K.J. Wright, Seattle Seahawks.
The Seattle Seahawks had a slow start to the new NFL year. They started to turn it around late last week but focused mainly on the offense. A trade with Las Vegas for guard Gabe Jackson, re-signing running back Chris Carson and Ethan Pocic, combined with the addition of tight end Gerald Everett, bodes well for Seattle’s ability to score points.
Although Seahawks General Manager John Schnieder re-signed DTs Poona Ford and S Ryan Neal and replaced departed cornerback Shaquill Griffin with Ahkelo Witherspoon, there are still several holes to fill.
K.J. Wright spent the first ten years of his career as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. His versatility is as much of a reason for the unit’s success as almost anyone not named Bobby Wagner. Wright is more than just Wagner’s wingman. On any given play, Wright could be rushing the passer, defending a back or tight end in pass coverage, or stuffing the run.
Seattle has no one on their roster who can come close to filling his shoes. If Schneider can’t find a way to bring the longest-tenured member of the team back, last year’s first-round pick Jordyn Brooks has to step up. Let’s say he does up his game, there is still a linebacker spot that has to be filled.
When Brooks was out with injury, his replacement Cody Barton looked over his head trying to fill in. As a unit, the linebackers need another productive starter. Wright said he deserves to get paid for his ten productive years. Seattle has no money to give him at this point. Hopefully, the two sides can eventually get something worked out.
Last season the Seattle Seahawks pass rush was anemic until Carlos Dunlap took the field in Game 9. It was like he lit a spark under the front seven. Suddenly the Seahawks got to the quarterback. Even when he was injured, the pass rush played better. The biggest beneficiaries of Dunlap’s arrival were defensive tackles, Poona Ford and Jarran Reed.
Without Dunlap, Seattle opens 2021 in the same spot they did in 2020, with no D-lineman that opposing offenses have to plan for. Maybe Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll know something the 12s don’t. The coaches could convince them that last year’s second-round pick Darrell Taylor or fifth-rounder Alton Robinson can do the job. If no they need to find a way to get a legitimate pass-rushing threat.
Ken Norton Jr.’s defense works best when it gets pressure on the quarterback.
One thing the Seattle Seahawks have done well the past few seasons is to play strong special teams. They’ve been able to find role players that relish special teams opportunities. Standouts Barton and Ben Burr-Kirven are still with Seattle, as is the recently re-signed Nick Bellore.
Unfortunately, Neiko Thorpe and Lano Hill are free agents. With how tight the Seahawks are against the cap and the holes they need to fill, both of these players are unlikely to return unless Seattle jettisons more salary. Maybe one of their three draft picks this year can play special teams.
Cornerback was supposed to be a big strength in 2020 after Seattle traded for Quinton Dunbar from Washington. Dunbar was the perfect player to pair with Shaquill Griffin, who was coming off his first Pro Bowl selection.
The combination didn’t work as planned. Between injuries and off-the-field issues, Dunbar and Griffin didn’t play together very often. Now both are gone. In their absence, waiver pickup D.J. Reed was a revelation. He returns to his cornerback position in 2021.
Ahkelo Witherspoon may not have the natural ability of either Quinton Dunbar or Griffin. But he should be a nice complement to Reed. As the game transitions to more wide-open offenses, a good nickel is crucial. Marquise Blair returns from a missed 2020 (torn ACL) to compete with Tre’ Flowers for the job. Either should be able to handle it.
The one true concern is neither Reed nor Witherspoon are “shut down” corners. One huge advantage the Seattle Seahawks have is the best duo of safeties in the league. Both Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs cover plenty of ground and can help double on troublesome receivers. So, while it may seem on the surface that Seattle’s pass coverage will suffer in 2021, 12’s can put those fears to the side.
So far, the Seattle Seahawks filled some of their openings. The ones they still need to address are concerning. Even more concerning is that they have no money to spend and only three draft picks to work with. Expect a few more roster moves shortly. Either a few contracts get restructured, or someone gets cut.
What do you think about the holes the Seattle Seahawks have left on their roster? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.