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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