The Seattle Seahawks are riding high as reigning champions of the NFC and the National Football League after winning the Super Bowl. That has placed them under the microscope, as the team has Hard Knocks cameras in their building for training camp.

Hard Knocks has given an inside look into Sam Darnold and the defense; there are early rumblings of a Deebo Samuel-like weapon emerging, and the Hawks have already had to cut some players. So how does the roster project after a busy first week? We asked Grok to help.

Projected/simulated Seattle Seahawks 53-man roster and starting lineup after Week 1 of 2026 training camp

PUP/NFI/IR players generally do not count against the 53 until activated. Projections prioritize continuity from the Super Bowl-winning group, first-round/early-round investment, special-teams value, and early camp reports (Price/Holani sharing work; starters holding; limited drama at most spots).

Projected 53-Man Roster

Offense (~25)

• QB (3): Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe
• RB (3): Jadarian Price, George Holani, Emanuel Wilson (Charbonnet on PUP; McIntosh waived)
• FB (2): Robbie Ouzts, Brady Russell
• WR (5): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed, Tory Horton, Jake Bobo (depth/special teams candidates like Irvin Charles, Cody White, or rookies on the bubble or practice squad track)
• TE (3–4): AJ Barner, Elijah Arroyo, Eric Saubert (Nick Vannett as possible 4th/depth)
• OL (9–10): Charles Cross (LT), Grey Zabel (LG), Jalen Sundell (C), Anthony Bradford (RG), Abraham Lucas (RT), Josh Jones, Olu Oluwatimi, Beau Stephens, Christian Haynes, Mason Richman (Bobby Hart or others as waiver-exempt depth options)

Defense (~25)

• DL/Interior (6): Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Jarran Reed, Brandon Pili, Rylie Mills, Mike Morris (rookies/UDFA like Deven Eastern or Uso Seumalo competing for practice squad)
• EDGE/OLB (5): Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler Jr., Jared Ivey (others like Jamie Sheriff or recent signees on the bubble)
• ILB (4): Ernest Jones IV, Drake Thomas, Tyrice Knight, Chazz Surratt
• CB (4–5): Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, Nehemiah Pritchett, Julian Neal (Noah Igbinoghene or others as possible waiver-exempt depth)
• S (4–5): Julian Love, Ty Okada, Bud Clark, Rodney Thomas II (or D’Anthony Bell); Nick Emmanwori (PUP, versatile nickel/safety role expected when healthy)

Special Teams (3): Jason Myers (K), Michael Dickson (P), Chris Stoll (LS)

Total lands near 53 with flexibility for 1–2 more/less at WR/TE/OL/DB based on camp performance, injuries, and waiver claims. Recent camp signings (e.g., Harden, Washington, Nelson, Lampe, Vaughn) are mostly depth/practice-squad candidates at this stage.

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Projected Starting Lineup (after Week 1 of camp)

Offense (11 personnel lean)

• QB: Sam Darnold
• RB: Jadarian Price (early-down lead; committee with Holani on third downs/two-minute; Wilson depth)
• WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed (Tory Horton rotating heavily)
• TE: AJ Barner (Arroyo as key secondary option)
• OL: LT Charles Cross, LG Grey Zabel, C Jalen Sundell, RG Anthony Bradford, RT Abraham Lucas

Defense (base 3-4 / multiple)

• DL: Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Jarran Reed (Mills/Morris/Pili in rotation)
• OLB: DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu (Hall/Fowler/Ivey rotating)
• ILB: Ernest Jones IV, Drake Thomas
• CB: Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe (Pritchett/Neal as primary backups/nickel options)
• S: Julian Love, Ty Okada (Bud Clark competing; Emmanwori as versatile piece when activated)

Special Teams starters: Myers, Dickson, Stoll (Shaheed/Horton primary return roles).

Key Notes from Early Camp Context

• Running back is the biggest open competition (Price has impressed with explosiveness and receiving work; Holani shares first-team snaps). Charbonnet’s PUP timeline points to mid-to-late October return.
• Offensive line starters are holding firm (Bradford retaining RG over Stephens so far).
• Defense shows strong continuity and pass-rush depth; secondary competition centers on the second safety (Okada leading early) and third corner.
• Limited major injury news beyond known PUP cases in the first week-plus. Hard Knocks and practice reports highlight physicality, JSN’s star status, and Price’s early flashes.

This is a simulation—actual decisions will depend on the remaining practices, preseason games (vs. Cowboys, at Titans, at Chiefs), health, and final evaluations before the Aug. 30 deadline