Seattle Seahawks' way-too-early 53-man roster projection
Predicting what Seattle’s 53-man roster may look like come the 2023 NFL season.
In the wake of the NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks addressed key roster holes in the team's quest to be better than it was last season.
With that, it is time to take a look at the way-too-early 53-man roster projection. This is merely an exercise. It isn't the end all be all. And given the events that transpire at training camp, these positions could look completely different come Week 1 of the NFL season. But for now, let's at least try and get down to who would be on the 53-man roster.
Enter line. Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2023 undrafted free agents.
Quarterback (2)
Starters: Geno Smith
Backups: Drew Lock
The Skinny: There is no question, heading into training camp Geno Smith is the de facto No. 1 guy. His extension guarantees that Seattle believes in him, at least for the time being. And with him returning as the starter, there is continuity in the offense that makes a legitimate difference as the Seahawks try to build on a 9-8 season and surprise playoff performance.
Running back (4)
Starters: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet*
Backups: DeeJay Dallas, Kenny McIntosh*
The Skinny: While the Seahawks should feel good about Walker, who finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting last season, leading their backfield moving forward, the team suffered significant losses in free agency with Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer departing. The organization answered that difficulty by drafting Charbonnet and McIntosh. The running back position is deep. Expect Seattle to use its backs often.
Receiver (6)
Starters: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba*
Backups: Dareke Young, Dee Eskridge, Cade Johnson.
The Skinny: With Metcalf and Lockett are each under contract through 2025. Jaxon Smith-Njigba will walk in and be the de facto No. 3 wide receiver operating out of the slot in Seattle's offense. The receiver room has an impressive cast of characters that are poised for a big year.
Tight ends (2)
Starters: Will Dissly
Backup: Noah Fant
The Skinny: In the short term, the Seahawks appear to be set at tight end with the entire talented, diverse ensemble of characters returning from 2022.
Offensive line (10)
Starters: LT Charles Cross, LG Damien Lewis, C Evan Brown, RG Phil Haynes, RT Abraham Lucas
Backups: OT Stone Forsythe, OT Jake Curhan, OG Anthony Bradford*, C Olu Oluwatimi*, OT Greg Eiland
The Skinny: After using two high draft picks on Cross and Lucas to land day-one starters at the tackle positions last April, the Seahawks shouldn't have to worry about addressing that position anytime soon. They added depth throughout the draft and overall should feel solid about the offensive line moving forward.
Defensive tackles (6)
Starters: Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed, Myles Adams
Backups: Bryan Mone (PUP), Cameron Young*, Mike Morris*
The Skinny: Seattle invested in its defensive tackles with Yong and Morris on Day 3 of the draft. Young is a potential starting nose tackle, while Morris is more of a rotational “big end” in Seattle’s 3-4 base front.
Outside linebacker (7)
Starters: Uchenna Nwosu, Darrell Taylor
Backups: Boye Mafe, Derick Hall*, Alton Robinson, Tyreke Smith, Chris Garrett,
The Skinny: Nwosu had a career year with 9.5 sacks last season. Taylor has 16 sacks in two years since missing his rookie season due to injury. They’re only 26 years old. Mafe, a second-round pick in 2022, had three sacks last season. Seattle should feel optimistic about its group of outside linebackers.
Inside linebacker (5)
Starters: Bobby Wagner, Devin Bush Jr., Jordyn Brooks (PUP)
Backups: Jon Rhattigan, Nick Bellore
The Skinny: Seattle's inside linebackers don't look too impressive. But the draft wasn't full of great inside linebackers, so the minuscule improvements come as no surprise. Wagner turns 33 in June and Bush is on a prove-it deal. This group has a lot to prove if the defense wants to take any steps forward.
Cornerback (5)
Starters: Tariq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon*, Coby Bryant (nickel)
Backups: Tre Brown, Isaiah Dunn
The Skinny: The top four here — Woolen, Jackson, Witherspoon, and Brown — have a lot of potential. It is up to that group to figure out how they produce.
Safety (4)
Starters: Quandre Diggs, Jamal Adams, Julian Love
Backups: Jerrick Reed II*
The Skinny: Between Diggs, Adams, and Love, Seattle is committing more than $40 million in salary to the safety position. Hence the organization used a later pick on Reed. Expect the $40 million safety group to see a lot of action together.
Specialists (2)
Kicker: Jason Myers
Punter: Michael Dickson
The Skinny: The specialists remain relatively unchanged. Seattle signed Penn State long snapper Chris Stoll as a rookie free agent. We will see if he makes the final roster.
