Seattle Seahawks: Potential Roster Moves Following Initial Roster Reduction

The Seattle Seahawks have managed to upgrade their roster in most areas in 2011, but there is still room for improvement in several areas on their 53-man roster.

A new injury to Robert Gallery, particularly when viewed in light of his injury history in recent years, creates concerns for the depth of this offensive line.  Their reserve interior linemen are sorely inexperienced and an upgrade would be warranted.

Seattle also has a concern at the fullback position.  While Michael Robinson adds value in several areas, he does not offer Seattle the hole-opener in the run game the team desperately needs.  Seattle gave the offensive line and Robinson numerous opportunities in short yardage during the preseason and the results were underwhelming.

The defensive line has certainly improved from the 2010 season by virtue of better depth.  The injury to Jimmy Wilkerson will hurt though. 

Colin Cole’s health likely impacted the decision to release him, not to mention a bloated salary.  Seattle could use reserve upgrades at nose tackle and a bigger defensive end.

Injury concerns are also hitting the linebacker corps again.  David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill are marginally hobbled, leading to the team keeping seven linebackers.  While the unit offers good depth, it is possible they could upgrade Matt McCoy with a middle or strong-side linebacker.

Based on initial roster cuts, the following players could be receiving calls from the Seahawks front office:

Interior Offensive Line: Improved Depth

C Andre Gurode, Dallas Cowboys: Gurode has visited Seattle, Chicago and New England.  He would be a vital addition, bringing talent and experience to the Seahawks offensive line.  He could step in and cover Gallery's absence and start at right guard when Gallery returns.

C Geoff Hangartner, Buffalo Bills 6’5”, 295 lbs: Hangartner lost his starting job this season after starting 36 games over the past three seasons.  The six-year veteran would be a decent depth option.

Fullback: Upgrade at the Starting Position

FB Lousaka Polite, Miami Dolphins, 6’0”, 245 lbs: Polite has been a steady contributor, starting 24 games over the last three seasons.  He has become very dependable in short-yardage situations.

FB Chris Gronkowski, Dallas Cowboys, 6’2”, 246 lbs: Gronkowski had just five carries and seven receptions as a starter in his rookie year.  He was a serviceable blocker, though and has the size to bore holes behind the Seahawks offensive line.

Linebacker: Depth for Middle and Strong Side Positions

MLB Tavares Gooden, Baltimore Ravens: Gooden is a three year veteran that has been used sparingly by the Ravens.  He would make a decent backup for Hawthorne, providing a veteran presence for K.J. Wright. 

SLB Heath Farwell, Minnesota Vikings: Farwell has been a valued backup linebacker for the Vikings.  If Leroy Hill misses time, he would provide some veteran help for Malcolm Smith.

Defensive Line: Depth and Versatility

DE/DT Igor Olshansky, Dallas Cowboys 6’6”, 309 lbs: Olshansky is a seven-year veteran with 98 career starts.  He lost his right defensive end starting position and his roster spot.  He can provide depth for Red Bryant and the interior of the defensive line.

DE  Larry Hart, Jacksonville Jaguars: 6’0”, 248 lbs.  Hart played sparingly last season and lacks the bulk to fill in as a run-stopper along the vein of Red Bryant.

Place Kicker: Upgrade in Talent and Character

K Shayne Graham, Dallas Cowboys: A career 86 percent field goal kicker, Graham has hit 80 percent of his kicks between 40-49 yards (51 of 64) and 50 percent of his tries from 50+ (7 of 14). 

Jeff Reed has similar numbers above 50 yards (8 of 15), but has hit just 61 percent of his attempts from 40-49 yards (43 of 65). 

What Graham does lack is a proliferation of Internet pictures revealing deep character flaws...and nipples.