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.

Why would the Seahawks consider the KPL to IR Option?

Earlier today I posted my final prediction for the Seahawks 53-man roster and mentioned an alternative that would send Kevin Pierre-Louis to Injured Reserve, which would free up an extra roster spot.  Why would SEA do this?  Allow me to go down the GM rabbit hole a bit.

KJ Wright, Malcolm Smith, and Mike Morgan are free agents next year.  I believe KJ will be extended, but Smith and Morgan will be allowed to leave.  Morgan would be an RFA, but I don't feel he's valuable enough to lock down to a long term deal.

KPL will be expected to take over Smith's role nest season, but who will fill Morgan's role as a core special teamer who can play multiple LB spots?  The Seahawks could very well draft another LB to take over that role, but why not fill it this year with Korey Toomer?  Now, I'll admit that I'm a Toomer fan.  He didn't look out of his league the other night playing SAM linebacker and moving over to WILL after KPL was injured.  I believe Toomer has 4 years of eligibility as does KPL.

It seems highly likely that KPL would be claimed on waivers, so that takes away that option.  Toomer could possibly slip through waivers and has PS eligibility, but is it necessary to take that risk?  KPL only plays the WILL position currently and won't be expected to contribute much outside special teams.  I think it would be beneficial to all parties to use KPL's "injury" as a way to red-shirt him for this season.  The fact that Toomer can play both SAM and WILL along with special teams would help SEA in a pinch.  Since Morgan will be gone next year, why not find a way to keep 2 young, cheap linebackers that have club control for multiple years?

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!

First Impressions: Preseason Week 3 vs. Chicago

Here are some things I noticed while watching last night's throttling of the Bears.

Offense:

• Dominant.  RW, Percy, C-Mike, and Kearse all stood out.  If they play like this in the regular season they'll be tough to stop.
• I thought Britt played pretty well and continues to develop.  He had the cut-block penalty and was beaten on the sack of Russell by Willie Young (though he came from the opposite side beating Okung).  Overall though, I didn't notice him too much which is a good thing.
• Marshawn only got one series but he looked fantastic.  It'll be hard to take carries away from him once again this  year.
• Luke Willson seems like he'll have a pretty big season, probably more receptions and yards than Zach Miller.  However, he needs to make that catch in the back of the endzone.  Yes, Russell hung him out to dry a bit, but it was still very catchable.
• The WR corps is better than last year and I don't even think it's close.

Defense:

• O'Brien Schofield is playing like he did prior to his ACL injury at Wisconsin.  Dude is flat out ballin'.  
• Byron Maxwell is still very good at knocking the ball away which will be critical this year since many teams will avoid Sherman's side.
• Jeremy Lane looks more than capable in the slot.
• Cliff Avril is going to get a lot of sacks this year.
• Overall, the backup D-Line didn't have as much penetration as I hoped.  Marsh and Mayowa got in each other's way a few times on stunts.  Jordan Hill wasn't noticeable (which isn't good).  Scruggs got some good penetration, but it allowed Clausen to scramble up the middle for a first down.  The D-Line depth will not be as good as last year (at least right away).

Special Teams:

• Percy Harvin will house more than one kickoff this season and I wouldn't be surprised to see Earl take one all the way.
• Hausch Money is worth the $$$
• Does Jon Ryan even have to show up to the games anymore?

Roster Battles:

The game last night made a few things clear to me:

• If the Seahawks elect to keep 6 WRs, Lockette will be the choice.  Bates just doesn't show up during games and Lockette is becoming extremely valuable on special teams.
• Mayowa is going to be cut.  I'm not sure what's up with him, but he just doesn't look explosive at all.  Schofield is clearly better at this point.  Maybe Mayowa ends up on the PS.
• Terrelle Pryor will be a 49er.  And if he plays he'll throw 4 INTs against us.  He's talented, but not a good enough passer to be worth a roster spot.  Lockette is a better choice.  
• Mike Morgan is your last LB roster spot.  Toomer only played sparingly last night which was surprising.  Did he tweak is hammy or is the coaching staff trying to hide him and get him back for the PS?  
• Jackson Jeffcoat is a terrible SAM linebacker, but flashed as a pass rusher.  I'd almost rather have him on the PS as a developmental LEO than Mayowa at this point.

There, I've rambled enough for this post..  Overall, the Seahawks clicked in all three phases of the game and looked dominant.  I'm pleased.