Projected Seahawks final 53-man roster
Posted By Eric Williams on September 1, 2009 at 9:06 pm
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The Seahawks have to get down to the final, 53-man roster by Saturday. As always, it won’t be easy as several players are straddling the line on whether or not they will make the roster.
But I thought we would take an initial swing at the final 53 and see who might be on the outside looking in come Saturday.
Quarterbacks (3): Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, Mike Teel
Comment: Teel appears to have wrestled away the third spot from free agent Jeff Rowe. The Rutgers product has shown he has a good head for the game, verifying the team using a sixth-round pick to select him.
Running backs (5): Tailbacks – Julius Jones, Justin Forsett, Edgerrin James. Fullback – Justin Griffith, Owen Schmitt.
Comment: We still have yet to see James in a game, but Jones and Forsett proved they could get the job done on the ground for Seattle against Kansas City. I believe Griffith cemented his spot as the starter with his play against the Chiefs. He has a better understanding and feel for the zone blocking scheme than Schmitt at this point in his career.
Wide receivers (6): T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, Deon Butler, Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu.
Comment: You could also go with Jordan Kent instead of Taylor here because of Kent’s special teams play. Or the team might make the bold move of releasing Branch if they feel that Butler and Obomanu provide enough quality depth at receiver. The Seahawks have not ran a whole lot of three and four-receivers sets, so perhaps Branch is expendable, but I would be surprised if Branch is not on Seattle’s final roster.
Tight ends (3): John Carlson, John Owens, Joe Newton
Comment: Carlson and Owens give Seattle a good 1-2 punch, although Carlson can still improve on his run blocking. Newton has looked better and more ready than rookie Cameron Morrah.
Offensive line: (9): Walter Jones, Chris Spencer, Sean Locklear, Rob Sims, Steve Vallos, Max Unger, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto, Kyle Williams.
Comment: I think the Seahawks may want to keep an extra guy here because of the injuries to Jones and Spencer. Na’Shan Goddard would be that guy because he can play both guard and tackle.
Total offense: 26
Defensive line: (9): Cory Redding, Brandon Mebane, Colin Cole, Patrick Kerney, Darryl Tapp, Lawrence Jackson, Craig Terrill, Red Bryant, Michael Bennett.
Comment: I think Baraka Atkins is the odd man out here. Nick Reed probably should be on the final roster, but Bennett can play both tackle and end, and Tapp can play linebacker if Seattle goes with a 3-3 defensive front. You also can use Aaron Curry at defensive end in a pinch. Reed will be on the practice squad if he clears waivers, which I know is a calculated risk However, there’s more teams playing a 3-4 defensive front now, and I don’t see Reed as a fit in the 3-4 as an outside backer. So that limits the teams that would be interested in Reed’s services. That said, Reed probably deserves to be on the final roster, but I think more teams might covet Bennett because of his ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end.
Linebackers (7): Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Aaron Curry, Will Herring, D.D. Lewis, David Hawthorne, Lance Laury
Comment: Herring has looked good during the preseason and is fighting for a chance to get on the field on a regular basis. One less linebacker might make the team, but all of the reserves play on special teams right now.
Defensive backs (8): Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson, Deon Grant, Brian Russell, Jordan Babineaux, C.J. Wallace, Kelly Jennings, Jamar Adams.
Comment: Kevin Hobbs has struggled defending the deep ball during the preseason, and Babineaux or Adams could serve as a fourth corner if they needed a body in a pinch. Wallace is a special teams stud and needs to be on the field.
Total defense: 24
Specialty (3): Jon Ryan, Kevin Houser, Olindo Mare
Comment: Even though he missed two field goals, I think with his distance on kickoffs coupled with the season he had last year you have to go with Mare if he’s healthy. The 51-yard attempt by Brandon Coutu sealed it for me, with the second-year kicker barely making it to the end zone. I’ll chalk up Mare’s underwhelming performance against Kansas City as an aberration, looking to what he did last season as the norm.
PUP: Marcus Trufant
Practice squad: RB Devin Moore, OL Andre Ramsey, TE Cameron Morrah, DB Courtney Greene, DE Nick Reed, DE Derek Walker, WR Logan Payne, OL Brian De La Puente.
Again, everyones cool with what we got for an offensive line and keeping Reed is what people are arguing about, wow. Nick Reed looked good, but come on, is he really going to be able to contribute. I think we should keep him, but I wouldn't be too upset about dropping him.
Branch has the best hands on this team. Has it ever come across that Hasselbeck just doesn't look for the guy because he's short or because he doesn't trust him?
Trublu,
Your absolutely right about the OL. I'm still hoping we pick up some like Levi Jones just to make me feel better about our tackles. I was pleasently surprised at the OL's performance last week, but I certainly think we can keep one less WR or LB to make room for a tackle.
nightwulf, maybe you're right, Oakland's starters shouldn't be much of a test for anyone.
All this hype over Nick Reed and Michael Bennett really is interesting. It has become "conventional wisdom" on some blogs that neither of these guys could clear waivers to spend the year on our practice squad. Caught up in the mania of the preseason, I've nearly bought into this.
But now I'm questioning it. An undersized and quick 7th round DE and an undersized and quick undrafted DT/DE. How many teams are hoping to find these guys on the waiver wire next week? Plenty of other players will be cut, and if a team signs anyone off waivers they need to cut one of their own and place that player on their 53. Tough choice to make.
I love the idea of young quick linemen making it on our team. But which teams would salivate over claiming Reed or Bennett? Only teams that play a 4-3 defense, value small quick d linemen, and have holes in their roster. This year, 13 of the 32 teams will line up in some form of the 3-4, so we can cross those 13 off the list.
So who? I don't think the solid 4-3 defenses like NYG, Minn, or Philadelphia would cut one of their veterans to sign Reed or Bennett. Washington? Tampa? Seattle? Yeah, that's it. I'll bet Seattle would like these guys on their practice squad to develop them for a year and see how they pan out. Oh, wait.
Every year we go crazy over young guys in preseason, forgetting that the veterans who would eat them for lunch are sitting over on the bench cooling their heels until opening day. I don't know, but I just wonder if once again we are busy talking about young players whom the coaches have evaluated and put on the back burner to develop for someday, while they now begin to turn their attention back to their opening day starters. That said, it sure would be nice to have a young surprise pass rusher make the team.
It may be the Nick Reed Show at the moment, but if you have followed this blog we have gone over the OL over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. We've pretty much beat that dead horse to a bloody pulp. Besides, can we really make a good chicken salad if we don't have any chicken?
Nightwulf, that was cold....but, I loved it !!!
Duke, I guess I didn't get Your joke. Today was not the best day for any misunderstandings. I do appreciate Your input (sometimes) to this blog.
I am just so tired of going through years of misery and mediocrity with my/our Seahawks. (And) when finally we had a shot at being good, or great team
Ruskell started dismantling that winning team. I don't think he was/is doing it because he is stupid, I just think his EGO is getting the best of him; and that is something I have problems with. The proof is the way he handled Hutch situation, trying to bring his (reject) buddies/players from the Falcons, and the way he refuses to correct his mistakes with his #1s. I do not blame him for getting Branch (cannot predict injuries).
As for Nick Reed and Bennet, they showed great heart, brains and football smarts/instincts. They went in when told to do so and did better than anyone else; In the limited time Reed was in, he did more than any other player on our D. Yeah, it is preseason and he didn't play much against the #1s, but that was coaches call ( while LoJack was cheer-leading on the sidelines).
Besides, what if we lose Reed and Kerney gets injured again (solid chance it can happen)? Who will play then? LoJack? Yeah,right !!
Tapp will be Kerney's backup whether Reed makes the team or not.
nighthawk2: "I was going to mention Dumerville in regard to Reed’s size, but Bobby beat me to it. When he was drafted I thought Reed would have to put on about 10-12 pounds to play end, and who knows, maybe he will, but he seems to be doing alright at 247."
30 pounds would be more like it and it wouldn't hurt if he grew a couple of inches in the process. On the other hand, if he could get himself up to 270+ and keep his speed in the bargain (not impossible, the team has trainers that know how to make things like that happen) he could be deadly in the DE spot. That weight on that frame would give him a lot of underneath leverage. If he has good instincts for reading the blocking (he certainly isn't going to have any sight line advantage) he could wind up being outstanding.
On yet another hand, he possesses the perfect dimensions right this minute for a linebacker. Couple his work ethic with his DE skills and you have to consider that there could be an awful lot of potential for a 3-4 LB there. I don't think he'd last for two seconds on the practice squad. Not if teams like the Jets or the Packers are paying any attention to the pre-season game films anyway.
I don't think Seattle will be able to keep Logan Payne if they put him on the practice squad either.
Bobby, what do You want to talk about? Pamela Anderson? Count me in.
Earther, I agree with You. Other teams to consider taking Read are the three teams victimised by him this year. Denver and KC would need him for sure.
Speaking of other teams' needs : Rams need receivers. Why can't we trade
Branch to the Rams?
seahawklover, Denver and KC play the 3-4 defense. No way Reed or Bennett would play in that scheme. Reed would have to learn how to play LB to play in a 3-4.
Nick Reed is not going to be a reincarnation of Jared Allen. I do not envision him as a stud every down DE who will lead the NFL in sacks. However, I think he has all the makings of a very good situational player. I'll take Reed in a situational pass rushing situation against Orlando Pace any day over Jackson or Atkins.
seahawklovertoo - I'd rather talk Ashley Judd.
About the OL, I was just wondering if their was anybody out there that could be cut from other team who has excess, that we might want to take a look at, I don't really follow what players are on other teams, or from the draft unless their from the pac-10 (UW) so I was just wondering if their were any names some of you fanatics could think of . Is it just a done deal, we roll with what we got and suffer the consequences?
You said it just right Stevo. This is PRESEASON. There is a long list of guys who have dominated in the preseason and never made an impact in the regular season. Kent, Tayor, Forsett to name a few from this team.
And to say we should bail on LoJack after one season?
Remeber Mario William's first season? When everone laughed at the Texans for taking him over Bush. Look where they are now. Williams is a pro bowler and Bush hasn't stayed health for a full season yet.
Williams wasn't very good his first season (he sucked) but he flashed talent here and there. Although he wasn't good, the freakish ability was there. You knew there was something to tap into. Where's Jackson's ability? I haven't seen it. I don't see a strong initial first step. I don't see speed. I don't see freakish anchoring ability. At least some of the good DEs who did nothing in their first year were able to turn heads in training camp the following year. All we have is a guy our own HC said will never be "dynamic."
TruBlue - I don't know. I'd love to be able to get a good OL somewhere, but with all of this talk about zone blocking and working together, I don't see us picking anyone up. I think we're just going to go with what we have. I do think what we have can, if everything falls right, have a decent OL. This is in a perfect world. I think our QB and receiver position can make up for a so-so line. But if our OL doesn't come close to a "best case scenario" then I do think we're in trouble. For good or ill, I think we're basically stuck with the OL group that we have right now. Even if Walt comes back into the dominant LT we all know him to be, there's still no guarantees we're going to have a good line (as evidenced by him being dominant the last 3 years, minus the last month last year, and us still having a crappy line). Other things have to fall into place too. It can happen and I hope it does, it's just that the odds aren't in favor of it.
Tapp is Kerney's backup on the depth chart only. They've seen quite a few snaps together this pre season, (their version of the 4-2 nickel or so called 3-3) but yes, they are used in very much the same way. And I don't think Reed and Bennett are exclusive to a 4-3 at all. From what I've seen, Bennett could play DE in a 3-4 the same way Mebane would (diminished skill not with standing). And Reed appears to have the attributes to play outside LB with his hands in the dirt, rushing the passer or drop into zone coverage. I think they both have exhibited the versatility Coach Gus likes to see.
seahawklovertoo - As a point of information, I wasn't intending to make fun of you although it does read that way. Look, in '96 when the Seahawks were moving to Anaheim and the announcement came across the radio that the moving vans were in Kirkland ready to pull out. The two friends I was with, driving across the Aurora Bridge nearly crapped ourselves driving straight to Kirkland to see what we could do. We were 3 of about 20 (as I remember) or so that had gone there to try and stop this travesty. My point is, if it got bad enough, I'd be right with you, sheriff. Anyway, moving on...
Dukeshire, I was just responding to the panic comment "what if Kerney gets injured again!". I think in that case its pretty clear the answer is Tapp.
But, yes I've also see them both on the field a bit in practice and am looking forward to Gus Bradley's new alignments on the D line.
As for Reed or Bennett being ready to play in a 3-4 defense? The topic we were talking about was whether a team would sign one of these two players off waivers, cut one of their own, and put Reed or Bennett on their active roster. I really don't see a 3-4 team doing that with Reed or Bennett at this point. A few years down the road, who knows.
I see. Yes, ready to play? Agreed, that is a different story. Should have caught myself up on the whole thread before jumping in. (I'm doing a lot of apologizing today.)
Stevos: "seahawklover, Denver and KC play the 3-4 defense. No way Reed or Bennett would play in that scheme. Reed would have to learn how to play LB to play in a 3-4."
So what? That would only make him one of about a dozen college DEs that get drafted for precisely that purpose every year.
3-4 OLBs need down lineman skills. A lot of NFL coaches think it's a lot easier to convert a smaller, high motor DE into a 3-4 linebacker than it is to teach a college LB DE skills.
Duke, I truly thank You for '96 action ( I could never support L.A. football
team). Sometimes things at work and life get me quite edgy and the Seahawks are my escape and passion. So, when my "escape" starts turning to kaka....than my ugly side re-surfaces. Plus, I hate losing in anything. 4-12
is never acceptable in my life. Ruskell is big part of why I get angry. I am sort-
of OK with drafting Curry but, trading down and taking Oher and a second rounder would have fulfilled our needs better ! Nobody can convince me that Jets wouldn't deal with us but would with the Browns. So, another strike against Timmey. Next draft we will have two 1st round picks as we all know, &
I am very nervous about Timmey doing the drafting.
Maybe we should hijack Seahawk headquarters next year and trade those two #1 picks for a bunch of picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I trust him with those picks, but not the first rounders (think last year... Jackson was used with a #1, Carlson was used with a #2).
If Ruskell had the success in the 1st round he has had in the 2nd, we'd consider him one of the best GMs in the league in spite of his other gaffs.
Have any of you seen the show "Hey Rookie" (or something resembling that title) on ESPN2? Two of the players they feature are Curry and Oher. Oher blew me away with how well spoken he was. I was not anticipating that. It's a pretty cool show if you all get a chance.
'Hawks placed Withrow on IR today.
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=894580&nid=4472194&fhn=1
Tim Ruskell is a total zen master at identifying second and third round talent!!!
Unfortunately, he drafts that talent in the first round (read: Spenser, Jackson & Jennings). TR is in the fifth year of a five year contract, right? Like, Mike Holmgren is available, right?
The coaches already said that they did not want Kerney to give it his all this pre season because they do not want what happened last season to happen this season. They have been cautious with everyone this off season. Once the season begins and Kerney plays fast and nasty like we know he can, the defensive line is going to be beast!!!!
Also......who is this Ness kid that we just picked up. The Safety from Arizona. Ness I believe is his name
Nate Ness, he was cut by the Jets this week and it looks like they signed him to take Withrow's spot to fill out the 75. He was undrafted out of Arizona.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=78369&draftyear=2009&genpos=FS
... and an interview.
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/2/7/752188/2009-nfl-draft-player-inte
History of Mora and Bradley may shed some light on how many lineman we keep: http://hawkblogger.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-moras-and-bradleys-past-tells-us.html
If you cut Nick Reed, the next time you see him will be when he is dragging Matt Hasselbeck or Seneca Wallaceto the turf. Those of you who are quick to write off his accomplishments this preseason should look back at the preseason stats from 2008. Or look at the stats from the regular season. No one came close to replicating what Reed has done so far this year. It has been pointed out that he has only done well against the 3rd and 4th string OT's but Shelton of SD is a 10 year vet with over 120 NFL starts. Furthermore, Bradley is already working with Reed as one of the middle linebackers in a 3-4, just watch last weeks game. He is fast, he is quick and he has an amazing nose for the play. Granted he will make mistakes but his hustle willl put him in the middle of a lot of plays. I think it is a mistake to cut him because the NFL scouts didn't think he fit the prototype and because he wasn't invited to the combine. If it happens, it is a mistake that Seahawk fans will come to regret.
Reed has done well in the OTA's, he has done well in
Reed has done well in the OTA’s, he has done well in camp and he has excelled in the preseason. He gives his all and he motivates those around him. What more can you ask of a rookie?
Both Reed and Bennett are outplaying LoJac and Atkins. They might keep 11 DL and keep everybody, which might be the best way to keep Hawks secondary from chasing opposing WRs into the end zone. Reed can also double as an OLB, he has coverage skills as well as run-stopping skills. Hawks have an embarrassment of riches at both DL & LB.
Too much dead cap to cut Branch. Maybe Branch plays the whole season this year?
Once again, last year it was Jason Babin who was getting a sack or more every game, and couldn't understand why Seattle kept Atkins over Babin. The exact same complaining people have now concerning Reed vs. Jackson.
The relative level of competition has been beaten to death - so what if the 3rd stringer is a 10 year vet. He's still 3rd string, which means the 1st string guy is that much better.
2nd, there's more to DE play than just rushing the passer. Even a guy whose only job is to rush the passer has to have some ability to read the play and defend the run/play action/screen, etc. Last year, Babin got the sacks but didn't hold his ground that well and wasn't much against the run.
I love Reed's tenacity and endless motion to get free on the pass rush, but he takes himself out of the play too a lot. A lot of productive college pass rushers wash out of the league because all they can do is get a sack, at the cost of blowing up a big hole in the defense when they take themselves out of their assignment trying to get to the QB.
BTW Babin has done nothing since Seattle cut him, and regarding all these fan preseason favorites, I've never seen any comments from actual professional football observers that the Seahawks are cutting great players in order to save face. Only fan fiction on that.
Last year, everyone was mewling about Justin Forsett getting cut. The Colts did claim him because they suffered tons on injuries to their backs and return men. But they ended up releasing him in October, which is why he's back with Seattle now. For all the Forsett fan love, he wasn't that huge a talent.
I repeat - if Nick Reed is playing well on special teams, he's on the team. If he can play as the 7th LB, he's on team. If Nick Reed can't, he's on the waiver wire.
Some of you remind me of Steve Kelley writing in the Seattle times 15 years ago or so. Seattle had FA QB Sean Salisbury, who always lit it up in preseason. Seattle finally cut him, and Kelley wrote a piece on how Seattle just cut the QB that could get them to the Super Bowl, and that they'd eternally regret it. Sound familiar?
Actually I'll backtrack a bit on my Nick Reed comment. I don't know what the coaches think of his overall play. If they think he's got a decent all around game, he probably makes the squad even if special teams is so-so. But good special teams would seal his place on the 53 man roster.
RedHawk66: "Reed has done well in the OTA’s, he has done well in camp and he has excelled in the preseason. He gives his all and he motivates those around him. What more can you ask of a rookie? "
Nothing. That's exactly what you want to see in a rookie. He's demonstrated that he has a great motor and an excellent work ethic. Those are the kind of guys you want on your football team even if they'll never aspire to be much more than special teams players and rotational subs.
You kind of have to temper your expectations though. So far he's demonstrated very early in his rookie season that he has potential. There's not a lot else you can really say about the guy at this point. I don't think he'll clear waivers because potential is good and other teams who have building to do along their front seven are going to notice.
Hey Bobby I'm not against keeping Reed and Dumervill(roughly 15 lbs heavier than Reed) and Harrison are exceptional EXCEPTIONS to the rules of size in the NFL I don't know if Dumervill plays every down I doubt it and Harrison is a line backer he has the lateral quickness to play the position(LB) that Reed lacks so it's really not a good comparison. So again I say don't get so geeked up about a guy who has a limited skill set when you have needs in other areas of the team. (OL) put him on waivers and you'll see teams pass on him. Sign him to PS and bring him in if you get an injury. Also if he is claimed by another team he has to make the final roster not likely. Lastly if he is on the PS ANY team can sign him so don't think they won't be thinking along those lines and keeping their own nuggets.
He's not an every down player. He's situational (like Reed).
Chuck Darby is/was good for us in '05. He was too small and slow as well. Manuel, our secondary glue that year, was also too slow. I'll take a good football player over a talented and roided Tony Mandarich any day.
point taken I also like football players over posers I hope Reed turns out to be the guy everybody wants him to be which I believe would also include Mr .Reed himself.
Yeah, I think some people here expect him to be a 15-20 sack guy. I don't expect that, but I do think there's hope for him to eventually be a situational pass rusher who is capable of 8-9 sacks per season.