Seattle Seahawks' Way-Too-Early 53-Man Roster and Depth-Chart Prediction
It's May 1, so naturally we're already picking final rosters for NFL teams.
Ridiculous? Maybe a little bit, but it's still fun to speculate as to where some of the Seahawks' new pieces will fit come September.
Before we get into the details, let's recap what the Seahawks did in the 2016 NFL draft. Seattle's picks are as follows:
- Round 1, Pick 26: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
- Round 2, Pick 49: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
- Round 3, Pick 90: C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame
- Round 3, Pick 94: Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
- Round 3, Pick 97: Rees Odhiambo, OG, Boise State
- Round 4, no pick (traded to Chicago to move up in second round)
- Round 5, Pick 147: Quinton Jefferson, DT, Maryland
- Round 5, Pick 171: Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
- Round 6, Pick 215: Joey Hunt, C, TCU
- Round 7, Pick 243: Kenny Lawler, WR, California
- Round 7, Pick 247: Zac Brooks, RB, Clemson
In addition to these 10 picks, Danny Kelly of SB Nation compiled a list on Saturday of known undrafted free agents connected to Seattle. You can look at the list here.
The Seahawks take great pride in finding undrafted steals, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a few of the names on Kelly's list make the practice squad or final roster. In this article, however, we'll focus on constructing a theoretical 53-man roster based on drafted rookies and existing Seahawks players only (all except for one backup quarterback).
Seattle added key pieces along the offensive and defensive fronts, where the team needed the most help, to make another playoff run in 2016. Now, it's all about Seattle's coaching staff making the most out of what it has—something it's been good at doing for years.
Let's get right into what the Seahawks' final 53-man roster might look like come September.
Quarterback
1 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Russell Wilson |
| 2 | Vernon Adams |
Even after the 2016 NFL draft, Russell Wilson was the only quarterback on Seattle's roster. However, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (h/t Dan Viens of 12th Man Rising) reports that Seattle signed former TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin to an undrafted free-agent contract after the draft. Also, former Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams received an invite to the team's rookie minicamp, per Rand Getlin of NFL Network.
The Seahawks have shown little urgency to add backup quarterbacks since the season ended, so it's doubtful the team enters the season with three passers on its final roster. The team would likely rather use the extra roster spot to reinforce an area of greater concern.
Boykin and Adams should have an interesting backup quarterback competition this summer. Adams will compete hard and win the backup quarterback job over Boykin. Adams is physically similar to Wilson and seems like more of a natural fit here than Boykin, although both players are fits on paper. Head coach Pete Carroll will admire Adams' work ethic and tenacity and reward him with the second-string gig.
Running Back
2 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Thomas Rawls |
| 2 | C.J. Prosise |
| 3 | Christine Michael |
| 4 | Alex Collins |
The Seahawks are loaded at the running back position after bolstering the group with three rookies during the draft.
But not all of them make the final roster—at least not as running backs. The Seahawks do keep rookies C.J. Prosise and Alex Collins on the roster, however, which makes for quite a versatile group of players for Wilson to hand the ball off and throw to.
Prosise and Collins add a speedy dynamic to complement Rawls' downhill running style, and reliable veteran backup Christine Michael is always there in a pinch if the team needs him.
Collins will have a stronger offseason than most expect, showing his ability to dart between the tackles with shifty speed and agility. Ball security will determine Collins' roster stock, but with the right coaching and demeanor, Collins can overcome the ghosts of his 17 fumbles (nine of them lost) in college.
It will be interesting to see how the Seahawks incorporate all four running backs into the offensive rotation.
Wide Receiver
3 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Doug Baldwin |
| 2 | Jermaine Kearse |
| 3 | Tyler Lockett |
| 4 | Paul Richardson |
| 5 | Kenny Lawler |
| 6 | Zac Brooks |
This is an exciting position group for the Seahawks. Veteran Doug Baldwin is coming off a record-setting season, Jermaine Kearse is a reliable playmaker, Tyler Lockett should only get better after a great rookie season, and rookie Kenny Lawler infuses the group with exciting potential.
Remember when you read that not all of Seattle's rookie running backs would make the roster at that position? Well, Clemson's Zac Brooks finds a home as the team's sixth wideout after a strong offseason.
Is this a stretch? Absolutely, especially considering the current roster has 12 receivers on it. Brooks will have to beat out more than a few players to make this list, but anything is possible. His versatility would be an intriguing piece in Seattle's exciting offense, but the team has too many other prototypical running backs for Brooks to make the roster as a tailback.
Don't be surprised if Lawler overtakes Richardson as the team's No. 4 receiver. Lockett and Lawler would be an explosive slot receiver duo in four-receiver sets.
Tight End
4 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Jimmy Graham |
| 2 | Luke Willson |
| 3 | Nick Vannett |
| 4 | Cooper Helfet |
The expectations for Seattle's group of tight ends should be quite high this season. Seattle paid a lot to get Graham in a Seahawks uniform, and he should enter the season healthy after a devastating knee injury cut his 2015 season short. A second year in Seattle's system should do wonders for his production, which was lower a season ago than what many expected.
Luke Willson should enter the season as the No. 2 tight end based on seniority, but don't be surprised if rookie Nick Vannett out of Ohio State challenges Willson for that spot early on. Vannett is a blocking tight end with upside as a pass-catcher, as his five touchdowns in his junior season indicates.
The combination of Graham, Willson and Vannett give the Seahawks added versatility in disguising their offensive formations, which should increase the effectiveness of play action in 2016.
Offensive Line
5 of 13
| Depth Chart | Position | Player |
| 1 | OT | Garry Gilliam |
| 1 | OT | Germain Ifedi |
| 1 | OG | Justin Britt |
| 1 | OG | Mark Glowinski |
| 1 | C | Patrick Lewis |
| 2 | OT | Bradley Sowell |
| 3 | OT | J'Marcus Webb |
| 2 | OG | Rees Odhiambo |
| 2 | C | Drew Nowak |
Offensive line was the Seahawks' biggest need entering the draft, and Seattle did well to improve it after drafting tackle Germain Ifedi, guard Rees Odhiambo and center Joey Hunt.
Ifedi (6'6", 324 lbs) has the overall size and length to play right tackle, where he should end up playing along Seattle's front five. Although Ifedi could switch inside to guard, it would make more sense to put him at tackle. Free-agent addition J'Marcus Webb has never been an exceptional player, and the best way for Ifedi to learn the NFL game is by playing right away.
First-round picks are high investments and are many times expected to start in their first year. Given the way Seattle's O-line struggled a season ago, Ifedi shouldn't be an exception here. Expect him to be a starter from the get-go.
At left tackle, Garry Gilliam should get the start after showing promise at right tackle a season ago. He is familiar with the system and deserves the first shot at playing left tackle in 2016 based on seniority.
Webb and fellow free-agent addition Bradley Sowell are expected to be the backups at tackle. Webb was mediocre at best last season with the Oakland Raiders, and Sowell hasn't started a game since 2013. He had played in every game since then with the Arizona Cardinals but with zero starts. Sowell does have NFL experience, but we have yet to see how he fits into Seattle's scheme.
Odhiambo should make the roster as a backup guard, so long as he is healthy at the start of the season. Odhiambo never played a full season at Boise State but has the athleticism to make the 53-man roster. With a strong offseason, he could see rotational time in the starting lineup.
Starting at guard will be incumbents Justin Britt and Mark Glowinski, based again on seniority.
At center, Patrick Lewis will likely get the starting nod after playing decently a season ago. Who might back him up, though? Most likely, Drew Nowak. Even though the team drafted TCU center Joey Hunt, it would take an outstanding offseason showing for Hunt, a sixth-round pick, to earn the No. 2 or starting center job.
Instead, look for Hunt and former San Diego State offensive tackle Terry Poole to find spots on the practice squad as emergency reserves. Depth was a real issue along Seattle's front five a season ago, and if nothing else, the Seahawks will have better offensive line depth this season than they did in 2015.
Defensive End
6 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Michael Bennett |
| 2 | Cliff Avril |
| 3 | Frank Clark |
| 4 | Chris Clemons |
The Seahawks' group of defensive ends is stout, although it's aging. Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Chris Clemons have 30 years of combined NFL experience, while Frank Clark is entering his second year as a pro after showing flashes of serious promise in 2015.
Clark, Avril and Bennett combined for 22 sacks last season, and Clemons posted three a year ago in Jacksonville. Together, they should form a potent rotational combination to get after the quarterback.
Clemons should have better production than a year ago since he's returning to a coaching staff and environment he's familiar with.
Much of Seattle's pass rush will depend on getting pressure from the inside of the defensive line, which we'll talk more about on the next slide.
Defensive Tackle
7 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Ahtyba Rubin |
| 2 | Jarran Reed |
| 3 | Sealver Siliga |
| 4 | Quinton Jefferson |
When Seattle wasn't beefing up its offensive line in the draft, it was addressing its defensive interior. The Seahawks selected Alabama's Jarran Reed in the second round and Maryland's Quinton Jefferson in the fifth.
Both rookies should make the final 53-man roster.
At Alabama, Reed was a powerhouse between the tackles. Although his stats don't blow you away (56 tackles, 6.5 for loss and a single sack in 2015), his talent and presence on the defensive line do. Pass rushing is not Reed's forte, but his imposing presence should create opportunities for his teammates to get after opposing quarterbacks in 2016.
Jefferson figures to be a rotational player in obvious passing situations, much like how he was used at Maryland. His best quality is his lateral agility to get around offensive linemen and reach the quarterback. Reed and Jefferson's play styles are nearly exact opposites and should complement each other well.
Meanwhile, veterans Ahtyba Rubin and Sealver Siliga provide additional anchoring power, as the two D-linemen combine for more than 650 pounds of interior defensive beef. The defensive line should be a strong point next season.
Outside Linebacker
8 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | K.J. Wright |
| 2 | Mike Morgan |
| 3 | Kevin Pierre-Louis |
| 4 | Eric Pinkins |
For the first time in a long time, the Seahawks' group of outside linebackers won't be widely considered an elite group.
Seattle didn't draft a single outside linebacker over the weekend, despite losing Bruce Irvin in free agency. K.J. Wright and Mike Morgan are bright spots, but the depth behind them is questionable in Kevin Pierre-Louis and Eric Pinkins.
Pierre-Louis played a rotational role in 14 games last season (one start), totaling 18 tackles and one pass defense. Pinkins was drafted out of San Diego State in 2014 as a defensive back and only saw playing time in six games last season (with two tackles). At 6'3", 230 pounds, it's hard to consider him a linebacker.
Health will be of the utmost importance if this group is to be effective next season. The lack of depth here, and at inside linebacker, is a real concern.
Inside Linebacker
9 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Bobby Wagner |
| 2 | Brock Coyle |
| 3 | N/A |
| 4 | N/A |
Bobby Wagner is an absolute stud at middle linebacker for Seattle. But can Wagner carry this position's load all season? This theory will be tested due to a lack of depth at inside linebacker for Seattle.
Wagner's backup, Brock Coyle, played in eight games last season and registered only six tackles. At the moment, he's technically the team's only inside linebacker behind Wagner. Although some of Seattle's outside 'backers can rotate inside on occasion, this is a fragile position group.
Cornerback
10 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Richard Sherman |
| 2 | Jeremy Lane |
| 3 | DeShawn Shead |
| 4 | Brandon Browner |
The Seahawks are in good shape throughout their secondary, especially at the cornerback position.
Seattle retained Jeremy Lane in free agency and welcomed back Brandon Browner during the offseason to join Richard Sherman and DeShawn Shead in a talented cornerback group.
Forget that Browner was, frankly, awful a season ago as a member of the New Orleans Saints. In returning to Seattle, he rejoins a coaching staff and system he enjoyed success in for years.
Browner has aged a bit since leaving Seattle after the 2013 season, but the rest of the secondary is talented enough to make up for any physical deficiencies he might show.
Armed with a new four-year, $23 million deal, Lane will be surrounded by high expectations entering the 2016 season. And there's no reason to believe he won't live up to them.
Safety
11 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| 1 | Earl Thomas |
| 2 | Kam Chancellor |
| 3 | Steven Terrell |
| 4 | Kelcie McCray |
The 12th Man can and should continue arguing that Seattle's combination of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor is the best safety duo in the NFL.
The starters are obviously set, but what about the backups? When Chancellor went down with an injury last season, Kelcie McCray started three games and saw some success. McCray totaled 37 tackles last season and actually saw playing time in all 16 games.
Steven Terrell remains a mystery as a defensive back. He has been on and off the practice squad and only saw special teams duties in the postseason. Hopefully, Terrell can prove himself in the preseason so that the Seahawks know exactly who they have backing up Thomas.
Special Teams
12 of 13
| Depth Chart | Player |
| Kicker | Steven Hauschka |
| Punter | Jon Ryan |
| Kick Returner | Tyler Lockett |
| Punt Returner | Tyler Lockett |
The Seahawks are fortunate not only to have one of the league's most consistent kicker/punter combos in Steven Hauschka and Jon Ryan but the NFL's newest sizzling kick and punt returner as well in Tyler Lockett.
Seattle had the 10th-best starting field position after kickoffs last season, according to Football Outsiders. That stat should, in theory, only get better as Lockett becomes a more polished NFL talent.
Meanwhile, Ryan downed 24 punts inside the 20-yard line last season, and Hauschka made 93.5 percent of his 31 attempted field goals. Seattle's special teams unit is indeed special.
53-Man Roster
13 of 13
Here is the projected 53-man roster:
| Player | Position | |
| 1 | Russell Wilson | QB |
| 2 | Vernon Adams | QB |
| 3 | Thomas Rawls | RB |
| 4 | C.J. Prosise | RB |
| 5 | Christine Michael | RB |
| 6 | Alex Collins | RB |
| 7 | Doug Baldwin | WR |
| 8 | Jermaine Kearse | WR |
| 9 | Tyler Lockett | WR |
| 10 | Paul Richardson | WR |
| 11 | Kenny Lawler | WR |
| 12 | Zac Brooks | WR |
| 13 | Jimmy Graham | TE |
| 14 | Luke Willson | TE |
| 15 | Nick Vannett | TE |
| 16 | Cooper Helfet | TE |
| 17 | Garry Gilliam | OT |
| 18 | Germain Ifedi | OT |
| 19 | Bradley Sowell | OT |
| 20 | J'Marcus Webb | OT |
| 21 | Justin Britt | OG |
| 22 | Mark Glowinski | OG |
| 23 | Rees Odhiambo | OG |
| 24 | Patrick Lewis | C |
| 25 | Drew Nowak | C |
| 26 | Michael Bennett | DE |
| 27 | Cliff Avril | DE |
| 28 | Frank Clark | DE |
| 29 | Chris Clemons | DE |
| 30 | Ahtyba Rubin | DT |
| 31 | Jarran Reed | DT |
| 32 | Sealver Siliga | DT |
| 33 | Quinton Jefferson | DT |
| 34 | K.J. Wright | OLB |
| 35 | Mike Morgan | OLB |
| 36 | Kevin Pierre-Louis | OLB |
| 37 | Eric Pinkins | OLB |
| 38 | Bobby Wagner | ILB |
| 39 | Brock Coyle | ILB |
| 40 | Richard Sherman | CB |
| 41 | Jeremy Lane | CB |
| 42 | DeShawn Shead | CB |
| 43 | Brandon Browner | CB |
| 44 | Tharold Simon | CB |
| 45 | Earl Thomas | FS |
| 46 | Kam Chancellor | SS |
| 47 | Steven Terrell | FS |
| 48 | Kelcie McCray | SS |
| 49 | Steven Hauschka | K |
| 50 | Jon Ryan | P |
| 51 | Kevin Smith | KR |
| 52 | Cameron Marshall | PR |
| 53 | Drew Ferris | LS |
.jpg?w=480 "Rams Eagles Football")
.jpg?w=480 "STEELERS-RODGERS")
