The 2018 Roster Roundup series ends with a retooled Seattle roster. Do they have a chance to surprise in the loaded NFC West?

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Russell Wilson

RB: Rashaad Penny
WR: Doug Baldwin
WR: Brandon Marshall
WR: Tyler Lockett
TE: Ed Dickson
LT: Duane Brown
LG: Ethan Pocic
C: Justin Britt
RG: D.J. Fluker
RT: Germain Ifedi

 

Defense

DE: Frank Clark
DT: Jarran Reed
DE: Dion Jordan
OLB: K.J. Wright
MLB: Bobby Wagner
OLB: Shaquem Griffin
CB: Byron Maxwell
CB: Shaquill Griffin

CB: Justin Coleman
S: Earl Thomas
S: Kam Chancellor

 

Roster Notes/Thoughts

 

Notable depth

QB Austin Davis, RB Chris Carson, RB C.J. Prosise, RB, FB Jalston Fowler, WR Jaron Brown, WR Marcus Johnson, WR Amara Darboh, TE Nick Vannett, TE Will Dissly, OT Jamarco Jones, OT George Fant, DE Rasheem Green, DE Marcus Smith II, DT Nazair Jones, DT Shamar Stephen, DT Tom Johnson, OLB Barkevious Mingo, CB Neiko Thorpe, CB Tre Flowers, S Bradley McDougald, S Delano Hill

 

Biggest strength: Secondary

When they were among the NFL’s elite, the Seahawks were obviously built on defense—particularly the secondary. But while most believe with Richard Sherman gone, Earl Thomas in a contract dispute, and Kam Chancellor’s health in doubt that the Legion of Boom is no more, I would disagree. The depth is tremendous, and Byron Maxwell and Shaquill Griffin could be one of the best cornerback duos in the league.

 

Biggest weakness: Offensive line

Seattle declined to address the offensive line until the middle of Day 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft, so the team will mostly rely on holdovers to protect Russell Wilson and get the running game going with first-round pick Rashaad Penny. Perhaps a full offseason with the same starting five intact and a new offensive line coach will create some chemistry and allow the unit to make significant improvements from last year.

 

Position battle to watch: Wide receiver

This is all about Brandon Marshall, as the former All-Pro won’t be assured a roster spot, but the Seahawks would probably love for him to earn one in camp to give their receiving corps a boost. That said, they might also hope the veteran is simply beaten out by a combination of Jaron Brown, Marcus Johnson, and 2017 third-round pick Amara Darboh.

 

Early over/under: 8 wins (via Odds Shark)

Over. I think eight wins is a perfect number for Seattle, but this roster has the talent to exceed expectations as they get back to a ground-and-pound, defensive mindset. It will be interesting to see what happens with Earl Thomas and whether or not Kam Chancellor is cleared to return to the field.