2015 Offseason Outlook: DBs

Key Returning Players:

• Richard Sherman, CB
• Jeremy Lane, CB (PUP?)
• Tharold Simon, CB
• Marcus Burley, CB
• Kam Chancellor, SS
• Earl Thomas, FS
• Deshawn Shead, FS/CB

Key Free Agents:

• Byron Maxwell, CB (UFA)
• Jeron Johnson, SS (UFA)

Aside from WR, CB is the biggest "need" position for the Seahawks.  Maxwell will be gone in free agency and Lane will most likely miss at least half of the season recovering from ACL surgery.  Simon struggled and Burley is more of a slot corner.  Don't forget that Sherman, Chancellor, and Thomas were all injured in the playoffs.  As of now it seems that only Earl will miss time in training camp, but he should be ready for the season opener.  All of this means that Seattle needs to make it a priority to find more LOB members.  

Shead can play CB in a pinch, but he's more of a safety.  Dion Bailey and Eric Pinkins are two young players that will be vying for the backup SS position.  Pinkins will be interesting to watch on the field as they originally drafted him for a move to CB.  That plan was scrapped shortly after watching him in practice.  He is a physical specimen however, at 6'3" 220lbs.  Whoever wins the SS backup position will be counted on to play a role on special teams.  SEA will also be looking for a new gunner on the punt team to take Lane's role on the outside while he recovers.

One move in free agency I could see the Seahawks making is to bring back Walter Thurmond.  He didn't play last season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle and is injury prone, but he knows the system well.  He's also one strike away from a year suspension which should lower his price.  SEA can't rely on him to be healthy the whole season, but he can play both inside/outside and would be able to help any new CBs learn the system.  Speaking of new CBs, expect the Seahawks to draft 2 of them.  These will most likely be 1 pure outside corner and 1 inside/outside hybrid.  I'm sure they'll try to bring in more CBs and safeties as UDFA as well.  The more bodies they can bring in and see play, the better chance they have of finding another gem.  The Seahawks have a reputation of being able to develop DBs and this year will be a true test of their skills in that regard.