Preseason final 53 roster predictions are kinda silly. Teams cut down to 53 players at the end of the fourth preseason game, and in doing that, they most often pick up players off other rosters who were either cut, or available by trade, and I think Seattle is going to be active in adding a few veterans when all is said and done.

But what the hay, let’s have fun, do this anyway.

Quarterback (2 total)

Russell Wilson, and Geno Smith

Russ is the franchise, and Geno is a veteran NFL quarterback with starting experience, and a willingness to play within himself if called upon. That’s pretty much what you want out of your backup.

Running Back (4 total)

Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, CJ Prosise, and Travis Homer

I flirted with JD McKissic beating out Prosise, and he might, but something tells me that Carroll is still very much enamored with Prosise’s unique skill set. When healthy, he has crazy talent. Homer is probably enough of a blend between Prosise and McKissic, Seattle can lean on him as a third down back should Prosise get injured.. yet again.

Fullback (1 total)

Nick Bellore.

Bellore makes the team because he works as a fullback and can also be an emergency linebacker, if needed. Carroll loves that kind of versatility.

Wide Receiver (6 total)

Tyler Lockett, Jaron Brown, DK Metcalf, David Moore, John Ursua, and Jazz Ferguson

Seattle rolls with three rookie receivers with the hopes of getting David Moore back sooner rather than later. Undrafted Ferguson beats out fourth rounder Gary Jennings. Ursua is Lockett’s backup in the slot and plays like Doug Baldwin.

Tight End (3 total)

Will Dissly, Nick Vannett, and Jacob Hollister

Dissly and Vannett are a traditional inline blocking tight ends, and Hollister is the pass catcher who the team might lean on with the lack of depth at receiver.

Offensive Line (9 total)

Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, Justin Britt, DJ Fluker, Germaine Ifedi, George Fant, Ethan Pocic, Joey Hunt, and Jamarco Jones

Ethan Pocic has worked himself into a valuable swing player, if not a starter. Center Joey Hunt is too good of a football player to not keep around and can fill in at guard. Jones makes the roster because Seattle stashes promising rookie Phil Haynes on injured reserve.

Defensive Line (9 total)

Ezekiel Ansah, Poona Ford, Al Woods, LJ Collier, Cassius Marsh, Quinton Jefferson, Earl Mitchell, Rasheem Green, and Jacob Martin

Anash, Marsh, and Martin are the edge rushers. Jefferson and Green are the base ends, and Poona, Woods, and Mitchell hold down defensive tackle until suspended Jarran Reed can be added.

Linebacker (6 total)

Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright, Mychal Kendricks, Cody Barton, Austin Calitro, and Ben Burr-Kirven

Wagner, Wright and Kendricks are the starters, Barton or Calitro are probably the first off the bench, and BBK has upside and can contribute to special teams.

Cornerback (5 total)

Shaquill Griffin, Tre Flowers, Neiko Thorpe, DeShawn Shead, and Jamar Taylor.

Griffin and Flowers are the starters. Shead is a valuable versatile vet that can play corner, nickel and safety. Thorpe is a special teams ace, and Taylor is the nickel.

Safety (5 total)

Bradley McDougald, Tedric Thompson, Leno Hill, Marquise Blair, and Ugo Amadi.

McDougald is the veteran leader. Thompson is probably holding the seat warm at the other starting spot until Blair is ready to take over. Hill backs up McDougald, and Amadi is too talented not to keep and might take over at nickel corner at some point.

Specialists (3 total)

Kicker Jason Meyers, punter Michael Dickson, and snapper Tyler Ott

The team is fully committed to all three of these guys.

Closing Thoughts.

Don’t be surprised if Seattle might make a bit of a splash trade, or two. The team has twenty million in cash to spend. Looking this roster over, I would say defensive end and receiver are to two thinnest spots, and they might well look to add proven veteran help at both areas. If they were to lose Tyler Lockett or Ezekiel Ansah to injury, that could be enough to severely hamper their chances at the playoffs. If they add there a bit, suddenly, they’re looking much more formidable. It’s almost a no brainer.

Teams that have a good trading history with Seattle are Cleveland with their GM John Dorsey now there, Kansas City, Minnesota, Indianapolis, New England, Philadelphia, Houston, and New Orleans.

Of the players on this roster who might be trade bait, I think CJ Prosise, Austin Calitro, Leno Hill might offer some value. Each player is on a cheap rookie contract and might still over some decent upside, but since Seattle is sitting on a bunch of 2020 draft picks, my hunch is that they might start throwing some of those around, as well.

We shall soon see.

Go Hawks.