Tag: Seahawks roster projection

Rookie CB DJ James is Seahawks scouting failure

Rookie CB DJ James is Seahawks scouting failure

The Seattle Seahawks waived and released approximately two dozen players during Tuesday’s roster cut-down process. One of the minor surprises included rookie cornerback DJ James, who was waived and passed through the waiver wire process. A bigger surprise arrived when the Seahawks declined opportunities to add James to their practice squad, seemingly admitting defeat on a player they drafted four months ago.

General manager John Schneider drafted James with the No. 193 overall selection in April’s 2024 NFL Draft. It wasn’t necessarily surprising that James didn’t make the roster. He joined a deep cornerback room that features Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Tre Brown, and his former Auburn teammate Nehemiah Pritchett, who was drafted one round earlier.

The real shocking development was that James wasn’t re-added to the practice squad. The Seahawks announced a 15-player practice squad, leaving one spot open (16 maximum) for another addition. Veteran corner Artie Burns is the only cornerback on the practice squad. Other defensive backs include safeties Marquise Blair and Ty Okada.

Perhaps that final practice squad addition will be another cornerback, but early indications are it won’t be James. That seemingly indicates the Seahawks didn’t see enough developmental potential to continue investing in James. It sounds harsh, but it means they did not assess his abilities to be NFL-caliber throughout training camp.

James definitely struggled throughout the preseason. Pro Football Focus tagged the former Auburn product with eight receptions on nine targets for 84 yards and two touchdowns. His coverage grade was a generous 60.8 considering opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating of 145.1 when targeting him.

Sixth-round selections flame out of the league all the time. What makes this particular case unique is how quickly the Seahawks are calling quits on James, a prospect they drafted ahead of 65 selected players in the 2024 draft. That indicates the scouting staff failed when it came to assessing James’ abilities.

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Seahawks lose OLB Jamie Sheriff, LB Jon Rhattigan to waiver claims

Seahawks lose OLB Jamie Sheriff, LB Jon Rhattigan to waiver claims

Releasing a player and exposing them to the waivers claim process always comes with a risk. Unfortunately, the Seattle Seahawks were burned on two occasions when Wednesday’s claims were officially processed by the league office. The Carolina Panthers claimed Seahawks EDGE rusher Jamie Sheriff and off-ball linebacker Jon Rhattigan, according to multiple sources.

 

Both Rhattigan and Sheriff were waived during Tuesday’s final roster cuts. Sheriff is the one Seahawks fans will especially mourn. The rookie undrafted free agent from South Alabama recorded three sacks during the preseason and was a constant thorn in the backside of quarterbacks. He finished just half a sack away from leading the league in exhibition sacks.

The Seahawks clearly didn’t think Sheriff was ready for regular-season football. Instead of keeping him on the active roster, general manager John Schneider traded for veteran EDGE Trevis Gipson, who made the team. Sheriff was waived as a result, and the Panthers used their top waiver-wire priority to pounce on his availability.

The issue between the Seahawks and Rhattigan was apparently salary related. By claiming Rhattigan, the Panthers are inheriting his base salary of $2.985 million, which the Seahawks felt was bloated, per Bob Condotta. Again, the Panthers utilized their top priority here.

The Seahawks revamped their linebacker room earlier this offseason. Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson are expected to serve as the starters. They also drafted Tyrice Knight, and recently traded for rookie linebacker Michael Barrett, who is expected to re-join Seattle via the practice squad after he was waived on Tuesday. All of those moves made Rhattigan and his salary more expendable.

It’s worth acknowledging new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan worked under Schneider for five years in Seattle, first as a scout (2010), and later as assistant director of pro personnel (2011-14). Carolina’s staff features various ex Seahawks coaches, including their head coach Dave Canales. It’s not surprising that the Panthers opted to claim two Seahawks players.

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3 positions Seattle Seahawks could upgrade via waiver wire

3 positions Seattle Seahawks could upgrade via waiver wire

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider is currently in the process of “finalizing” his initial 53 man roster. Tuesday’s mid-afternoon deadline mandates that all 32 NFL clubs trim their roster down to 53 in preparation for the regular season. On Wednesday at 9am Pacific, the league office will process waiver claims that were submitted on any eligible players that were released.

Schneider could use this system as an opportunity to upgrade his depth at a position that fails to meet his standards. An average of 25-30 players are claimed around the league annually. The waiver wire order is determined by the 2024 NFL Draft order, meaning the Seahawks will place 16th in the waiver priority.

With that in mind, we’ve identified three positions the Seahawks could target on the waiver wire.

Nose Tackle

Are the Seahawks good enough at the nose tackle position? Veteran 12-year pro Johnathan Hankins is currently entering the season as the starter. Hankins was signed by Schneider earlier this offseason in a move that reunited him with defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Fourth-round sophomore nose tackle Cameron Young is currently on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) List and doesn’t appear to be nearing a return. The Tennessee Titans, who the Seahawks held joint practices with and played against in the preseason, are a team to watch for a potential nose tackle claim. They have Keondre Coburn and Quinton Bohanna on the roster, and are unlikely to keep both behind T’Vondre Sweat. Bohanna would be especially intriguing given that he previously played for Durde in Dallas.

Tight End

The Seahawks have been banged up at tight end as of late. Noah Fant, Jack Westover, and Pharaoh Brown all missed recent practices, prompting Schneider to sign two tight ends to simply get through practice and the preseason. Michael Ezeike and Devon Garrison were the players signed, but are unlikely to make the 53 man roster.

Fant and Brown are Seattle’s two top tight ends, and Brown and A.J. Barner should make the roster as well. Given the mounting injuries and uncertainty, Schneider could consider acquiring a veteran player at the position to ensure offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has enough bodies for the Denver Broncos in Week 1.

Offensive Tackle

The Seahawks are thin at offensive tackle because Abe Lucas appears primed to remain on the PUP. Thankfully, Mike Macdonald has a veteran right tackle in George Fant to replace him in the starting lineup. Lucas’ absence still delivers a blow to Seattle’s offensive line depth.

Stone Forsythe is currently the swing tackle. The Seahawks have rookie offensive tackles Michael Jerrell and Garret Greenfield on the roster, as well as sophomore Raiqwon O’Neal. O’Neal is likely to claim the fourth offensive tackle spot, but this position could potentially be upgraded via the wire while Lucas continues recovering.

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Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars

Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars

The Seattle Seahawks are acquiring veteran EDGE Trevis Gipson in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports. General manager John Schneider is shipping a late-round pick to Jacksonville in exchange for Gipson’s services. He arrives after Uchenna Nwosu suffered an injury in Saturday’s preseason finale.

Nwosu suffered a knee injury in the preseason Week 3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Nwosu was the victim of a nasty chop-block penalty by Browns guard Wyatt Teller. The severity is currently unknown, but acquiring a pass rusher through trade indicates he’s potentially headed for a multi-week stint on the sidelines.

Gipson initially entered the league as a fifth-round selection of the Chicago Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft. He exploded as a sophomore in 2021 by recording seven sacks, but regressed in 2022 after the Bears underwent a schematic change defensively. He was traded to the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2023 season, where he played in a deep reserve role.

Gipson signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars earlier this March. With roster cuts looming around the league on Monday and Tuesday, this trade indicates he wasn’t going to make Jacksonville’s 53 man roster. The Seahawks have a newly-minted need at the position following Nwosu’s injury, which arrived mere days after they traded EDGE Darrell Taylor to the Bears.

Acquiring Gipson also indicates the Seahawks don’t possess much faith in their in-house options to replace Nwosu in the rotation. This trade spells bad news for Jamie Sheriff and Nelson Ceaser. Gipson will be on Seattle’s initial 53-man roster, and he’ll join Boye Mafe, Dre’Mont Jones, and Derick Hall in the early-season rotation while Nwosu heals up.

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Seahawks EDGE Jamie Sheriff possesses clearer pathway to 53 man roster

Seahawks EDGE Jamie Sheriff possesses clearer pathway to 53 man roster

Seattle Seahawks rookie undrafted EDGE Jamie Sheriff has written one of the more heartwarming stories of training camp and the preseason. A regular standout, Sheriff put forth another eye-opening performance in Saturday’s preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Sheriff recorded two sacks and three quarterback hits versus the Browns. One of Sheriff’s sacks occurred on fourth down to give Seattle possession back leading 34-26 with nine minutes remaining. He concludes the preseason with three sacks and multiple QB pressures.

Will Sheriff make Seattle’s 53-man roster? It’s one of the larger questions heading into Monday’s and Tuesday’s cut-down days around the league. Sheriff’s pathway to the roster became clearer following Darrell Taylor’s trade, but he’s not guaranteed to survive roster cuts.

“There might be an opportunity [for him] to come back, and hopefully the guys feel like we’re invested in their growth as well,” head coach Mike Macdonald said when asked about Sheriff post game.

The Seahawks could go extremely light at outside linebacker. Reps at the position this season are expected to be dominated by Dre’Mont Jones, Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, and Boye Mafe. That expected usage could be what prevents Sheriff from making the roster, though the Seahawks would undoubtedly attempt to get him back on the practice squad, per Macdonald’s comments.

Nwosu’s injury status could also play a determining role on Sheriff’s roster spot. The former South Alabama standout has undeniably done enough to make John Schneider’s roster. Will the Seahawks reward his play, or will they cut a preseason darling?

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Seahawks DB K’Von Wallace builds momentum by ending practice with pick 6

Seahawks DB K’Von Wallace builds momentum by ending practice with pick 6

Seattle Seahawks veteran defensive back K’Von Wallace has been one of the bigger surprise performers at training camp. The former Clemson standout has consistently made plays while proving he belongs on the 53 man roster. Wallace ended Tuesday’s practice with a pick-six return touchdown of quarterback Sam Howell, according to multiple media members in attendance.

General manager John Schneider signed Wallace to a one-year contract earlier this offseason worth just $1.5 million. His arrival was part of a major overhaul at safety that included cutting ties with veterans Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. The likes of Julian Love, Rayshawn Jenkins, Coby Bryant, and Wallace, are ushering the Seahawks forward at safety.

Wallace’s pick-six interception to end Wednesday’s practice wasn’t his lone standout play of camp or the preseason. He’s routinely found himself in spots to make game-changing plays. In the Week 1 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Wallace delivered a jolting hit on this inaccurate throw that resulted in an interception for Bryant.

Wallace was an underrated performer for the Tennessee Titans last season. He totaled nearly 500 snaps in coverage for their defense after the midseason trade of Kevin Byard, and earned Pro Football Focus grades of 70.7 in coverage and 68.1 for his overall defensive work. Schneider got good value on Wallace via his one-year contract.

Wallace has played more than 50 defensive snaps for the Seahawks through two preseason contests. He’s been especially strong when coming downhill versus the run, earning a PFF score 77.0 as a run defender. Wallace has been strong in coverage too, allowing a pedestrian passer rating of just 83.3.

The Seahawks will finalize their initial 53-man roster by Tuesday’s mid-afternoon deadline. Wallace, a veteran journeyman, doesn’t appear to be at risk. Wallace is likely to serve as a versatile and rotational defender for Mike Macdonald this season.

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Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

One of the biggest remaining positional battles on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster is the perceived one at No. 3 running back. While the Seahawks are still searching for their starting right guard between Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford, the ongoing competition between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani is also capturing intrigue.

Seattle’s Week 2 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans could have hinted at how head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff currently see things. McIntosh received the bulk of the workload against the Titans, easily leading all backs in the snap count with 23 plays, accounting for more than 52% of Seattle’s offensive plays. McIntosh did a fantastic job maximizing those opportunities.

McIntosh rushed for 46 yards via eight carries, averaging an explosive 5.8 yards per carry. His longest run of the day picked up 12, and the former Georgia standout also recorded two receptions for 17 additional yards. McIntosh flashed dual-threat ability, paired with a decisive running style.

Meanwhile Holani earned just nine offensive snaps. The undrafted free agent from Boise State rushed twice for three yards. There are multiple ways to interpret Holani’s lack of usage in Nashville. He’s been impressive all offseason long, making it likely Seattle’s decision-making brass has seen enough from him on offense and special teams to make their determination.

Perhaps the aforementioned “RB3” battle is no battle at all. Sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet has been nursing a lower body injury. Though he recently returned to practice in pads, the Seahawks may ease him back in. Retaining both McIntosh and Holani remains a distinct possibility.

Macdonald’s usage of both McIntosh and Holani versus the Titans indicate they’re in good graces. McIntosh put forth a convincing performance that proved he still belongs. Holani has shown enough to warrant a roster spot.

Seattle should keep both McIntosh and Holani when trimming down their roster to 53 next week.

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Has WR Easop Winston Jr. done enough to make Seahawks roster?

Has WR Easop Winston Jr. done enough to make Seahawks roster?

Seattle Seahawks fifth-year wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. has written one of the team’s more heartwarming stories of training camp. The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State initially joined the Seahawks in 2022 as a member of the practice squad. He’s stuck around ever since.

Winston has consistently made plays throughout camp and the preseason. In Saturday’s Week 2 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans, he opened the scoring with a lovely over-the-shoulder 23 yard touchdown grab. Winston led all Seahawks in receptions (3) and receiving yards (47).

Winston is also tied for the Seahawks’ preseason lead in receptions with five, and leads all Seattle pass catchers in receiving yards with 78. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded Seahawks player in the Titans game with an elite score of 90.2.

The Seahawks are deep at the wideout position. Together, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba form one of the best receiving trios around the league. Sophomore UDFA Jake Bobo is having an excellent offseason in his own right and has solidified himself as the WR4. Veteran Laviska Shenault is an outstanding special teams player and projects as the fifth receiver on the roster.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider is tasked with trimming his 90-man roster down to 53 by next Tuesday’s mid-afternoon deadline. How many running backs, offensive linemen, and tight ends the Seahawks retain will determine if they can keep a sixth receiver. Winston isn’t guaranteed to remain on the active roster.

Winston has undeniably put his best foot forward. He’s been a regular standout in camp practices and the preseason. The veteran wideout has performed admirably enough to make most 53-man rosters, but Seattle’s may be too deep. If Schneider can’t justify retaining six receivers, he’ll likely attempt to sign Easton to the practice squad.

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Laviska Shenault contract, usage indicates his roster spot is safe with Seahawks

Laviska Shenault contract, usage indicates his roster spot is safe with Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks veteran wide receiver Laviska Shenault played 20 snaps in Saturday’s last-second preseason Week 2 defeat to the Tennessee Titans. Shenault was the fourth-most snapped wideout on the field, trailing just Jake Bobo (25), Dareke Young (22), and Cody White (22).

Shenault maximized his opportunities. He recorded three receptions on three passing-game targets for 27 yards, finishing as the offense’s third-leading receiver. The dual-threat backfield weapon also rushed once for five yards. Shenault was on the field for several kickoff returns, though he did not return any kicks after returning one for 44 yards versus the San Francisco 49ers in last weekend’s preseason win.

Receiver Dee Williams returned two kicks versus the Titans for 68 yards, including a long of 41 to open the game. Shenault threw a leveling block to help free Williams. Fellow wideout Dareke Young returned Seattle’s lone other kickoff for 27 yards. Indications are that Shenault is still the favorite to open the regular season as the starting kickoff returner.

The Seahawks essentially guaranteed Shenault’s roster spot when they signed him to a one-year contract earlier this summer. General manager John Schneider guaranteed all but $140,000 of his $1,292,500 million salary for this season, according to Over The Cap. Shenault is also their best kickoff returner as special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh attempts to take advantage of the rule changes.

It’ll be interesting to see how Shenault fits into the offense. D.K. Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett, and Bobo are the clear top four receiving options for starting quarterback Geno Smith.

That likely limits Shenault to rotational snaps and manufactured touches, but the Seahawks have been confident he’d make their 53-man roster ever since they ironed out the details of his contract.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for Seahawks after the 2023 preseason

The preseason is over and now comes the hard part.

The preseason is over and now comes the hard part. The Seattle Seahawks have 90 players on their roster and in a couple days that number needs to be shaved down to 53. We’re glad we’re not the ones having to make these calls, but here’s how we see the roster shaping up after the preseason.

Here’s our initial 53-man roster projection after three preseason games.