Seattle Seahawks 53-man projected roster

The Seattle Seahawks finished their preseason last night with a win over the Oakland Raiders, ending the exhibition slate with a 3-1 record.

The majority of Seattle’s starters only saw a few reps last night, giving players ‘on the bubble’ to impress in their final chance to show that they deserve to be on the final roster.

The Seahawks must announce their 53-man roster by 4pm (9pm UK).

Here is my final projection of who makes the team:

QUARTERBACK (2): Russell Wilson, Trevone Boykin

Boykin struggled last night against the Raiders, but has had a strong preseason. His abilities to make plays when the pocket collapses with his feet and legs have impressed Pete Carroll to give him the clear advantage over the other backup QB contender, Jake Heaps. Heaps has been quietly impressive, but Boykin’s similarities to Russell Wilson has given him the nod over Heaps. However, with last year’s backup Tarvaris Jackson still a free agent, don’t be surprised if he makes the roster with Boykin going the practice squad.

RUNNING BACK (4): Thomas Rawls, Christine Michael, C.J. Prosise, Troymaine Pope

My first bold prediction, undrafted rookie Troymaine Pope makes the roster ahead of 5^th round draft pick Alex Collins. Pope has been a stand-out this pre-season making big play in each of the four games. Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael will share reps at RB1, with C.J. Prosise assigned to the 3^rd down role, similar to which Fred Jackson had last season.

FULLBACK: Will Tukuafu

No other competition.

WIDE RECEIVER (5): Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Tyler Lockett, Paul Richardson, Tanner McEvoy

I have changed my mind approximately 24 times with this category. I have decided on Tanner McEvoy making the final roster ahead of Kenny Lawler, Kasen Williams and Douglas McNeil. McEvoy offers versatility playing as a wide receiver and tight end. Expect Lawler and Williams to make the practice squad if they clear the waivers. If Paul Richardson stays healthy, this could be the best group of Seattle WR’s that we have seen in the Pete Carroll era.

TIGHT END (4): Jimmy Graham, Luke Willson, Nick Vannett, Brandon Williams

Jimmy Graham probably will not be ready for Week 1 and rookie Nick Vannett is also questionable. Brandon Williams has impressed as a pass-catcher and run-blocker this pre-season. Luke Willson will start in Graham’s absence.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Bradley Sowell, Mark Glowinski, Justin Britt, Germain Ifedi, Garry Gilliam, J’Marcus Webb, Joey Hunt, Jahri Evans, Rees Odhiambo

It looks like the Seahawks have finally settled on the starting 5, with Gilliam starting at RT ahead of Webb. Jahri Evans experience provides insurance needed for rookie Germain Ifedi and first year starter Mark Glowinski. The inside combination of Glowisnki, Britt and Ifedi has been a pleasant surprise.

DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Ahtyba Rubin, Jarran Reed, Frank Clark, Cassius Marsh, Tony McDaniel, Jordan Hill, Quinton Jefferson

Tony McDaniel and Quinton Jefferson have played themselves onto this squad. Frank Clark will see much more snaps this year, backing up Bennett and Avril. Cassius Marsh may play OLB in some formations.

LINEBACKER (7): Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, Mike Morgan, Kevin Pierre-Louis, Brock Coyle, Eric Pinkins, Kache Palacio

Mike Morgan has won the battle at SAM linebacker, beating out Pinkins and Cassius Marsh. KPL and Coyle will back up Wright and Wagner. Palacio is my surprise pick to make the team after impressing against the Raiders.

CORNERBACK (5): Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane, DeShawn Shead, Marcus Burley, Tharold Simon

It looks like DeShawn Shead will start at RCB with Jeremy Lane playing inside. Burley will play and nickle and dime packages. Tharold Simon and Tye Smith could both make the roster. Simon will back-up Sherman whilst Tye Smith will most likely be on the practice squad.

SAFETY (4): Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Kelcie McCray, Keenan Lambert

The first three are pretty obvious at this point. The fourth safety could go to Keenan Lambert, Steve Terrell or Tyvis Powell. I think Lambert will get the nod due to his ability on special teams. Also, being Kam Chancellor’s half-brother helps!

SPECIALISTS (3): Steven Hauschka, Jon Ryan, Nolan Frese