Roster Changes

 

Key additions

RB Carlos Hyde, WR Phillip Dorsett, TE Greg Olsen, TE Jordan Reed, OT Brandon Shell, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, C B.J. Finney, DE Bruce Irvin, DE Benson Mayowa

 

Key losses

RB Marshawn Lynch, RB C.J. Prosise, WR Josh Gordon, WR Jaron Brown, WR Malik Turner, TE Ed Dickson, OT George Fant, OT Germaine Ifedi, G D.J. Fluker, C Justin Britt, DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE Ezekiel Ansah, DT Quinton Jefferson, DT Al Woods, DT Nazair Jones, LB Mychal Kendricks, S Tedric Thompson

 

2020 draft class

LB Jordyn Brooks (1.27), DE Darrell Taylor (2.48), G Damien Lewis (3.69), TE Colby Parkinson (4.133), RB DeeJay Dallas (4.144), DE Alton Robinson (5.148), WR Freddie Swain (6.214), TE Stephen Sullivan (7.251)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Chris Carson
WR: Tyler Lockett
WR: D.K. Metcalf
WR: Phillip Dorsett
TE: Greg Olsen
LT: Duane Brown
LG: Mike Iupati
C: B.J. Finney
RG: Damien Lewis
RT: Brandon Shell

 

Defense

DE: Bruce Irvin
DT: Jarran Reed
DT: Poona Ford
DE: L.J. Collier
OLB: K.J. Wright
MLB: Bobby Wagner
OLB: Jordyn Brooks
CB: Shaquill Griffin
CB: Tre Flowers
S: Quandre Diggs
S: Bradley McDougald

 

Team Outlook

 

Biggest strength: Quarterback

The ascension of young quarterbacks around the NFL may have led to Russell Wilson’s play being underappreciated, as he’s combined to throw for 66 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions over the past two seasons—which are basically big-time college numbers. Remember, many thought Seattle would be going through a rebuild when the Legion of Boom was dismantled, but having a true superstar at quarterback is one of the main reasons they are able to keep rolling. If the team ends up signing Antonio Brown to join Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf at receiver, the offense could explode.

 

Biggest weakness: Offensive line

The Seahawks had been able to bully teams up front with Chris Carson emerging over the past couple of years, but they have some question marks on the offensive line with a new starter at center, right guard, and right tackle in 2020. I think the losses of D.J. Fluker and Germain Ifedi in particular could be big, as their size/physicality helped set the tone up front. We’ll see if third-round pick Damien Lewis and free agent signing Brandon Shell are able to step up to fill the voids.

 

Position battle to watch: Defensive end

Pete Carroll will have competition all over the roster, but the one most people will be watching is on the edge with Bruce Irvin, L.J. Collier, Rasheem Green, Benson Mayowa, and rookie Darrell Taylor all hoping to replace Jadeveon Clowney’s production from 2019. Not finding a way to re-sign the former No. 1 overall pick could turn out to be a serious mistake if the Seahawks fail to generate a pass rush, and limited training camp/preseason action will arguably impact Carroll’s squad more than anyone because of how they establish a competitive culture every year.

 

One more thought

Rumors of Antonio Brown signing with Seattle picked up more steam when he worked out with Russell Wilson yesterday, but if things don’t eventually come together on that front, Phillip Dorsett should be ready for an expanded role. The former first-round pick made multiple clutch plays for New England over the past few years, and the Seahawks getting into a bunch of close games (as always) should allow him to shine in big moments when the opportunity presents itself.

 

Early over/under: 9.5 wins (via FOX Bet)

Under. It was mentioned twice, but the AB situation could change things to give Seattle an absolute bomb squad; he could be facing a lengthy suspension for off-field issues, though, and I have worries about the Seattle defense both up front and in coverage that puts them just under 9.5 wins.