2015 Offseason Outlook: Specialists

Key Returning Players:

• Steven Hauschka, K
• Jon Ryan, P

Key Free Agents:

• Clint Gresham, LS (UFA)

Last season, the special teams units took a rather large step back from 2013.  Most of this was due to replacement players resulting from the high amount of injuries the team faced.  The kicking and punting games themselves were pretty solid in 2014, a few Jon Ryan drops and the AZ missed FG debacle notwithstanding.  It was the coverage and return units that struggled.  These units will most likely be losing Jeron Johnson as well, another special teams mainstay.  

Seattle will need to find a new PR/KR since P-Rich tore his ACL and Brian Walters will most likely not be with the team next season (at least this is my hope).  I expect them to draft a WR with PR/KR capabilities, or possibly another RB who can do the same.  Gresham has been a very reliable LS for the team and I could see them resigning him for a few years at a minimum salary.  If that doesn't happen, they'll find someone else to take his place.  Most of the new draft picks on this team will make a name for themselves on special teams.  The units will also be getting Derrick Coleman, Kevin Pierre-Louis, and Cassius Marsh back.  All of these guys played on multiple coverage and return teams last season.  Expect better things from these units in 2015.

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.

2015 Offseason Outlook: LBs

Key Returning Players:

• Bobby Wagner, MIKE
• KJ Wright, WILL
• Bruce Irvin, SAM/LEO
• Brock Coyle, MIKE
• Kevin Pierre-Louis, WILL

Key Free Agents:

• Malcolm Smith, WILL (UFA)
• Mike Morgan, SAM/WILL (RFA)

This group should be pretty easy to cover.  Smith will move on, but he didn't really do much this year anyway and KPL will take his spot.  The Seahawks will tender Morgan and keep him around for another year.  He's a core special teamer and can play all of the LB positions.  

Wagner will get a long term deal this year and is one of the best MLB in the league.  KJ just got his new deal and is a very long, instinctual 'backer.  Irvin is really starting to show up as a playmaker and should get a new deal with the Seahawks when his contract is up.  Coyle played well on special teams and is young/cheap.

I don't think the Seahawks will use a pick at one of the true LB positions unless its a late round flier.  They will most likely add a few as UDFA and see if they can make the team.  Morgan will need to be replaced next year, but that's not a huge need for this season.

2015 Offseason Outlook: DL

Key Returning Players:

• Michael Bennett, DE/DT
• Cliff Avril, DE
• Brandon Mebane, DT
• Tony McDaniel, DT
• Jordan Hill, DT
• Cassius Marsh, DE/DT

Key Free Agents:

• O'Brien Schofield, DE (UFA)
• Kevin Williams, DT (UFA)

The defensive line is an interesting group.  This was probably the most banged-up group on the Seahawks this season and they still performed pretty well.  Jordan Hill's calf injury in the playoffs was a crucial loss, as they didn't have anyone to step in and help with the interior pressure throughout the playoffs.  Also returning from injuries next season will be Mebane, Marsh, and Jesse Williams (although you can't count on him to even make the team).  Bennett and Avril are both fantastic players and will be expected to contribute a lot once again next season.  McDaniel had a bit of a down year, but he can be a run stopping force at 3T when right.

Schofield was a very good resigning as he provided depth at DE and some help on special teams.  I think he'll move on to greener pastures elsewhere, but could return again if he can't find a market.  Kevin Williams was another great addition and could be back for another 1 year deal if SEA doesn't find what they're looking for in the draft or if they suffer an injury in training camp.

I really believe the Seahawks will sign at least one free agent defensive lineman, most likely a DT.  Suh is the big name out there and he would be a ridiculously good addition, but I don't think we can count on it.  He's going to want  a big payday and you don't want to mortgage your future for one guy no matter how good he is.  Stephen Paea is an intriguing name.  He's a stout DT with pass rush ability.  I've seen Jabaal Sheard mentioned as another target.  He fits the LEO profile and would be good if the price is right.  

The Seahawks could choose to move on from Brandon Mebane if they get either Suh or Paea.  I'm not necessarily condoning that thought since Mebane has been fantastic, but it is an option if they feel he'll lose a step or two from his injury.  They could also release McDaniel in favor of better options at the 3T position.

I think the Seahawks will draft at least 2 DL again this season.  One will most likely fit the LEO criteria.  Bruce Irvin is a great rusher on passing downs, but he's not an every down DE anymore.  Avril has played the LEO, but you need to start thinking of the future.  Plus, a team can never have too many pass rushers!  The other position that needs to be addressed is finding Mebane's eventual replacement.  SEA has tried in the past with Jesse Williams and Jimmy Staten, but neither has worked out.  They need to keep trying, however, as that will be a big spot to fill in the coming seasons.  The Seahawks have been active (and successful) in the free agent DL market, and I would expect that to be the case again this season.

2015 Offseason Outlook: QBs

Key Returning Players:

• Russell Wilson, QB
• BJ Daniels??

Key Free Agents:

• Tarvaris Jackson, QB

This position is pretty straightforward, maybe the easiest on the team outside of the specialists.  Russell Wilson will be back and continue to improve, which is a scary thought for the rest of the league.  I don't care what people say about the defense and Lynch helping Wilson, this team rests on him.  If he's not in the lineup it will be very hard to win football games.

The only question really comes when talking about who will be the QB2.  I, like others, had assumed that BJ Daniels would take over that role next season.  He's been with the team since the picked him up off waivers from SF during the 2012 season.  He has a similar skill set to Russell and seemed to play well in preseason.  Then, we get Schneider saying that he's excited to see what BJ can do as a WR.  Huh?  Well, that throws a wrench into things doesn't it?  Now, if BJ could take over Brian Walters' spot as a WR/PR/KR that would be great.  BJ seemed to have good athleticism in college.  He's not a big guy by any means, but if he's quick and shifty, he could get open.  How good his hands are will be the main question.  I also assume this position switch to mean that BJ wasn't performing well enough to be the QB2.  Otherwise, why would you make the switch?

The easiest thing to do is resign Tarvaris for another season.  He won't have the chance to be a starter anymore and seems to like it in Seattle.  Tarvaris could hold down the fort for a few games if need be.  Also, he'd finally be making less than Russell, once he gets his extension...no QB controversy!  SEA will need to find a long term solution at QB2 in the future, however.  

2015 Offseason Outlook: RBs and FBs

Key Returning Players:

• Robert Turbin, RB
• Christine Michael, RB
• Derrick Coleman, FB

Key Free Agents:

• None

Key Question Marks:

• Marshawn Lynch, RB

Ah, we're finally on to the post about the backfield.  There are essentially two scenarios that can play out for SEA.  In one scenario, this is a rather straightforward projection which leaves it essentially unchanged from last year.  In the other scenario, it becomes a frightening proposition with players battling for carries and the possibility of no clear #1 back.  The key to both of these scenarios, of course, is whether or not Marshawn Lynch decides to come back for another year.  

Now, I have no affiliation or connections to the team and in no way consider myself an expert on the Seattle Seahawks.  That being said, I believe Lynch will come back for at least next season.  I think the Seahawks will offer him a 2 year extension(with a raise in his overall money), which would possibly keep him in SEA through 2017.  I'm assuming the contract would give them the ability to part ways after any if the seasons if Lynch's skills would greatly diminish.  I also wouldn't be surprised if Lynch would retire after another season or 2, especially if SEA can win another Super Bowl.  

Aside from Lynch, the Seahawks have a running back that they know exactly what to expect from in Robert Turbin.  He's a consistent, but unexciting RB.  Turbin has good speed, but always seems to get ankle tackled or taken down by the first guy.  He did seem to run harder this season as there were a few instances where he bulled guys over.  Turbin is sure-handed (except on kickoffs it seems, see 2013 AZ game in SEA) and is a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield.  Next season is his last year under contract.

Christine Michael, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of Turbin in that he's a dynamic playmaker, but we have no idea what we can expect from him.  There must be a reason that he hasn't been able to supplant Turbin and get more carries.  Maybe he makes incorrect reads at the line?  He does have a fumbling issue, so that's probably part of it.  C-Mike is just such an explosive talent that his misuse in an offense that prides itself on explosive plays is mind-boggling.  For this reason, I'm not sure that we can count on him in the long run.

If Lynch returns, I would expect much the same situation as this year.  Lynch gets the bulk of the carries, finishes with over 1000 yds and around 10 TDs.  Turbin takes the #2 share of the snaps, and C-Mike gets the leftovers.  I wouldn't be surprised if the Seahawks draft another RB this season, with it obviously being a high priority if Lynch retires.  There's always the chance they could try to trade C-Mike and have a new guy be the #3.  Not sure how much C-Mike would be worth on the market however, probably only a late round pick.  The team also seemed high on Demetrius Bronson last season before his injury.

The FB (fullback, get your mind out of the gutter!) situation is a little more cut and dry.  Derrick Coleman will be back and will be the only FB to make the team.  He's a core special teamer and is much more athletic than Tukuafu was.  Coleman could play RB in an emergency due to his background as a RB at UCLA.  Coleman is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield and go all Spider 2 Y Banana-y on the opposition.  

Really, the situation in the backfield centers around Marshawn Lynch, as it should.  Here's hoping that he makes his decision before the draft to make the future clearer for the front office.  

2015 Offseason Outlook: WRs and TEs

Key Returning Players:

• Doug Baldwin, WR
• Kevin Norwood, WR
• Chris Matthews, WR
• Paul Richardson, WR (Possible PUP)
• BJ Daniels, WR? 
• Zach Miller, TE
• Luke Willson, TE

Key Free Agents:

• Jermaine Kearse, WR (RFA)
• Ricardo Lockette, WR (ERFA)

As you can see from this list, it seems pretty clear that the Seahawks can use help at the WR position.  I expect them to tender both Kearse and Lockette for next season.  Kearse will have a spot on the team for sure, but Lockette will most likely be in a battle for one of the final roster spots.

Baldwin is a great slot receiver, but in my opinion, he's not someone you want to have as your #1 WR.  Norwood shows promise, but is already an older WR (will be 26 next season) and didn't step up once P-Rich went down.  

Speaking of P-Rich, the ACL tear in the playoffs was a major blow to the WR corps throughout the postseason.  He was consistently winning those shorter slant routes and really coming on as a trusted target for Russell.  Richardson wasn't used much as a deep threat (except on the play he was injured, ironically), so I'm not sure if that was by design or if they didn't think he could separate deep.  It seemed to me like teams were playing him deep the whole way and sacrificing the underneath routes since he was a deep threat in college.  

Chris Matthews showed up in the Super Bowl, but was that really indicative of how he can contribute in this offense?  I hope so, because Seattle can use a big WR on the outside.  My only caution is that if Matthews was capable of doing that the whole season, why didn't we see it sooner?  

BJ Daniels will be an interesting guy to watch this offseason as Schneider mentioned him (and Norwood) as a guy to watch at the WR position.  That brings us to another question.  Is he really a legitimate WR target?  If so, why wasn't he active in the Super Bowl when it was clear they needed help at the WR position?  SEA needs a new PR/KR and if Daniels could fill that role it would be great for the organization.

As for TEs, I expect SEA to roll with Miller and Willson for one more year.  Miller is a great blocker and seems to be a trusted receiver for Wilson.  Luke Willson came on a bit this year, but was a no-show in the Super Bowl.  Even though he has a penchant for drops, I still like his ability to create mismatches versus safeties and LBs.  

Offseason Plans:

I expect the Seahawks will draft 2 WRs and possibly recruit more as UDFA.  One of the WRs should be a speed guy with WR/PR/KR ability.  The other should be a big receiving target that could be a threat in the red zone.  It's also possible that SEA will bring in a free agent WR.  I would love to get a veteran guy like Larry Fitzgerald or Andre Johnson if they get released by their respective teams.  Douglas McNeil III from the Practice Squad is a guy to watch as well.  He's a big size/speed guy from the Arena League.  Apparently, he was impressive in practice, but was very raw.

Seattle can also use help at the TE position.  There's a chance they release Miller and go after a FA TE like Jordan Cameron or Virgil Green.  I'm not the biggest fan of that move, but it is a possibility.  I think the Seahawks will draft at least 1 TE in the draft and possibly 2.  Maybe on all-around guy to shadow Miller and another receiving TE that can create mismatches, whether its from his size, leaping abiltiy, speed, or a combination of those.  

As you can see, I believe these positions will be a focus for SEA in the offseason and they could look quite a bit different next year than they did this season.  Go out and get some young guys that can grow with Russell and create some dynamic options in the passing game for years to come.

2015 Offseason Outlook: Offensive Line

This will be the first post in a series delving into the 2015 offseason and the outlook for each position group/s including what decisions I think will be made.  Obviously I'm not an expert, so really these are just my best guesses judging by what I've seen, read, or think are most appropriate.

Key Returning Players:

• Russell Okung, OT
• Max Unger, CO
• JR Sweezy, OG
• Justin Britt, OT
• Alvin Bailey, G/T
• Patrick Lewis, C
• Gary Gilliam, OT

Key Free Agents:

• James Carpenter, OG

Offseason Plan:

First and foremost, we have to note that the Seahawks will have at least 4 of their 5 starting linemen returning next season which bodes well for continuity's sake.  The O-Line gets raked through the coals by many in the media, but have been an excellent run-blocking unit.  Their pass blocking could use improvement, and that will come with experience since this is still a relatively young offensive line.

I think the team will resign Carpenter as long as his price tag doesn't go too high.  He's used to the system in Seattle and generally performed well at OG especially in some key games against SF.  He can whiff pass blocking and also at the 2nd level while run blocking, but the coaching staff seems to love him.  I don't think you could upgrade from him in the draft without spending another high pick on OL and I think the Seahawks have more pressing concerns to address with their picks.  Look for a 2-3 year deal for modest money.

I don't believe the Seahawks will be players in the free agent market unless they lose Carpenter.  If that happens, Stefen Wisniewski could be a target.  He played C for OAK, but has the versatility to play OG.  He's got a bit of nasty to him and the Seahawks do love versatility in their lineman.

In terms of the draft, look for Seattle to add a player with OG/C skills to compete with Patrick Lewis from the middle rounds on.  Also don't rule out another swing G/T like Bailey.  If Carpenter leaves, Bailey would most likely step in to start, so they would need another backup to take his place.  I wouldn't expect anything from last year's draft pick Garrett Scott, but he's still on the roster so maybe they feel his heart condition has improved to allow him to play.  Overall, there shouldn't be much turnover on the offensive line, which should help keep the Seahawks near the top of the league in rushing.

Ghosts of Seahawks Past

Here's an article I wrote on Field Gulls.  If you're a Seahawks fan and not reading that site then shame on you.

Ghosts of Seahawks Past

Beaten, But Not Broken

Well, that was quite the ride in the 2014 season, wasn't it?  Not the ending we hoped for, but the resilience shown by the team to fight all the way to the Super Bowl was a fantastic indication of the makeup of Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks.  They will claw, fight, and scratch for the whole game.

Now, I'm not going to go into analysis of the game as it's already beaten to the ground and there are many writers on other blogs that do a much better job that I would.  What I will say is that I believe this loss will only fuel the fire in this team.  They were 1 yard away from history.  1 yard.  Next season, I expect they will come out and right the ship.  The Seahawks will play with passion and agression.  No team in the modern salary cap has ever been to 3 straight Super Bowls.  Do you want to bet against the Seahawks doing it?  I wouldn't.  And next time, they won't come up 1 yard short.

As for this blog, I plan on doing more posts in the offseason.  I really enjoy the draft and free agency and will have posts focusing on those.  Even though we didn't win the Super Bowl this season, wear the Seahawks colors proudly fellow 12s.  I guarantee you the rest of the league is still afraid of us.