Tag: seahawks training camp updates

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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Did Christian Haynes preseason penalty hurt his chances of winning starting job?

Did Christian Haynes preseason penalty hurt his chances of winning starting job?

The Seattle Seahawks still haven’t announced a decision regarding their starting right guard despite being approximately 72 hours removed from their preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns. Sophomore guard Anthony Bradford and rookie blocker Christian Haynes have been entangled in that position battle all training camp long. Several developments on Saturday may have indicated that Bradford remains the leader in the clubhouse.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to play his starters in the final exhibition game. That included veteran offensive linemen like Laken Tomlinson at left guard and George Fant at right tackle. Bradford was the starting right guard, and Haynes worked with the second-team unit. That was a strong indication that Bradford is close to winning the job.

Haynes unfortunately made a big-time mistake when he received his opportunity with the second-string offensive line. Backup quarterback Sam Howell connected with Cody White for an explosive 73-yard touchdown, but a flag was thrown on the play. Haynes was penalized for holding, wiping out the highlight reel-worthy score.

Penalties happen and Macdonald’s coaching staff will focus on the learning opportunity, but there’s no denying every rep counts when partaking in a position battle. Seattle’s starting offensive line looked great with Geno Smith completing 4-of-5 passing attempts for 62 yards and one touchdown. Smith wasn’t sacked, nor was he under constant pressure.

That qualified as a victory for Bradford. Meanwhile Haynes eventually entered the contest and made an error that hamstrung the offense. It was an outstanding preseason for Seattle’s third-round rookie lineman from UConn, but the margin for error going into Saturday was non-existent. The battle between Bradford and Haynes wasn’t decided by one play, but it could have confirmed Seattle’s thinking that their experienced sophomore is a better fit.

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Analyzing rookie LB Michael Barrett in his Seahawks preseason debut

Analyzing rookie LB Michael Barrett in his Seahawks preseason debut

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t waste any time getting rookie linebacker Michael Barrett integrated into their defense. Despite being acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Mike Jackson on August 22nd, Barrett suited up for the Seahawks’ preseason finale just two days later on August 24th. He was productive in a 37-33 exhibition victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Barrett totaled 25 snaps despite not getting in a *single* practice before making his in-game debut. Barrett was the Seahawks’ third-most snapped linebacker. Only Tyrice Knight (45) and Patrick O’Connell (36) were more involved. Jerome Baker did not play, and fellow starter Tyrel Dodson was limited to seven plays with the first-string defense.

Pro Football Focus assigned Barrett a stellar run-stopping grade of 72.4. The former Michigan standout had an overall defensive grade of 64.0. Barrett made one tackle, and was targeted twice in coverage, allowing one reception for a 13-yard gain. All in all, it represented a promising debut given the circumstances.

Barrett’s familiarity with Mike Macdonald’s defense likely aided his swift transition to his new surroundings. Macdonald was Barrett’s defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021. This past campaign, the off-ball linebacker won a National Championship with the Wolverines while playing for a coaching staff that included Jim and Jay Harbaugh, the latter of which is now Seattle’s special teams coordinator.

Barrett’s approximate 48-hour-turnaround from being traded to playing was fascinating. It also indicates the Seahawks have faith in Barrett’s ability to execute the defense. His developmental potential will land him on Seattle’s initial 53 man roster later this week.

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How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

The Seattle Seahawks turned a position of weakness into a strength on Thursday when they acquired rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from the Carolina Panthers. General manager John Schneider sent cornerback Mike Jackson the other way. Jackson’s departure from a deep corner room will offer more opportunity for young rookies like D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett.

Jackson, a 2019 fifth-rounder, lost his place this offseason in a deep defensive backfield. Jackson started opposite Riq Woolen during the 2022 season. He was a league-average cornerback, allowing a respectable 62% completion percentage on targets thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jackson was replaced in the starting lineup prior to the 2023 season by Tre Brown. Brown ran with his opportunity, and more changes came to the defense this offseason when head coach Mike Macdonald replaced Pete Carroll. Macdonald brought his brilliant defensive system with him, and Schneider drafted James and Pritchett to better appease the scheme.

Jackson has settled in as a depth cornerback. The Seahawks understandably rather utilize those depth spots on developmental rookies with more long-term upside. They also undrafted free agent Carlton Johnson on the roster. Johnson has impressed in spurts and is attempting to make the 53 man roster. His chances improved following Jackson’s trade.

Pritchett has spent the preseason playing almost exclusively on the boundary. James has been slightly more versatile, splitting reps outside and inside. Jackson’s departure all but guarantees that both Pritchett and James will appear on Seattle’s initial 53 man roster next week.

The Seahawks needed better linebacker depth given that projected starter Jerome Baker has been sidelined with injury for multiple weeks. With Jon Rhattigan and Patrick O’Connell offering little-to-no long-term upside, the arrival of Barrett offers the Seahawks a potential future solution. Having Barrett and Tyrice Knight as rookies in the linebacker room will be beneficial.

Trading Jackson in exchange for better linebacker depth was a worthwhile move.

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Analyzing how new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

How new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

The Seattle Seahawks executed a trade on Thursday afternoon as they continue preparing for roster cut downs, a process that will see general manager John Schneider finalize the initial 53 man roster next week. Seattle traded cornerback Mike Jackson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for rookie linebacker Michael Barrett. Barrett will provide the defense with depth and developmental potential.

The Seahawks have been somewhat thin at off-ball linebacker throughout camp and the preseason. Projected starter Jerome Baker has been nursing a multi-week injury. The Seahawks also lost Jon Rhattigan to a brief setback before their second exhibition game, prompting them to sign rookie UDFA Easton Gibbs to help them get through the game.

Given the injuries at the position, it makes sense the Seahawks would sacrifice a cornerback, a position of depth on the defense. Mike Jackson became expendable after Schneider drafted two former Auburn cornerbacks, Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James, in April.

It’s surprising that the Panthers are willing to call quits on a rookie seventh-rounder, but they needed to part ways with something of value to improve their cornerback depth. Barrett was Carolina’s 240th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps the Seahawks would have signed him in undrafted free agency had he reached that market. Schneider’s final selection came 33 picks earlier, when he drafted Findlay offensive tackle Michael Jerrell.

There are obviously some intriguing connections between Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and Barrett. Macdonald was Barrett’s defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021. This past season, won a National Championship with the Wolverines while playing for Jim and Jay Harbaugh, the latter of which is now Seattle’s special teams coordinator.

Barrett will provide the Seahawks with necessary depth and developmental potential. He’ll likely spend the majority of his rookie season playing on special teams, where he has an existing relationship and comfort level with coach Jay Harbaugh. Acquiring Barrett was a shrewd move by Schneider.

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Seahawks starters will play in preseason finale

Seahawks starters will play in preseason finale

All 32 NFL franchises have difficult decisions to make regarding whether or not their starters should play in the preseason finale. Some coaching staffs view it as the last live-action opportunity to prepare for the regular-season campaign. Others view it as too risky in regards to injuries.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald sides with the former belief. Macdonald announced that the starters will play in Saturday’s Week 3 preseason game versus the Cleveland Browns.

“The plan is you’ll see a lot of starters to start the game,’’ Macdonald confirmed following Thursday’s practice. “How many reps and all that it (will be) kind of on a per-person-type basis. But the plan is to see a good amount of the guys. We got a couple nicks and bruises here (so) we’ll hold some guys out. So there’s some guys you might not see that you might expect. (But) for the most part, most of the starters will start the game, Geno included.”

It’s extremely notable. Geno Smith and the offensive starters haven’t played a single snap through the first two preseason contests. That will change in Saturday’s preseason finale at Lumen Field, with the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III joining Smith and Co. on the field.

Macdonald ruled out starting center Connor Williams, who just began practicing this earlier this week. The other starters on the offensive line should play, including left tackle Charles Cross and left guard Laken Tomlinson. The right guard position is still being fought for by Anthony Bradford and rookie Christian Haynes.

“Offense, we just hadn’t had a chance to get everybody out there and operate, especially at our home field,’’ Macdonald said. “Go through all those things. And there’s something to putting the pads on and actually going out and moving the ball before we do it for real. Defensively, we only got six snaps in the first game so (this is) an opportunity to go out there and put some more good film on tape and have some confidence going into the first game.”

The defensive starters could also use the warm-up. They’ve totaled just six snaps through two exhibition showings. They started the debut preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but forced a quick three-and-out, limiting their time on the field. Browns starter Deshaun Watson is expected to get the nod at quarterback.

The Seahawks will use Saturday’s preseason finale as a dress rehearsal to get ready for Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos, their Week 1 opponent.

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Seahawks starting S Rayshawn Jenkins leaves practice injured

Seahawks starting S Rayshawn Jenkins leaves practice injured

Seattle Seahawks starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins left Wednesday’s practice with an injury, according to multiple reports from local media members in attendance.

Jenkins exited the practice field with a medical staffer while favoring his lower left leg, per Gregg Bell. The injury occurred when the versatile safety attempted to break-up a sideline pass attempt by starting quarterback Geno Smith on the first play of an 11-on-11 no-pads scrimmage drill.

 

Jenkins has been Seattle’s starting safety opposite Julian Love since the first offseason practices in May and has remained in that role throughout training camp and the preseason. Head coach Mike Macdonald has been high on Jenkins since the Seahawks signed him to a two-year contract worth $12 million earlier this summer. He reached the market after the Jacksonville Jaguars released him from his previous deal in March.

Fellow offseason acquisition K’Von Wallace replaced Jenkins as the starting safety in Macdonald’s base defense following Jenkins’ premature exit. Wallace was signed to be a depth player, and to play in three-safety looks in Macdonald’s defensive scheme. The Seahawks are fortunate to have his experience and versatility in a reserve role, but they’d prefer to have their starter available.

Wallace concluded Tuesday’s practice with a pick-six interception return of backup quarterback Sam Howell. The following session, he was starting in place of the injured Jenkins. You never know when an opportunity is going to arise.

Jenkins recorded 101 tackles for the Jaguars last season. It marked his second consecutive 100-plus tackle campaign. Jenkins added nine pass breakups, two interceptions, and one sack to his defensive totals. He’s accumulated 464 tackles, 33 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, and 3.5 sacks through his seven-year NFL career to date.

There was no immediate word on the severity of Jenkins’ injury.

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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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