Seahawks Secondary

Seahawks Position Watch: Defensive Backs

The full set of "position watch"-es should be complete by the start of minicamp. That means the secondary (in this post), then the defensive line and specialists will be addressed by Monday.

If it were two years ago, then we would be discussing whether or not the Seahawks should sign Ty Law. The fact that we aren't sifting through the free agent pool is a good sign. The Seahawks have spent a lot on the secondary in the past two years in the form of draft picks on Kelly Jennings and Josh Wilson, free agents contracts for Deon Grant and Brian Russell, and contract extensions for Jordan Babineaux and Marcus Trufant.

That isn't the most impressive or flashy group, but those six guys form a solid foundation for a decent secondary. Grant and Russell are really the key players. They aren't superstars, but they provide a safety net to keep the rest of the defense from giving up big plays. Ken Hamlin went to the Pro Bowl last year, but Tim Ruskell doesn't regret letting him go one bit.

Jennings is coming into his own, although he had some pretty atrocious games last year. Is he a permanent starter in the NFL? That has yet to be determined. 2008 is the year he will either prove he belongs as a starter or become a nickel corner. Josh Wilson's status is less certain, but injuries did slow his progression last year. Remember, he was able to shutdown Calvin Johnson in college. Wilson is only being asked to be a kick returner and the 4th CB. He at least has that covered.
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Did Trufant deserve his big contract? I am as hard on the guy as anyone, but I think so. I'm not even certain Tru deserved to go to the Pro Bowl, but he firmly entrenched himself as the #1 CB in Seattle; and his positive impact on the community and in the locker room is worth the money from a total business perspective, if not from a pure on-the-field football standpoint.

The question marks begin when you look beyond the corners and starting safeties. Mike Green's lisfranc injury from the 2006 preseason will always be a question mark. He has struggled a bit with injuries since his arrival in Seattle, but Green is still a very good safety. Unless the injuries have really caught up with him, he is good enough to start at either free or strong safety for most NFL teams. Injuries are the only concern with Green.

The same can be said of C.J. Wallace. Wallace was good enough that the Seahawks decided to trade Michael Boulware prior to cutdown day last year. That might not be saying much given Boulware didn't start a single game for the Houston Texans and only made a total of 7 tackles. Wallace is a decent player, but he is clearly a guy on the fringe of the Seahawks roster. His knee injury in 2007 could be the reason he doesn't make the squad.

Wallace, a free agent rookie a year ago, will be pitted directly against free agent rookie Jamar Adams. Adams started 33 games at Michigan. If he had run a faster 40-yard dash at the combine, then he might have been a first day draft pick. Adams is also a proven special teams contributor, which can often decides these competitions. Wallace has a clear advantage after making the Seahawks roster a year ago, but this battle is one to watch during training camp. Adams and Wallace could conceivably both make the team if Mike Green is too limited by his injuries.

If neither Wallace nor Adams prove worthy of a roster spot, the Seahawks could always keep CB Kevin Hobbs on the roster because of Jordan Babineaux's ability to play either CB or S. That should be seen as an unlikely scenario because Hobbs adds little value. A 7 DB scenario is probably more plausible than Hobbs making the roster. I feel bad writing that because Hobbs is a good player and a good guy, but he probably isn't good enough to make it as a full-time NFL player.


Starters: Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings, Deon Grant, Brian Russell
Locks: Jordan Babineaux, Josh Wilson
Looking safe: Mike Green
Battling: C.J. Wallace, Jamar Adams
Longshot: Kevin Hobbs

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Seahawks Linebackers

Seahawks Position Watch: Linebackers

It isn't a secret that the Seahawks have one of the top groups of starting linebackers in the NFL. Julian Peterson and Lofa Tatupu are perennial Pro Bowlers, and Leroy Hill is nearly as talented. If Hill could avoid the nagging injuries, then he would put pressure on voters to send all three to Honolulu. John Marshall should utilize Hill more on blitzes and drop Tatupu and Peterson in coverage (because they are better and to keep offenses guessing).

The depth of the unit is a little more in question. The loss of Kevin Bentley is a bigger deal than the loss of Niko Koutouvides in terms of the defense, especially given the concerns over Hill's ability to stay healthy. The return of D.D. Lewis more than makes up for that. The question to be answered is the overall impact on special teams. Wesley Mallard is a good special teams player and a decent reserve linebacker.
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The Seahawks targeted a few linebackers in the draft, but none were around when it came time to pull the trigger, otherwise Xavier Adibi might well have been a Seahawk. The availability of Red Bryant in the fourth round also threw a wrench into the works. Alvin Bowen would have been a consideration in the fifth if he lasted. Wesly Mallard was the contingency plan, and was promptly signed after the draft. He should fill the void.

There really won't be much competition for roster spots, although Matt Castelo is the darkhouse. Castelo will probably wind up on the practice squad, but he has as good of a chance as any undrafted free agent to make the team.

Depth should be alright for 2008, but the lack of a potential starter on the bench means huge leverage for Leroy Hill come contract time. If Hill can stay healthy this year, then he will cash in as he will be the Seahawks #1 priority to re-sign in free agency, although they might not be able to afford to spend anymore on the LB corps.

Starters: Lofa Tatupu, Julian Peterson, Leroy Hill
Locks: D.D. Lewis, Lance Laury, Will Herring
Looking safe: Wesly Mallard
Longshot: Matt Castelo

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Minicamp Watch: Seahawks Offense

The Seahawks will begin the minicamp traditionally called "passing camp" on June 2nd. Here are 5 things to look for on offense during those two weeks. What are you watching for?

1) Running Backs. Minicamp is a great time to experiment with running back formations. Julius Jones will get most of the work as the feature back with Maurice Morris backing him up. It will be interesting to see how T.J. Duckett works into the mix. Are he and Morris going to be 2a and 2b? Will he be lining up with Jones in split-back sets? Will he be in there in single-back sets? Duckett is really the wildcard to watch. And Duckett's role will impact Leonard Weaver as well.

As the season progresses, I see Jones and Duckett as the 1-2 punch, Morris becoming more of a scatback, and Weaver playing the traditional fullback role as well as getting some action in single-back sets on 3rd-and-short (5 yards or less). Fans are excited about newcomer Owen Schmitt, but he likely won't make much of an impact besides on special teams and as the backup fullback in case Weaver gets injured.

2) Wide Receivers. Bobby Engram will probably sit out this camp, so Nate Burleson will be given his chance to shine (or flop). Burleson caught 6 of his 9 TD receptions in the final nine games of the season. This will be Burleson's sixth NFL season, but he won't celebrate his 27th birthday until near the end of training camp. With D.J. Hackett gone and Deion Branch injured, Burleson should be poised for a breakout year. After Burleson, Courtney Taylor and Ben Obomanu are the two main players to watch. Those three should comprise the first unit in 3-WR sets (Taylor at flanker, Obomanu in the slot, and Burleson at split end). Logan Payne will also get a fair amount of work in the slot. Engram's absence might actually give the team more confidence for life after Bobby. 2008 is almost certainly his final season in Seattle.

3) Quarterbacks. How will the backup reps divide between Charlie Frye and Seneca Wallace? The #3 QB doesn't usually get much work with the starters or even the second unit. Frye might find himself tossing the ball to Logan Payne, Jordan Kent, and Anthony Russo. Or we could see Frye getting an equal amount of reps as Seneca Wallace. Wallace might even be the recipient of some Frye passes.
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4) Offensive Line. The starters are set, but there is a good chance Walter Jones, Chris Spencer, and Rob Sims will sit out all or most of minicamp. That means LT, C, and RG need to be replaced. Floyd Womack should get the work at LT and Chris Gray at C. If that is the case, then Womack should be considered a lock to make the team. It does leave a few possibilities at RG, which might illuminate the offensive line situation. Ray Willis should be back at practice and might take the reps at RG. But where does that leave Mansfield Wrotto? It would be surprising if Wrotto doesn't make the team, but a permanent move to guard for Willis would be a strong signal the Seahawks are considering keeping T Kyle Williams over G Mansfield Wrotto.

The other option would be to move Steve Vallos into the starting line-up at C with Chris Gray at RG. If the reserves are RG Ray Willis and RT Kyle Williams, then Wrotto is really in trouble. If the reserves are RG Wrotto and and RT Ray Willis, then Williams is the longshot to make the team. There is still a lot of time for things to be decided, but the formations the team uses will telegraph their current intentions.

5) Tight Ends. The Seahawks list the tight ends as Will Heller, Jeb Putzier, and John Carlson on the depth chart. Fans probably expect that order to reverse by the start of the season, but that isn't guaranteed. The Seahawks could show a lot more two-tight end sets to compensate for the situation at WR and improve the running game. If that is the case, then Heller might be in there for a majority of the snaps (a la Billy Bajema in San Francisco) with Putzier and Carlson splitting time. It may take a half season for Carlson to eclipse Putzier in terms of playing time. All three should get a decent amount of playing time this year.

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Seahawks Roster: Offense

QB (3)
Starter: Matt Hasselbeck
Locks: Seneca Wallace, Charlie Frye

RB (5)
Starters: HB Julius Jones, FB Leonard Weaver
Locks: HB Maurice Morris, HB T.J. Duckett
Looking safe: FB Owen Schmitt
Fighting chance: FB David Kirtman
Longshots: FB Dan Curran, HB Justin Forsett

WR (6)
Starters: Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram
Locks: Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor
Looking safe: Logan Payne
Insurance Policy: Seneca Wallace
Longshot: Jordan Kent

TE (3)
Starter: John Carlson
Locks: Jeb Putzier, Will Heller

OL (9)
Starters: LT Walter Jones, LG Mike Wahle, C Chris Spencer, RG Rob Sims, RT Sean Locklear
Locks: G/C Chris Gray, T/G Floyd Womack, T/G Ray Willis, G Mansfield Wrotto
Next in line: T Kyle Williams

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Seahawks Tight Ends: Complete Players

Seahawks Position Watch: Tight Ends

The Seahawks made a seemingly strange move when they traded away their third round pick to jump 17 spots (from 55 to 38) and grab John Carlson. Many people had Carlson pegged to go at 56 to the Green Bay Packers. Mock drafts are certainly not a reliable source to evaluate a player or the intentions of real NFL teams, but it was a bit of a head scratcher.

What it did reveal, is that the Seahawks really felt strongly about John Carlson. And it isn't like they somehow missed Carlson's 40-time on the scouting report. It just isn't important to how the Seahawks plan to use him. Carlson is more of a classic tight end. He isn't the in-vogue vertical threat, but rather a complete tight end that can block and catch. Vernon Davis can't do either very well, but he sure can get downfield.

In Mike Holmgren's offense, the tight end doesn't need to run vertical routes. Given the struggles of the offensive line, the tight end needs to be able to block effectively, find the soft spots in zones, and catch the ball when it gets to him. Carlson is perfect for that. Jeb Putzier and Will Heller are of the same mold. Heller is a little bit taller and bigger, but the three guys have the same style of play. These guys won't be glamorous, but they will get the job done.

It really gives the Seahawks the option of going with a two tight end set with multiple options. They can run to either side with confidence in the run blocking of the tight end, they can keep both guys in to pass-block, they can send either guy out on a short pattern, or they can send both guys out and open things up for the receivers. This group of tight ends won't be making the highlight reel, but they will help the entire offense run better.

Starter: John Carlson
Locks: Jeb Putzier, Will Heller

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Seahawks Offensive Line Reorganzied

Seahawks Position Watch: Offensive Line (Part 2 of 2)

The Seahawks offensive line will likely only have one change in terms of overall personnel from last year. Enter Mike Wahle, Exit Tom Ashworth. That one change has huge implications for how the entire unit will function. Also, Mike Solari takes over for Bill Laveroni, and hopefully Mike Holmgren doesn't stick his nose in too much and mess things up.

Mike Wahle was the best free agent guard available this side of Alan Faneca. There were a handful of good tackles that were either franchised or re-signed with their own teams, but after Faneca, Mike Wahle is the best offensive linemen in the NFL that switched teams. Mike Wahle is the answer to the question that has been asked since March 2006. How are the Seahawks going to replace Steve Hutchinson?

Wahle isn't some ordinary veteran. He gives the Seahawks a very good chance to have a Pro Bowl left-side again. Walt & Wahle are going to like playing next to each other. And that will improve the rest of the line as well. Rob Sims wasn't ready to fill Steve Hutchinson's shoes last year, just as Womack wasn't the year before. Now he can move over to right guard where things won't be nearly as tough.

Getting Chris Gray out of the starting line-up is very important. Even though his output has been declining, the reason he shouldn't start isn't because he isn't good enough. Chris Gray is the ideal reserve interior offensive linemen. You can count on him to be ready to come in at left guard, right guard, or center and play well for a few weeks while someone else gets healthy or even for the rest of the season. At this point in his career, he will benefit greatly from avoiding the weekly wear and tear all season. So, he will be at his best when he is asked to play.

Floyd Womack is also a good backup player. He can play either tackle or guard, and is best kept as a backup plan because of his injury history. Now that the offensive line is more appropriately balanced (it had been very tackle heavy), Womack can spend his time preparing to be the reserve tackle.
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Through some experiments that lacked direction or follow through, Ray Willis has quietly developed into a younger version of Womack. A versatile reserve lineman that can play guard or tackle. His size is alluring, but don't be confused. Willis is incapable of playing left tackle in the NFL, but he should have the right side of the line covered. And that leaves Mansfield Wrotto. He is capable of being a decent reserve, but is probably a year away from being ready to serve as the first line of defense at guard.

Chris Spencer might even benefit the most from the changes. He doesn't have to worry about blown assignments to his left. Things on the right side could be trickier, but if Rob Sims is struggling with assignments, then Chris Gray is waiting in the wings to step in and at least execute properly. Wahle and Gray are also good examples for Sims, Wrotto, and Spencer to learn from.

Although they are capable of playing on the inside, Womack and Willis will primarily function as the reserve tackles. Kyle Williams is a hard working player that will likely land on the practice squad for another season, but he'll be on the active roster if any of the 9 guys in front of him get injured enough to warrant placing them on IR. Or if one of the guys currently slated to fill a reserve role (i.e., Floyd Womack) suffers an injury during training camp. That could be a window for Williams.

Starters: LT Walter Jones, LG Mike Wahle, C Chris Spencer, RG Rob Sims, RT Sean Locklear
Locks: G/C Chris Gray, T/G Floyd Womack, T/G Ray Willis, G Mansfield Wrotto
Next in line: T Kyle Williams

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Back to Football: Offensive Line

Seahawks Position Watch: Offensive Line (Part 1 of 2)

In 2008, the overall performance of the Seahawks offensive (aw-fen-siv) line was offensive (uh-fen-siv) at times. LG Rob Sims struggled during his first season as a starter, and Chris Spencer was less than stellar in his first full season at center, after moving around between guard and center in 2006. Chris Gray looked old, not a surprise given that he is (at least for a football player). Walter Jones and Sean Locklear performed adequately, but not anywhere near as well as they did in 2005 or even 2006. The problems on the interior certainly make things a lot more difficult on the tackles.

At first glance, it looks like the Seahawks didn't do much to address these issues. They are once again putting their faith in the two young guys on the interior, but the team has at least made a few minor moves to provide more stability. The types of moves that really should have been made as soon as Steve Hutchinson left town. It remains to be seen if Mike Solari will take a wise approach in putting together a plan that makes sense. All indications are that his coaching philosophy is exactly what the Seahawks need, from both a development and cohesive standpoint.

Bill Laveroni stumbled through the last two offseasons with no vision for the future, or plan for how the line would adjust to injury scenarios. In the NFL, that is the name of the game because an injury along the offensive line is inevitable. Laveroni is an easy scapegoat, but shouldn't the blame really be on Mike Holmgren. If coaching was a problem on the offensive line, then the head coach should be responsible. Especially when he was making the key (bad) decisions. It's hard to say how much input Laveroni really had.

The team made some serious errors with shuffling Chris Spencer around, wasted time trying Tom Ashworth at guard, tried to replace Steve Hutchinson with the oft-injured Floyd Womack, left Chris Gray in the starting line-up too long, and didn't capitalize on the ability of Ray Willis. It would be easy to say hindsight is 20/20, but the errors made were obvious at the time and pointed out on this blog and elsewhere.

The last two offseasons have been torturous as the Seahawks failed to put together or execute an offensive line strategy that made sense. Let's hope this offseason is different. Later today, we will turn our attention to the future and examine who the Seahawks have and how they can best utilize and capitalize on the skills and abilities of this unit in 2008.

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Lofa Tatupu Driving McDrunk

Lofa Tatupu, fresh off signing his $42 million deal and finishing mini-camp, was arrested on suspicion of DUI in a McDonald's parking lot. According to police reports, Tatupu blew a 0.155/0.158 at the station, nearly two hours after he was arrested. Disappointing. Because he is a well-liked player and Pro Bowler, Seahawks fans will be quick to forgive and make excuses. That is the wrong approach. Whether you are critical on third down, or even a generally good guy off-the-field, there really isn't a good explanation for drunk driving. At least he didn't kill anyone.

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Finally Three QBs

Seahawks Position Watch: Quarterbacks

The Seahawks finally have three real quarterbacks. Matt Hasselbeck is in the prime of his career, and probably has several strong seasons ahead of him. His challenge this year will be to adjust to all of the changes. He will be handing off to different backs, throwing to two new tight ends, and dealing with receivers he has less rapport with. Matt has proven he can handle those things, so I don't expect it to be too much of a problem. It might mean he gets slightly less time off than usual during training camp and the preaseason. I expect him to go back to the Pro Bowl.

Now that Charlie Frye is on-board, the Seahawks have a bridge to the future. He will be a free agent at the end of 2008, so this is an important year for the Seahawks and Frye to size each other up. Frye would at least compete for the starting job with most NFL teams (except teams with starters that get Pro Bowl consideration), so he will be looking for at least a guaranteed back-up job in 2009. That is what he will be looking for from the Seahawks. And the Seahawks would like him to show enough that they feel comfortable paying him to be that guy. It will depend completely on his performance this season.

Seneca Wallace is probably safe as the #2 QB as long as Mike Holmgren is around. He probably doesn't want to break in a new QB to his system if Hasselbeck goes down. He might even continue to be be just as reticent when it comes to using Wallace is any other capacity. Again, it will depend on the comfort level of Holmgren with Frye.
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Wallace has never really been the post-Hasselbeck plan for the future. Frye might be. Charlie Frye is a year younger, 5 inches taller, and has started 15 more games than Seneca Wallace. He could end up being the bridge between Hasselbeck and the as-yet-undrafted QB of the future. If Frye doesn't work out, then the Seahawks will need to either draft a 3rd/4th round QB or sign/trade for someone similar to Frye next offseason (e.g., Kyle Boller, Chris Simms).

If Frye earns the confidence of Tim Ruskell and Jim Mora to assume the #2 spot by the end of the season, then look for him to be re-signed and Seneca Wallace to be used all over the field in 2009. Frye will only re-sign if he is confident he is the first option after Hasselbeck and won't have to fight Wallace for the back-up job. For this season Wallace is probably #2a and Frye #2b.

Starter: Matt Hasselbeck
Locks: Seneca Wallace, Charlie Frye

Tomorrow: Seahawks Offensive Line Analysis

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Crowded Backfield

Seahawks Position Watch: Running Backs

There is probably more turnover in the backfield that any other spot on the Seahawks roster. The Seahawks started last year with the following five backs:

RB Shaun Alexander, RB Maurice Morris, RB Alvin Pearman, FB Mack Strong, FB Leonard Weaver

And by Week 5, both Pearman and Strong were on injured reserve.

The 2008 version of the Seahawks presents an almost entirely different cast of characters, and a roster situation that many fans are completely misconstruing. At this point, there are as many as 8 running backs with a realistic chance to make the team. However, that list could easily be cut down to 6 guys depending on how liberally you want to apply the term realistic:

RB Julius Jones, RB Maurice Morris, RB T.J. Duckett, RB Justin Forsett, FB Leonard Weaver, FB David Kirtman, FB Owen Schmitt, FB Dan Curran

Those 6 (or 8) guys are fighting for 5 roster spots. Julius Jones, Maurice Morris, T.J. Duckett, and Leonard Weaver are guaranteed to take up 5 of those spots as long as they remain healthy. And it really comes down to a battle between David Kirtman and Owen Schmitt for the backup fullback job.

For whatever reasons, a good percentage of the 12th man has it in their heads that Morris is vulnerable to being cut and/or Weaver will be lucky to end up in a time-share situation with Schmitt at fullback. That is just nonsense. Morris and Weaver are the only two backs remaining that were on the active roster for all of 2007. Stability counts for something. David Kirtman is also a little bit of a forgotten man. Those three have spent a combined 11 seasons with the organization. That is 11 more than the rest of the running backs combined.
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At tailback, Julius Jones was brought in to be the game-breaker, and he should be considered the "starter". Duckett will serve as thunder to Jones' lightning, but he isn't just a power back. He has the skills to fight for a full-time starting gig in the right offense (unfortunately for him, this isn't it).

Morris might start training camp in a time-share situation, but Jones will pick up more and more of the load as time goes on. The size of his role will depend on if Jones can stay healthy, and how fast he picks up the offense and jells with the rest of the unit. Morris will eventually land in his usual role of backup plan and third down back. Just because he isn't likely to emerge as the starter doesn't mean he is going anywhere.

And then there is Justin Forsett. Don't get me wrong, Forsett is one of the better #4 HB the Seahawks have had in training camp in a awhile. He just isn't fast enough to get regular action in the NFL as a speed back, and that is all he is. If one of the three halfbacks ahead of his goes down in the preaseason, then he stands a decent chance to make the team, instead of forcing the Seahawks to go get someone else. That's about it; unless he somehow gets a lot faster in the next two months than he has been able to show so far (maybe his game speed is great).

At fullback, the situation is pretty simple. Forget all the hoopla about Owen Schmitt. I hope he does well, I hope he makes it to multiple Pro Bowls in his career, I love his attitude and character, I plan to buy an Owen Schmitt jersey someday. Let's get that out of the way. However, he is still a fifth round fullback fighting to earn a roster spot over David Kirtman. And Dan Curran might even make it a three man race, although I doubt that.

Schmitt has the clear edge on Kirtman because of his size, but he will need to show he can be a solid special teams player if he is going to earn that spot. Schmitt could struggle with his blocking one on one against regular NFL linebackers, and it remains to be seen if his receiving skills will translate to the NFL passing game. This isn't college or a Country Road in West Virginia, Mountain Mommas. This is the NFL and things are many very good college players don't make it. That being said, I think Schmitt will easily get the better of Kirtman when it is all said and done.

Leonard Weaver is a very strong runner, an excellent run blocker, and a very good receiver. I suspect he has and will continue to focus most of his attention on continuing to improve his pass-blocking, and he already made big strides in that area last year. He was on the short list lat year for Pro Bowl consideration, and now he is going to move into a time-share situation with an unproven, late-round rookie? Ask yourself if that makes sense. You can like Owen Schmitt, but the coronation that is taking place right now is premature and a little foolish. If you don't believe me, then go ask Owen Schmitt.

Starters: HB Julius Jones, FB Leonard Weaver
Locks: HB Maurice Morris, HB T.J. Duckett
Looking safe: FB Owen Schmitt
Fighting chance: FB David Kirtman
Longshots: FB Dan Curran, HB Justin Forsett

Up Next: Quarterbacks and Offensive Line

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Bobby Engram: Earned a Raise?

Bobby Engram is understandably upset. Any 35-year-old NFL player in the final year of his contract wants more money, especially after the best year of his career. Engram is now officially the Rod Tidwell of the Seattle Seahawks..."Show Me the Money." Engram and the Seahawks will work this out, so it shouldn't be too much of a concern, but it is worth taking a look at further than the gut reaction of "pay the man, he earned it."

NFL players get paid based on projected future output. When Engram signed his two-year extension, he had just finished a season that left him unable to play for a stretch of ten weeks in the middle of the season for non-football related health reasons. I don't recall him giving the team money back for time missed. Something to think about.

Last year Engram overperformed based on his salary. The year before he underperformed. Unfortunately for Bobby, what matters most is how you perform in a contract year. If Engram thought he was going to play as well as he did last year, then he should have signed a one-year contract and cashed in this year, but he didn't and he didn't.

The problem with wanting to renegotiate up after better than expected performance is that no player ever wants to renegotiate down after worse than expected performance. Signing a contract is making a calculated risk.

Engram is now in a position to try and squeeze some more money out of the Seahawks. The fans like him, he is coming off the best year of his career, and Deion Branch is out with an injury. He is exploiting a situation favorable to him, and he should. That is what the Seahawks were able to do a year ago. However, any negotiations need to be based on projected future performance, rather than some form of back payment for last year.

Is it reasonable to expect Bobby Engram to have the second 1,000 yard receiving season of his 12 year career in 2008? Will he even play in 2009? What is the risk that the 35-year-old will miss time with injuries or thyroid problems? Those are the questions to ponder in determining if he "deserves" a new contract. He will want more guaranteed money because he knows this might be his last season. If Engram thinks he is going to have a great 2008, then he should get paid well as a free agent next year, right?

Engram has some leverage, but not much. He will likely get a contact extension with a decently high base salary for future years, but only a modest increase for this year (or alternatively some guaranteed money for future years).

Tomorrow: Seahawks Running Back Analysis

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Not so Wide Open or Up for Grabs

Seahawks Position Watch: Wide Receivers

The Seahawks wide receiver situation has been deemed "wide open" or "up for grabs" by many. It seems the temptation for puns is just to great. The fact of the matter is that the wide receiver outlook is actually pretty rigid with a minimal chance of anything unexpected happening. That might not generate a lot of interest or make someone want to read a column, but it is the reality of the situation.

The Seahawks aren't like many teams that simply have two starting receivers. In Mike Holmgren's offense there is a flanker, slot, and split end that should all be considered starters. And depending on who is in rhythm or not, the reserve receivers will see regular action. They will also alter plays and formations depending on match-ups and put players into different positions (e.g. they might put Burleson into the slot with Engram at split end in the redzone against the Rams).

So, making a lot of distinctions about who is at what receiver position becomes a little tedious and ultimately unimportant. That being said, let's take a look at where the roster stands.

Bobby Engram is firmly entrenched as the starting slot receiver. Nate Burleson is expected to start at split end. And Deion Branch is the starting flanker when healthy. Those three should be thought of as the "starting receivers". Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor are both very capable, will clearly make the team, and will push Branch and Burleson for playing time. The amount of action they get will be largely dependent on the health of Branch and the consistency of Burleson, both of which are concerns. Taylor will probably start at flanker in Week One with the potential to put up big numbers in Branch's absence. Obomanu will probably rotate in at the slot and split end. Again, somewhat unimportant distinctions.

That means 4 or 5 roster spots are taken by receivers, depending on if Deion Branch is active or on the PUP list. That leaves anywhere from 0-2 spots for additional receivers. Given the injury to Branch, 0 is extremely unlikely to start the season, so it is really a question of if 1 or 2 more receivers will make the team, and it comes down to a choice between Logan Payne and Jordan Kent.
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Logan Payne is ready to play in the NFL right now. Jordan Kent isn't. Payne would also bring some stability if called upon because he can be counted on to run the correct routes and catch the ball when it gets to him. His speed isn't great, but he is the type of guy that can thrive in the slot. He can also make an impact on special teams coverage and blocking units. Kent is the better athlete, but he is unpolished and doesn't yet have a high Football IQ. That isn't the kind of player the Seahawks would need if it comes down to playing the 6th or 7th WR on the depth chart.

It would take some pretty dramatic development by Jordan Kent to overcome Logan Payne for a roster spot if the team only keeps 5 receivers (not counting Branch). And it will take some substantial growth for the Seahawks to justify a 6th WR roster spot (in addition to Branch) for Kent with Seneca Wallace on the team.

Basically, Logan Payne has a really good chance of making the team if Deion Branch isn't ready to play in Week One. Otherwise, he really has to prove himself to earn an additional spot at the cost of depth at another position. Jordan Kent is in the same situation, but behind Payne, and it will take quite a bit for him to move ahead. His best chance to make the team is an injury to one of the five guys in front of him (seven if you count Deion Branch and Seneca Wallace).

Starters: Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram
Locks: Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor
Insurance Policy: Seneca Wallace
Looking safe: Logan Payne
Longshot: Jordan Kent

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Battles to Watch

I will break down the Seahawks roster position by position over the coming week or two, but for now, let's take a look at the battles to watch for those precious roster spots. As I drill into the position by position analysis, we will take a look at battles for starting spots. For today, it is all about who is going to make the team.

Running Backs
Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, and Maurice Morris are all safe. Justin Forsett isn't that good, but he is good enough to make the team if someone else tears an ACL before the season starts. The more intriguing battle is at fullback. Owen Schmitt is a great player and a great person, but that doesn't mean he can unseat David Kirtman. Those two will push each other for a spot, but it is Kirtman's to lose. I'd bet on Schmitt to get the spot, but he will need to show he can contribute on special teams the way Kirtman has.
Key Battle: Schmitt vs. Kirtman, In the Lead: Kirtman, Favorite: Schmitt

Wide Receivers
Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, and Logan Payne are all going to make the team. That gives the Seahawks six solid receivers with Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, and Bobby Engram. The battle to watch is Jordan Kent vs. himself. I am going to assume Deion Branch's injury will require a 7th receiver. If Kent doesn't show the necessary growth, then he won't make the team regardless of Branch's health. In that case, Seneca Wallace becomes the 6th receiver until Branch returns.
Key Battle: Kent vs. Nobody, In the Lead: Nobody Favorite: Nobody

Offensive Line
Walter Jones, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, Mark Wahle, Chris Gray, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto all have spots locked up, but injuries could play a big role. Wahle, Gray, and Willis are all players to watch on that front. Floyd Womack is in a familiar position: stay healthy and make the team, get injured and you're done. He is a good player and can serve as a backup at tackle and guard. Kyle Williams is the one hurt most by the re-signing of Womack, and I don't think he can beat him out if Pork chop stays healthy. If a tackle gets seriously injured, then Williams makes the team. If an interior player goes down, then Steve Vallos gets a spot.
Key Battle: Womack vs. Williams vs. Vallos In the Lead: Womack, Favorite: Womack

Defensive Line
As with the offensive line, 8 players have spots sewn up: Patrick Kerney, Darryl Tapp, Lawrence Jackson, Baraka Atkins, Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Craig Terrill. The final spot could go in a number of directions. DT Larry Tripplett is probably the most talented player. DT Howard Green is also very capable player. DE/DT Chris Cooper gives the team some versatility and is a high effort, high character guy (remember, he made the team as the 10th defensive lineman in 2006 because of a superb camp where he lined up almost exclusively at DT). And DE/LB Jason Babin has the ability to give them another option by filling multiple roles.
Key Battle: Tripplett vs. Green vs. Cooper vs. Babin, In the Lead: Green, Favorite: Tripplett

Linebackers
The top 6 are solid with Lofa Tatupu , Julian Peterson, Leroy Hill, D.D. Lewis, Lance Laury, and Will Herring. One spot is up for grabs, and recent addition Wesly Mallard was signed to be that guy. He is a Ruston Webster player. D.D. Lewis will fill the roles of both Niko Koutouvides and Kevin Bentley as the first guy off the bench at MLB and OLB, respectively. That means the remaining guys need to step it up on special teams and be prepared to play on the outside. Mallard fits the bill, but Jason Babin could potentially figure in. The decision has basically been made to go with Mallard. If he doesn't work out, then it really means the Seahawks need to sign a free agent.
Key Battle: Mallard vs. Free Agent vs. Babin, In the Lead: Mallard Favorite: Mallard

Kickers
It's Olindo Mare vs. Brandon Coutu. This battle will really be a toss up. Mare has the advantage as the veteran, but his career might be over. Both guys have big legs with some accuracy problems. Coutu is consistent inside 40 yards, really good on kickoffs, and has the leg to give himself a chance on any long field goal. If he can show even decent accuracy on kicks over 40, then he will easily take Mare's spot.
Key Battle: Mare vs. Coutu, In the Lead: Mare Favorite: Coutu

QBs, TEs, and DBs
These guys are all safe if they are healthy: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, and Charlie Frye; John Carlson, Jeb Putzier, and Will Heller; Deon Grant, Brian Russell, Mike Green, C.J. Wallace, Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings, Josh Wilson, and Jordan Babineaux. Nobody else will really challenge for a spot. Kevin Hobbs makes the team if any of the other guys can't go (Green and Wallace are somewhat vulnerable if the impact from past injuries limits their performance). If a CB spot opens up it's Hobbs. If a safety spot opens up, then Babineaux plays there and Hobbs fills the CB spot vacated by Babs.

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Updating the Roster as Minicamp Begins

The Seahawks re-signed OL Floyd Womack. He doesn't have a roster spot guaranteed by any stretch of the imagination, but he has a lot of value due to his experience in the league at both tackle and guard. He will be the favorite to beat out Kyle Williams for the final offensive line spot as long as he can remain healthy through minicamps, training camp and the preseason, which is a big question mark.

DT Larry Tripplett shouldn't have too much trouble making the roster, and if he does, he will give the Seahawks some needed stability and durability at the position. It seems crazy to me to think DT Marcus Tubbs is going to play this season unless he makes a mid-season appearance off the PUP list. Even without Tubbs, the Seahawks have a solid group up the middle with Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Craig Terrill. The final spot will likely end up as a battle between Tripplett, DT Howard Green and DE/DT Chris Cooper. Howard and Cooper are both solid players, and are capable of contributing if someone else gets injured.

The lack of depth at LB is still somewhat alarming, or I just don't know enough about Mallards. An NFL roster can't survive with only 6 LBs - just look at what the Cincinnati Bengals went through last year. No offense to the rest of the guys trying to make the team, but there doesn't appear to be another NFL-ready LB on the team outside of the usual suspects: Lofa Tatupu , Julian Peterson, Leroy Hill, D.D. Lewis, Lance Laury, Will Herring. At this point, I would have to assume the options are: 1) Hope one of the unheralded players steps up, 2) Sign a salary cap casualty or 3) Keep Jason Babin to fill-in at OLB if needed. The smart money right now is probably on recently added Wesly Mallard, even though his first name is missing an "e" and his last name is waterfowl.

It wouldn't be too surprising if the Seahawks started the season with Jordan Kent and Logan Payne on the active roster, and Deion Branch on the PUP list. Kent needs to show a lot more than he did last summer if he wants to make the team. Last offseason, conspiracy theorists speculated Kent wasn't used much, so he would remain hidden and not get snatched off the practice squad. The truth is that he just wasn't ready for the NFL...not even the preseason-NFL. Logan Payne is much more NFL ready. Kent has huge potential, but I only see him making the opening day active oster if Deion Branch isn't on it.

The two minicamps probably won't help sort things out very much. Once training camp starts, things will start getting a lot clearer.

Best Guess Roster as of 5/2:

Offense (26)
QB (3) - Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, Charlie Frye
HB/FB (5) - Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, Maurice Morris, Leonard Weaver, Owen Schmitt
WR (6) - Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, Jordan Kent
TE (3) - John Carlson, Jeb Putzier, Will Heller
OL (9) - Walter Jones, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, Mike Wahle, Chris Gray, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto, Floyd Womack

Defense (24)
DE (4) - Patrick Kerney, Darryl Tapp, Lawrence Jackson, Baraka Atkins
DT (5) - Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Craig Terrill, Larry Tripplett
LB (7) - Lofa Tatupu , Julian Peterson, Leroy Hill, D.D. Lewis, Lance Laury, Will Herring, Wesley Mallard
S (4) - Deon Grant, Brian Russell, Mike Green, C.J. Wallace
CB (4) - Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings, Josh Wilson, Jordan Babineaux

Special Teams (3)
K - Brandon Coutu
P - Ryan Plackemeier
LS - Tyler Schmitt

PUP List
WR - Deion Branch
DT - Marcus Tubbs

Tomorrow: Key Battles to Watch

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