Final 2014 53-man Roster Prediction

Well, it's time for me to make my predictions for the final roster that will surely come true (pshaw, and monkeys might fly out of my butt!).  I'll preface this by saying that I think there will be some waiver wire pickups or trades to complete the final roster.  Therefore, I may cheat by putting in a placeholder spot.  I'll explain a few variations that I feel are possible at the end, but let's get this show on the road.

QB (2):

• Russell Wilson
• Tarvaris Jackson

This one is set in stone.  Terrelle is already reportedly being released.  I think BJ Daniels is a great candidate for the practice squad, however I wouldn't be surprised if another team picks him up.

RB/FB (4):

• Marshawn Lynch
• Robert Turbin
• Christine Michael
• Derrick Coleman

Kiero Small is the other player being released so far according to media reports.  I think SEA will save a roster spot here unless C-Mike's hamstring injury is significant.  Coleman can also double as a running back in a pinch.  I like either Bronson or Ware for the practice squad.

WR (6):

• Percy Harvin
• Doug Baldwin
• Jermaine Kearse
• Paul Richardson
• Kevin Norwood
• Ricardo Lockette

The biggest question here is the health of Norwood.  I think he's too valuable to try and stash on IR  if he can actually contribute this year.  If they choose the IR route, then Walters may make the squad.  Bates could spend another year on the PS with the new eligibility and may be good to keep around in case of injuries.

TE (3):

• Zach Miller
• Luke Willson
• *Waiver Wire/Trade Pickup*

The first two spots are set, but the third is up for debate.  I think there will be names available that are more talented than Helfet, plus he has an injury.  Presley and Allen are candidates for the PS.

OL (9):

• Russell Okung
• James Carpenter
• Max Unger
• JR Sweezy
• Justin Britt
• Alvin Bailey
• Lemuel JeanPierre
• Gary Gilliam
• Caylin Hauptmann

Here's the first minor surprise.  I think SEA eschews Winston in favor of Gilliam because of the positional diversity proven by Bailey.  Hauptmann seems to be first in line as a backup guard.  Gilliam would a PS candidate, but I don't think SEA would risk the waiver wire after the Bowie debacle.

DL (9):

• Michael Bennett
• Cliff Avril
• Brandon Mebane
• Tony McDaniel
• Kevin Williams
• O'Brien Schofield
• Jordan Hill
• Greg Scruggs
• Cassius Marsh

Mayowa was clearly outplayed by Schofield in the preseason and would be a PS candidate.  However, I wouldn't be surprised if a team like JAX picks him up.

LB (8):

• Bobby Wagner
• KJ Wright
• Malcolm Smith
• Bruce Irvin
• Brock Coyle
• Mike Morgan
• Kevin Pierre Louis
• Korey Toomer

Second mini surprise with SEA keeping 8 linebackers.  Morgan can step in at LEO and is a core special teamer.  Toomer flashed to me the other night and seemingly could play LEO as well.  He played both SAM and WILL against OAK which is good versatility.  The main question here is the health of KPL.  He could be an IR candidate for a red-shirt year...

CB (5):

• Richard Sherman
• Byron Maxwell
• Jeremy Lane
• Tharold Simon
• *Waiver Wire/Trade Pickup*

The only question is the 5th spot.  I don't think Auguste nor Adams really warrants that spot, but I could see Auguste as a PS candidate.  Additionally, Shead played a lot of CB against OAK and could be an option to save another roster spot.

S (4):

• Earl Thomas
• Kam Chancellor
• Jeron Johnson
• Deshawn Shead

Easy choices here.  I think Terrance Parks deserves a spot on the PS too,

ST (3):

• Steven Hauschka
• Jon Ryan
• Clint Gresham

No questions about these guys.

So, that's my attempt at the final roster.  As I mentioned, I wouldn't be surprised if a few variations happened, such as sending KPL to IR.  That would open up a spot that could be filled by an extra OL like Winston.  I'm sure this will be wrong, but oh well.  Go Hawks!