—Draft Round 6 (181) 

Roster cuts: N/A 

Projected final roster: Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Winston Guy

When it comes to the Seahawks' final line of defense, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are two Pro Bowlers who now in their third season's should only continue to improve.

But similar to the cornerbacks, the biggest question is whether the depth behind them is capable of filling in when needed.

I'll be keeping an eye firmly planted on sixth-rounder Winston Guy to see whether he has what it takes.

Kicking specialists on roster: K Steven Hauschka, K Carson Wiggs, P Jon Ryan, LS Clint Gresham 

Projected Starters: Steven Hauschka—K; Jon Ryan—P; Clint Gresham—LS 

Offseason Additions: N/A 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Steven Hauschka—K P Jon Ryan—P; Clint Gresham—LS

Everybody here looks to be safe in 2012 based on their performances in 2011, with the possible exception of Wiggs, who continues to hop on and off the roster. 

Returners on Roster: Leon Washington 

Projected Starter: Leon Washington 

Offseason Additions: N/A 

Roster Cuts: N/A 

Projected Final Roster: Leon Washington

While I'm sure we will see more than a few youngsters take cracks at returning kicks, Leon Washington should be the last man standing come the end of camp.

PUPs (2): OT James Carpenter, CB Walter Thurmond III

Currently, this group is small in number, but both players started for a time last season and could provide some important depth when they're healthy.