Seahawks Practice Squad

Practice Squad (8)
We know that OT Samuel Gutekunst will be the 9th player as part of the International Practice Squad Program. He doesn't count towards the 8 player limit.

Ignoring Gutekunst, there is a basic formula to the make up of the practice squad that holds pretty true. It does depend a little hon how many at each position make the active roster. The Seahawks will likely keep the following number of players at these positions between the active roster and practice squads:
QB - 3
RB - 6
WR - 7
TE - 4
OL - 11
DL - 10
LB - 8
DB - 9

That adds up to 61 if you include the specialists (53 active roster, 8 practice squad). You normally end up with something like the 6th RB, 7th WR, 4th TE, 9th and 10th OL, 10th DL, 8th LB, and 9th DB on the practice squad. That will shift a little depending on health at specific positions and whether or not an extra guy makes the active roster at a given position (e.g. a 9th DB on the active roster might mean no DBs on the practice squad).

The majority of the practice squad will most likely be made up from guys on the following list: RB Justin Forsett, FB Owen Schmitt, WR Jordan Kent, TE Joe Newton, OT Kyle Williams, OG Steve Vallos, DE Nu'u Tafisi, LB Matt Castelo, and S Kelin Johnson.

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Real Seahawks Roster Analysis

I've posted the same Seahawks 53-man roster prediction twice (on 5/2 and 6/4), and I didn't see anything in the two minicamps that convinced me enough to make any changes just yet. As noted previously, CB Kevin Hobbs is the one player I didn't include that is making the biggest push to earn a roster spot. It also looks like Olindo Mare is winning the kicker battle, but that should be expected at this point.

A series of posts went through the roster position-by-position, but lets take a look at what we know for sure and what is left to be decided during training camp.

Offense
Quarterbacks (2-3)
Locks: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, Charlie Frye
TDB: Is the coaching staff comfortable enough with Charlie Frye to allow Seneca Wallace a more expanded role at receiver or as a return man? As of right now, the answer to that question is no. By the end of training camp, things could be different. Jordan Kent might be the player most directly affected.

Backfield (5-6)
Locks: Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, Maurice Morris, Leonard Weaver
TDB: Can David Kirtman hold off Owen Schmitt and keep the backup fullback job? Can Justin Forsett make a big enough impact on special teams to earn a roster spot? The answer to both of those questions is probably no. However, it is important to realize that Schmitt has to take Kirtman's spot, not the other way around. As for Forsett, keeping a 4th halfback doesn't usually make a lot of sense.

Receivers (5-7)
Locks: Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor
TBD: Will Deion Branch be healthy enough to be on the active roster on August 30th? That doesn't mean he has to be ready to play in Week 1, but rather ready enough to be valuable over the first six weeks. That being said, it looks like he will most likely land on the PUP. That has a big impact when it comes to crunching the numbers at several positions.

Logan Payne looks like a safe bet to be the sixth receiver (counting Deion Branch). I have Jordan Kent as the last player making the 53-man squad. That is mainly due to Branch's injury, Bobby Engram's holdout, and uncertainty about Charlie Frye. If those concerns sort themselves out, then Kent will be headed back to the practice squad to make room for a 9th DB, a 10th offensive or defensive linemen, or possibly even a 6th RB.

Tight Ends (3)
Locks: John Carlson, Jeb Putzier, Will Heller
TBD: Who will start? Or does that even matter? We can expect to see more two tight end sets, and all three tight ends should get a decent amount of action. Putzier is probably the most likely to see the least amount of playing time this year.

Offensive Line (9-10)
Locks: Walter Jones, Sean Locklear, Mike Wahle, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, Chris Gray, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto
TBD: Can Floyd Womack stay healthy enough to make the team? He is a lock unless his minor injury concerns turn into something major before August 30th. Given the health issues across the board on the offensive line, this might be a year the Seahawks keep 10 guys. Right now, Kyle Williams is that 10th guy, and Steve Vallos is the 11th. It will probably take an injury (to one of the 9 guys ahead of them) for either of them to jump from the practice squad to the active roster. Otherwise, it will depend on if another position can sacrifice a spot.

Defense
Defensive Ends (4-5)
Locks: Patrick Kerney, Darryl Tapp, Lawrence Jackson, Baraka Atkins
TBD: How does Lawrence Jackson fit into the rotation? Jackson is probably a better first and second down DE and Tapp is a better third down DE. I would expect Jackson to eventually play more at DE in running situations, and Tapp more in passing situations. Jackson is also going to see time at DT when the Seahawks are looking to put a lot of pressure on the passer. Will a 5th DE make the team? I doubt it, which isn't good news for Jason Babin or Chris Cooper.

Defensive Tackles (4-6)
Locks: Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Craig Terrill
TBD: Who else makes the team, if anyone? Marcus Tubbs, Larry Tripplett, Howard Green, and Chris Cooper are all worth mentioning. It's hard to think Tubbs will be ready to contribute at the start of the season, if at all this year. I put him on the PUP list by default. I don't think Chris Cooper will get much of an opportunity to line-up at DT during training camp. Injuries will play a major role here, but I think it really comes down to Larry Tripplett vs. Howard Green for one spot. That will be decided during training camp, but I think Tripplett is the better player and better fit for this defense.

Linebackers (7)
Locks: Lofa Tatupu , Julian Peterson, Leroy Hill, D.D. Lewis, Lance Laury, Will Herring
TBD: I think Wesley Mallard is a lock as well, but just to keep it interesting, I am going to at least mention Matt Castelo as someone with an outside chance to make the team. I think he has a good chance to land on the practice squad.

Defensive Backs (7-9)
Locks: Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings, Josh Wilson, Jordan Babineaux, Deon Grant, Brian Russell
TBD: Will health concerns keep either Mike Green or C.J. Wallace from making the squad? Is there room for Kevin Hobbs? Those two questions are directly related and might also depend on what happens at other positions. Hobbs is still on the outside looking in until things clear up, but it feels like one way or another he is going to make it impossible for the Seahawks to cut him. Kelin Johnson doesn't look up to the task of making a run at the roster, but he could land on the practice squad. Jamar Adams speed, or lack thereof is a major issue, and he'll have trouble making the practice squad.

Special Teams (3)
Locks: Tyler Schmitt
TBD: Will Ryan Plackemeier's torn pectoral muscle heal in time for the start of the season? The Seahawks will be signing a veteran any day now as an insurance policy, which means Plackemeier is no longer a lock to make the team. Brandon Coutu still has some time to make his case that he is as good as Olindo Mare, but if everything remains as is, then it will be Mare that makes the team. If Mare can comeback fully from his injury, then he is the favorite. That should be fun to watch during the preseason games. Pay attention to both kick-offs and field goals.

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Minicamp Notes

1) Offensive Line - With Floyd Womack out, the Seahawks finally went to the strategy of moving Sean Locklear over to left tackle. That allowed Ray Willis to get some time at right tackle with the starting unit. Kyle Williams worked at right tackle with the second unit. Williams is clearly the fourth tackle on the depth chart when Womack is out. That will be the story to watch in camp, Womack vs. Williams, and health will be a major factor.

2) C. J. Wallace - C.J. Wallace will be an interesting player to watch. He has a few things working against him (recovering from a knee injury and a recent appendectomy), but his job looks safe for now. The absence of Mike Green and C.J. Wallace has left the door open for another safety to challenge for a roster spot. It doesn't appear anyone has designs on walking through it.

It has been CB Kevin Hobbs stepping it up in practice. Right now, it looks like Hobbs is the only challenger for the 8th DB spot, and Jordan Babineaux's versatility makes that a possibility. Babs has been playing safety with the second unit with Hobbs at corner. If the Seahawks sign a veteran safety, then Hobbs shouldn't feel too confident. If Mike Doss was healthy enough to play, he would probably be on the roster by now.

3) Seneca Wallace - Wallace was returning punts the other day, but don't get too excited. Wallace isn't so much competing with Charlie Frye to be the backup QB, as Frye is really competing with himself to prove he would be adequate if both Matt Hasselbeck and Wallace were out. If Frye can earn the confidence of the coaching staff, then that will mean more Seneca Wallace on the field in 2008. It also might mean another year on the practice squad for Jordan Kent.

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Seahawks 53-man roster

Jordan Kent is starting to make the kind of strides he needs to in order to make the team. Although I noted him as a longshot in my receiver analysis, he might be working himself onto the fringe of the roster. I've had him as making the opening day roster based on my assumption that Deion Branch will start the season on the PUP list. If that doesn't happen, then I still seem him as facing rather long odds. Kevin Hobbs is also beginning to look like he might challenge for a DB spot. That will be quite a challenge with Jordan Babineaux moving to CB on a full-time basis.

It is probably time to update the Seahawks 53-man roster that was posted here on May 2nd prior to the first minicamp: Seahawks 53-man Roster (as of 5/2).

I didn't actually make any changes, although C.J. Wallace certainly has a few things working against him. At this point, I see Kevin Hobbs, Jamar Adams, Howard Green, David Kirtman, Kyle Williams, and Olindo Mare as the most likely of the omitted players to make a run at the roster.

Kevin Hobbs and Jamar Adams will be pushing Mike Green and C.J. Wallace. Howard Green is in a head-to-head battle with Larry Tripplett. David Kirtman is trying to hold off Owen Schmitt. Kyle Williams is the injury contingency plan at tackle, and Olindo Mare is in a heads-up battle with Brandon Coutou.

The practice squad guesswork will be included in the next installment, which should come out sometime between the end of minicamp and training camp.

Seahawks 53-man roster (as of 6/4)

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

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Is Justin Forsett Fast?

Not for the NFL.

Weaknesses: Marginal size limits his NFL upside. He lacks the bulk to carry the fulltime load in the NFL and he doesn't have much room on his short frame to get bigger. Struggles to push the pile and is not very effective in short-yardage and/or goal line situations (see: 2nd quarter vs. Oregon in 2006). Runs low and hard but doesn't have enough power to run over most defenders. Is quicker than fast. Gets tracked down from behind too frequently. His marginal size is also a problem in pass protection. He struggles to anchor versus bigger oncoming linebackers and he becomes a matchup problem when in the game on certain play-calls, as a result. - Scouts, Inc.

I'm not trying to be down on the kid, but he ran a 4.549 at his Pro Day after skipping it at the combine. That is bad news for an undersized speed back. I just don't think he has much of a chance to make it in the NFL unless he turns out to be a dynamo on coverage units. Even then, the Seahawks don't normally keep more than 5 running backs (that includes Josh Scobey in the count when he was with the Seahawks).

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Matt Hasselbeck on Minicamp

(On practicing at Husky Stadium…) “I thought it was great. Mike Holmgren said it best, ‘practice was a sloppy start.’ He said, ‘Guys this was not in the plan but sometimes stuff happens and sometimes you go out there and you play a game and you’ve got a blizzard and you just have to deal with it and adjust, or it’s raining or whatever.’ He made that analogy and I thought it was a good one and your focus has to be the same. You can’t be thinking about that or make excuses. You just have to adjust and improvise and do the best you can.”

(On the young receivers...) “They’re working really hard. We are asking a lot of them. We’re moving them around and having them play at different positions but I think they’ve done a nice job. They are all great guys and they’re having a lot of fun with Coach Gilbertson coaching them. Each day it seems like one guy will stand out but we have a long camp here and then we have training camp and then we have preseason games, so there’s a lot of time. All in all I think it’s a great opportunity for these guys. I would say that they are doing the best to take advantage of it.”

(On the new running backs…) We have a new offensive line coach with some new wrinkles. We have a new assistant offensive line coach with some new wrinkles and a new running backs coach. It’s just all brand new right now. There is a lot of change but I think in the end it will make us tougher to defend.”

(On the change with coaches and players…) “There are all kinds of changes. There is no monotony right now, especially in our room, everything’s new. We have a lot of new coaches, we have a lot of new players and Mike’s (Holmgren) been very creative. He’s allowed his coaches to be creative and said, ‘Lets try some new wrinkles, lets try some of the old plays we’ve run from new formations, new people.’ Our running backs are even running the pass routes right now so there’s a lot of change.”
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(On being able to participate in minicamp…) “It is way more fun getting to play football.”

(On the NBA finals…) “I’m making a prediction. I’m thinking Celtics in three. (laughter) That’s how good they are. They’re so much better than the Lakers. That’s my prediction. Write it down.”

(On John Carlson…) “He really hasn’t been taking too many snaps. I don’t think he’s been in there with me. I can’t remember him being in there with me. Mostly it’s been Will Heller and Jeb (Putzier). From what I’ve read he’s a smart guy and I’m sure he’ll pick things up and he’ll be in there. We’ll give him an opportunity to get in there with the ones. To be honest, I don’t think I can give you an answer yet.”

(On Carlson coming into the league and starting…) “He’s here a lot. I see him when I get here in the morning. He’s got a playbook and when I’m leaving he’s still here. He’s definitely doing double time and trying to get ready, trying to get up to speed. He has a great opportunity and he’s learning from some of the best coaches in this game and he’s also learning from some guys that have been around in Jeb and Will. We would like him to help out this year, if he can.”

(On the team chemistry…) “I think it’s pretty early but there are some real positive signs. Our offensive line has definitely come together and that’s a huge start. We have good guys in the running back room, competing for one football. At the same time we have guys in the wide receiver room competing for a spot on the team. It has been good healthy competition but I think we have the right ingredients so far.”

(On Hasselbeck playing in this minicamp…) “I think it’s nice. I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary. That’s part of the reason why we’re not freaking out that Walt (Jones) isn’t out there, Chris Spencer’s not out there, Bobby Engram’s not out there. It’s definitely easier if you’re able to be out here and get these reps and have this time. If you’re not, if you’re Deion Branch, you just have to do what you can do and when your time comes to be healthy enough to play you have to do the best that you can but I’m happy to be out there.”

(On the young receivers being in minicamp…) “I think that’s huge, for those guys to get the reps with our first group. That is rare. Whether it’s young receivers or young tight ends, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re out there getting coached by your position coach and getting reps with the starters, it’s just a great opportunity to learn.”

(On Coach (Bill) Lazor…) “He’s great. He’s a real smart guy. He’s around my age but you wouldn’t know it. He’s real serious, much more mature than I, which isn’t that hard but I think he is going to be a great coach. I would not be surprised at all if he’s a head coach in this league very soon. He’s got the ingredients for what you look for in that and he’s already up to speed on offense. It’s not like we have to explain anything to him. He’s put the work in, he’s put the time in. He is very, very accurate with the information he gives and it’s nice. It makes it a lot of fun and it makes it easier to learn.”

(On Coach Holmgren and the receivers…) “He’s always been involved in the passing game. We have a lot of young, raw talented wide receivers right now and really all they need is some of that experience and they need some of that savvy and that is probably what he is doing, just trying to help that along a little bit.”

(On Nate (Burleson) being the only true veteran receiver…) “Nate’s awesome. I love Nate. He usually does a lot of things by example. We know what Nate can do. Nate can score. Get the ball in his hands and he’s going to score for you. He’s going to make plays. I think we are giving everybody else an opportunity to showcase what they can do. I know that if we are trying to absolutely win every time, we would put Nate somewhere and get him the ball and let him do his thing. He has been great.”

(On Hasselbeck’s relationship with Coach (Jim) Mora…) “We probably talk trash to each other a little bit because he is on defense. He initiates that. I probably see his wife at the club more than I see him at swim lessons.”

Seattle Seahawks Blog
Provided Courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks Public Relations Department.
Seahawks Media Site Transcripts.

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Lessons from Minicamp

Although today was a short session, we learned a few important things as Seahawks minicamp opened (or at least had them confirmed). It's worth reading the Offensive Minicamp Preview from last Monday.

1) Courtney Taylor is going to start at flanker in Week One. Although, I said that over a month ago in my analysis of Seahawks Wide Receivers, it should now be more apparent to everyone. Logan Payne is lining up in the slot, while Jordan Kent is working at split end. Obomanu will continue to play every position.

Flanker: Deion Branch, Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu/Logan Payne
Split End: Nate Burleson, Ben Obomanu, Jordan Kent
Slot: Bobby Engram, Ben Obomanu, Logan Payne

2) Mansfield Wrotto is a guard, Ray Willis is a tackle. Wrotto is a safe bet to make the roster. Willis may get some work at guard, but he is primarily a backup tackle. The conversation now turns to whether Floyd Womack can remain healthy. If not, then Kyle Williams is looking to take his roster spot. The Seahawks Offensive Line picture has a little more clarity, but depth and health are huge concerns. The Seahawks could be in trouble, but Kyle Williams and Steve Vallos are decent options in a doomsday injury scenario.

3) Leonard Weaver is the starting fullback. Again, this was noted about a month ago when we took a look at the Seahawks Running Backs, but now Mike Holmgren said the same publicly, so maybe more people will listen. David Kirtman and Owen Schmitt will be battling for the backup fullback job throughout training camp. Kirtman has a better chance than people give him credit for, but I still think Schmitt wins out for the roster spot.

4) Baraka Atkins is a lock to make the roster. I don't know if this was ever really in doubt, but the separation from the top 4 and the rest of the group is quite clear. I was a little weak in my Seahawks defensive line analysis the other day and gave more credit to the challengers than I should have. Jason Babin and Chris Cooper are longshots to make the team. The competition at DT is real though (Cooper is running 3rd in that battle behind Howard Green and Larry Tripplett).

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Mincamp with Mike Holmgren: Day One

Here are Mike Holmgren's comments. Check out the Seahawks Blog main page for actual analysis.

Minicamp Transcript (6/2) - Mike Holmgren

(On the rookies at camp…) “We really try and push them a little bit to what they’re learning so they don’t come into training camp blind about anything. My challenge to them this morning was that everyday as individuals you get better. The rookies will spin because we’re throwing a lot of stuff at them but some of those guys we’re hoping for a contribution this year so that’s how we have to do it.”

(On Hasselbeck’s health…) “He is healthy. He’s feeling pretty good, I think and he’s had a good offseason, he’s here and running those workouts. He and Lofa (Tatupu) run the workouts for us when we can’t be out on the field, so I think he’s feeling comfortable. He’s feeling good. We’re adding some new things and we add as much as we can add that he’ll retain and function well.”

(On the new coaches…) “They’re doing a great job, they really are. I’m very impressed. First of all, they work hard and then they’re excellent guys and then they communicate well which is the most important thing probably, to communicate well with their position groups. They have learned our stuff quickly. That’s a learning curve too for them and then they’ve added a little wrinkle here and there, and I like it. So, that’s going well.”

(On how different this offseason has been compared to past offseasons…) “I don’t think it’s been any really different than any offseasons we’ve had before. There is always a chance you have a contract thing and that’s why we’ve got that thing with Bobby (Engram), there’s always a chance that a good guy gets jammed up a little bit and that’s what happened with Lofa. And you guys know him, he’s a good guy. So, I would say the offseason is pretty much the way it always is.”
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(On Tatupu and his recent problem…) “You guys know him he’s a really fine guy. I always say ‘but for the grace of God go aye’, you know I mean and I think if we all looked at our own things that we do and how many times you’ve been driving to fast and didn’t get caught, things like that. You know stuff happens and its life and he has felt very, very bad about it. He is a good man. He is a leader of this football team and people that know him know that and so he learned from this. It will never happen again and now we move on.”

(On what Coach Holmgren said to Tatupu…) “I didn’t have to say a whole lot, he knew. He’s that type of young man. He felt bad and he knows what his role is on this football team and like I said I didn’t have to say anything. He felt horrible.”

(On the decision on the starting running back…) “We probably won’t make that decision right until late. We’ll go into training camp. You know Mo (Morris) and Julius (Jones) are going to carry the ball a good portion of the time. Leonard’s (Weaver) going to be our starting fullback. The one I have to figure out a little bit is how we are going to use Duckett.”

(On the backfield and how it will be used…) “I think the backfield we kind of know how we’re going to use it. We have to figure out how we are going to use it for T.J. This is no different than it always is, you know, with offseason surgeries and stuff. Rarely do you have all your offensive linemen. They are learning the plays and it’s new for them like it is for Julius. I got it pretty well set in my mind except for a couple of positions. We just have to figure out how we are going to use them.”

(On if Nate Burleson’s role will change with special teams…) “That’s another one. That’s one of those things like I just mentioned. I would say that we are going to have to see how that goes. He’s a valuable special teams player and he’s good for us, but if he is our starting split end I might have to reevaluate that. Then I have to see if someone can do what he did. We are working on that.”

(On Rob Sims being back for this camp…) “I don’t think so. But he is coming along just fine. He’s on schedule. He’s not ahead of schedule.”

(On when Deion Branch will be on the field again…) “No, we will make a decision right up around opening game.”

(On the biggest differences from the Super Bowl team in 2005…) “Well, I think we had such a good, productive offensive line that year. Then you lose Tobeck and Hutchinson. Then you substitute young players, so you’re going to have a change there. You’ll have good young players, but young players. You’re going to have some change there. Walter (Jones) was a little nicked up the last couple years so that’s going to have some effect. Maybe the biggest one is that Shaun (Alexander) was hurt. Both years he got hurt. You put all that together and you kind of get what you get.”

(On Walter Jones’ health…) “He’s fine. He’s coming along fine.”

(On the young wide receivers…) “My thing there is I think we are talented but we are awful young. We really are young, and inexperienced so I’m paying particular attention to those kids. They’ll have to play. I want to make sure and make the right decision.”

(On Deion Branch and his role…) “It’s a tough one, because we don’t know. Right now I’m not thinking much about him yet. I’ve got to get my mindset going on those other guys. Deion when he’s ready and he can play, he’ll play and we’ll be fine. Until that time, if I go in thinking that I’m going to have him at a certain time, that’s a big disappointment, so I’m kind of looking at it the other way. Then when he’s ready to go he’ll tell me and that’s the other thing to consider, is that you have an injury of any kind with any player and they look at the medical book and it says this is a 4-6 week injury, this is this and this is this, well guys heal differently, for starters. No one knows. We need him and we hope he comes back as quickly as he can.”

(On how much Branch will practice at camp when he comes back…) “It is hard to come back and go 100% right away but you can point to other athletes who have come back. To answer your question, yes we hope he comes back soon, but some guys go longer. When a guy comes off an injury though, we won’t put him on the field until he says to push him in practice time so the rest of his leg gets strong. The injury could be fine, but then because of the injury he’s not as strong as he should be and those types of things. So now you have holes to work out. So that’s what they talk about when that injury takes longer. He’s doing fine. He’s right on track. They’re please with is progress.”

(On how much of a read Coach Holmgren gets in a mini camp on the young guys, especially the receivers…) “You can see whether or not you have pads on, the receivers have to do what they do. You can see how they catch, how they run routes, how they retain the information, those things. You can evaluate those guys pretty well even in a mini camp, maybe more so than say a guard or a defensive tackle and those kinds of things where the pads really separate the men from the boys on that deal.”

(On whether Coach Holmgren will work all the young receivers at the flanker position…) “No probably not, no.”

(On where the young receivers will play…) “I think right now I think Courtney Taylor working at Z, Jordan Kent’s at X, Logan’s at Z, I think. In fairness to the receivers, we’re going to stick them some place and have them learn instead of having them learn three positions. We’re going to try that and see how it works out.”

(On the move of Keith Gilbertson to receivers coach…) “He’s a pain (laughs). No, he’s doing great. When I asked him, he was a little reluctant at first to be honest with you. I said, ‘Good coaches are good coaches’. He’s a good communicator, he’s a good teacher. He’s been an offensive coordinator. I have no reluctance. He’s doing it and he’s doing a great job.”

(On whether Coach Gilbertson thought Coach Holmgren was kidding about being the receivers coach…) “Well he kind of looked at me. Maybe for the first 5 seconds, then I was kind of looking at him like, ‘I’m not kidding.’”

(On if changing his philosophy because the receivers are so young…) “Well, I think so. That’s one of the reasons and I think they have to be good right away. There’s a learning curve involved certainly but I want to try and speed it up if I can do it, now if I can do it and I think the best way to do that is to have them learn and get comfortable with doing one thing right now.”

(On how Tripplett will fit in…) “He’s a good young guy. He is a hard working guy. We have to see. It’s one of those things. It’s way too early to tell. We have a pretty good group of defensive lineman now and we just have to see. It’s hard to tell at mini camps. You have to wait until you put the pads on for offensive and defensive linemen.”

(On what Coach Holmgren has at running back…) “I think we know how Mo (Morris) is going to play. He will play well. I know what he can do he’s been with us a long time. Leonard (Weaver), came on last year and got better as the season went on and I need him too. I hope he continues going. He should. He’s a good player, physically talented enough. Julius, I don’t know as well but he appears to have good quickness, good hands, the right guy. I don’t see any downside to him. I think that will work out fine. Like I said, I just have to work out and then Kirtman is with us. I have to kind of work out how we’re going to use Duckett. That is really the question, as to how we’re going to use a player.”

(On how to use Duckett…) “Is he a fullback, is he a halfback, do I use him on short yardage and who comes out of the game if I do that. It’s all that kind of stuff.”

(On whether or not Morris and Julius are guys you can just leave in the game…) “No, they’re in the game. I don’t think I will have to plan around them. Mo absolutely not, and Julius I don’t think so. I just haven’t been with him enough.”

(On how that changes things for Coach Holmgren…) “It makes it easier. With the few seconds you have to really make an intelligent call, you don’t have to think so much about protections, who’s in the game, the type of route you call. If you don’t have a guy that can do all those things, absolutely it’s my responsibility to try and do that to help the team. If you don’t have to, it’s easier. It’s easier to call the play and go.”

(On patience with kickers…) “I think you do, particularly if you draft one. If you draft one you’re going to make a financial commitment right away. You should never draft a kicker, unless you think he’s pretty good. I’ve told you guys this story about Ryan Longwell. In Green Bay, we drafted a kicker very, very high. He got hurt, so we brought in this guy. I didn’t even know his name. He stood in front of me and the first kick he kicked, he hit our left tackle right in the head with the ball, and the second one hit our tight end right in the butt. It didn’t get more than 3 feet off the ground. I turned around and no one would look at me. It was Ryan Longwell and he has been one of the great kickers of the league forever. He just had a rough day. It was his first day, he was nervous, and he was a great kicker. I’ve learned patience over the years. I’m a little more patient than I used to be.”

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First Line of Defense

Seahawks Position Watch: Defensive Line

We'll get to Pro Bowler Patrick Kerney and first-round pick Lawrence Jackson, but stopping the run is the first priority.

The Seahawks gave up 102.8 rushing yards per game in 2007, down nearly 20% from the 126.8 yards per game they gave up in 2006. That was quite an accomplishment without Marcus Tubbs, especially with the lack of a running game to control clock and keep the other team off the field. It wasn't the 94.4 per game the Seahawks gave up in 2005, but the team didn't have luxury of sitting on big leads last year.

The reason for the re-found success in stopping the run was by-and-large the play of the defensive line. Patrick Kerney's ability to get to the passer allowed the linebackers to stay at home and make tackles, but the biggest difference maker was Brandon Mebane. Mebane started the final 10 games of the season, and during that stretch the Seahawks only allowed 94.5 yards per game on the ground. That is on par with the 2005 numbers.

The run defense should get some additional help in the form of Red Bryant. He is a big 1-technique defensive tackle that can plug up the middle. While new is often seen as better by the fan base, it would be a sign of bad things if we see too much of Big Red this year. If he is starting, then it means Brandon Mebane is injured.

The Seahawks defense is built on having one DT that can put pressure on the passer and one run-stopper (unless they are facing an obvious running or passing situation): Rocky Bernard and Brandon Mebane, Craig Terrill/Larry Tripplett and Red Bryant. The Seahawks will keep 9 (possibly 10) defensive linemen, and the competition for the final 2-3 spots is going to get heated.
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The defensive ends are probably set. Patrick Kerney is poised to return to the Pro Bowl, Darryl Tapp is really coming into his own, and the addition of first-round pick Lawrence Jackson is going to keep both of those guys fresh to keep the pressure on opposing QBs. Jackson is a complete defensive end in the mold of Michael Strahan or Alex Brown. He can play the pass or the run. He'll eventually find his way to the starting line-up, and Darryl Tapp is probably best used as a situation pass-rusher. Kerney, Jackson, and Tapp together on third-and-long will lead to quite a few sacks.

Baraka Atkins is the presumed 4th DE, and that is a pretty safe presumption. It's possible the Seahawks could go another route, but Atkins appears to be developing as expected. The Seahawks will keep at least 4 DEs and 4 DTs, and up to 1 more more at each position. The most likely scenario is 4 DEs and 5 DTs.

Even if that 4th DE spot is up for grabs and the Seahawks keep 10 defensive linemen, that only leaves at most 3 spots for Baraka Atkins, Howard Green, Larry Tripplett, Chris Cooper, and Jason Babin to fight over (and that's also assuming Marcus Tubbs doesn't figure into the mix at all).

Atkins, Babin, and Cooper are fighting for the 4th and possibly 5th DE spots. Green, Tripplett, and Cooper are left to fight for the 5th DT spot, if the team even keeps that many.

Making a few assumptions and simplifying things, it really boils down to Baraka Atkins vs. Jason Babin for the 4th DE spot with Atkins holding a huge advantage in that competition heading into training camp. And Larry Tripplett vs. Howard Green for the 5th DT spot with Tripplett the favorite to win that battle.

Chris Cooper's best chance to make the team is if the Seahawks decide to keep 10 defensive linemen. Some people might point to his versatility as an advantage to be a swing 5th DE/5th DT that would allow the team to keep 9 defensive linemen and cover all their bases. However, it more than likely really means he isn't quite good enough at either position to stick.


Starters: Patrick Kerney, Brandon Mebane, Rocky Bernard, Darryl Tapp
Locks: Lawrence Jackson, Red Bryant, Craig Terrill
Looking safe: Baraka Atkins
Battling: Larry Tripplett, Howard Green
Longer odds: Chris Cooper, Jason Babin
PUP List: Marcus Tubbs

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