The Seattle Seahawks hit the practice field on Monday for Week 2 of training camp. Pads will be worn for the first time this offseason and the intensity will undoubtedly be upped as the team nears its preseason opener on Aug. 7.
Based on on-site training camp reports, an unfortunately major injury, and my gut feelings, I think it’s time for another Seahawks 53-man roster projection. As always, whatever the Week 1 regular season roster is has zero chance of being the roster you’ll see throughout the year.
Offense (27)
Quarterback (3): Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe (R)
Cut: N/A
Notes: I’m not changing a damn thing here unless Seattle signs a fourth QB to take up preseason snaps, in which case that fourth QB would go to the cut list.
Running Back (3): Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, Damien Martinez (R)
Cut: DK Kaufman, Jacardia Wright, George Holani
Place on IR: Kenny McIntosh
Notes: Unfortunately, Kenny McIntosh’s suspected ACL tear just changed the equation a bit. Martinez has apparently had some issues as a pass-catcher in training camp and he doesn’t do anything on special teams, two things in McIntosh’s favor. I think the top three at this position is all but set unless Holani does something amazing in preseason. Holani similarly contributes on special teams so he has a chance to still make it as a fourth back.
Fullback (1): Robbie Ouzts (R)
Cut: N/A
Notes: It’s pretty clear that Brady Russell is back in the tight end role, so I declare this competition over. Ouzts has got the job, but Russell doesn’t necessarily lose his.
Wide Receiver (6): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Bobo, Tory Horton (R), Steven Sims
Cut: Ricky White (R), Dareke Young, Cody White, Montorie Foster, Tyrone Broden, John Rhys Plumlee
Notes: I’m leaving White off the team as a practice squad candidate, as much as I’m a fan of his special teams value. This is also really five receivers with Steven Sims slotting in as a return specialist. In fact, I see Horton and Sims are your likely main returners, especially with McIntosh seemingly done for the year. Jake Bobo received much praise from Mike Macdonald on Friday as someone who is integral to their offense as a blocker, and I think run blocking by the receivers will be heavily valued in this offense.
Tight End (3): Elijah Arroyo (R), A.J. Barner, Eric Saubert
Cut: Marshall Lang, Nick Kallerup, Brady Russell
Notes: If Russell gets cut then should be a practice squad stash like he was last year. As much as I love his personality, we don’t need to pretend there’s some unbelievable importance in having a TE4. Noah Fant getting let go made this a lot easier to project.
Offensive Line (11): Charles Cross, Abe Lucas, Josh Jones, Christian Haynes, Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Laumea, Olu Oluwatimi, Jalen Sundell, Michael Jerrell, Grey Zabel (R), Bryce Cabeldue (R)
Cut: Federico Maranges, Amari Kight, Luke Felix-Fualalo, Mason Richman
Notes: I think Bradford could be traded around roster cutdown day if he does not make the team. It should be noted that Bradford has never actually lost the starting job based on performance. I do question whether he’s a schematic fit for John Benton, and you might notice that Jalen Sundell has entered the right guard competition, but for now I think he makes the team. Jones serves as a backup guard and swing tackle, Jerrell avoids getting claimed off waivers, and Richman is the odd man out among the drafted rookie OL.
Defense (23)
Defensive Line (7): Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Johnathan Hankins, DeMarcus Lawrence, Mike Morris, Brandon Pili
Cut: Quinton Bohanna, J.R. Singleton, Bubba Thomas, Anthony Campbell
NFI list: Rylie Mills (R)
Notes: Mills isn’t coming back soon so he’ll remain on the NFI list and miss at least the first four games of the regular season. This is a position where I can see the Seahawks sifting through the waiver wire and free agency after cutdown day is over. The only player I’m unsure about is Mike Morris but Mills’ injury I think has worked out in his favor… for now. Brandon Pili is the extra big body as a natural nose tackle, but he’d also be one of the top candidates for being waived once the Seahawks get their injured players back.
Outside Linebacker (3): Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, Jared Ivey (UDFA, R)
Cut: Seth Coleman, Jalan Gaines, Connor O’Toole, Tyreke Smith
PUP list: Uchenna Nwosu
Notes: We’re sort of splitting hairs here with just three outside linebackers, because DeMarcus Lawrence can function as another edge rusher but he is listed as a defensive end. It doesn’t sound like Uchenna Nwosu is going to be ready to start the season. I know Jared Ivey bombed the combine something fierce but I think he plays better than his testing shows, so he’s my UDFA with a shot to make it through onto the 53 as a bigger edge rusher.
Inside Linebacker (4): Ernest Jones IV, Tyrice Knight, Drake Thomas, Josh Ross
Cut: Patrick O’Connell, Jamie Sheriff, D’Eryk Jackson
Notes: Josh Ross gets in over O’Connell due to his extensive special teams play last season and past ties to Mike Macdonald. I’m hoping D’Eryk Jackson is another UDFA gem who turns into a Seahawks roster player. Sheriff has apparently gotten looks at inside linebacker, which is mildly interesting. There’s really just not a lot of depth here but you already knew that.
Cornerback (5): Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, Shaquill Griffin, Nehemiah Pritchett
Cut: Kam Alexander, Shemar Jean-Charles, Tyler Hall, Isas Waxter, Damarion Williams
Notes: Shaq’s position is a little shaky given he essentially didn’t practice the first week of camp and is away for personal reasons right now. Isas Waxter has made some early noise but I still think the Seahawks didn’t spend all offseason looking for a veteran corner just to have none on the roster. At the moment, Waxter seems to be the most impressive of the “other” corners looking to make the team.
Safety (4): Julian Love, Coby Bryant, D’Anthony Bell, Nick Emmanwori (R)
Cut: Jerrick Reed II, A.J. Finley, Ty Okada
Notes: The only “cut” player I’m unsure of is Okada, if only for special teams reasons, but absent an unbelievable preseason I sense he’ll just get stashed on the practice squad. Two years worth of significant injuries for Jerrick Reed is unfavorable for him and I’m not sure where he fits for playing time over the top three. D’Anthony Bell can be a big nickel/auxiliary linebacker option and he should be a major special teams contributor.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker (1): Jason Myers
Punter (1): Michael Dickson
Long Snapper (1): Chris Stoll
Notes: There is nothing to discuss here.
This projection will change regularly as the weeks pass by and more information is gained! Ideally, the injuries are kept to a minimum and no other camp battles are impacted as a result.