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 5th 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 3rd 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
