Seahawks Offensive Line Depth: Beyond the Starting Five, Who Sticks?
The NFL is a brutal business, and even promising young players aren’t guaranteed a roster spot. For the Seattle Seahawks, the focus is currently on solidifying their starting offensive line, but a critical question lingers: which developing linemen outside that core group will earn a place on the 53-man roster? The answer isn’t simply about talent; it’s a complex calculation involving performance, positional versatility, and the ever-present reality of waiver wire implications.
The Locked-In Seven and the Roster Math
As the Seahawks’ coaching staff evaluates their options, a core group appears relatively secure. Left tackle Charles Cross, right tackle Abe Lucas, and left guard Grey Zabel are likely anchors. Add to that the four players battling for the center and right guard positions – Olu Oluwatimi, Jalen Sundell, Anthony Bradford, and Christian Haynes – and you have seven players who are strong contenders. Historically, Seattle carries between nine and eleven offensive linemen. Last year, they kept eleven, but assuming a more typical number, that leaves two to four spots up for grabs.
The Swing Tackle and Safe Bets
Josh Jones is widely considered the frontrunner for the swing tackle role. His experience and ability to fill in at both tackle positions provide valuable insurance. This leaves roughly one to three spots for younger players to compete for. The Seahawks will be carefully evaluating not only their performance in training camp and preseason games but also their potential to develop into reliable backups.
Rookies Under the Microscope: Cabeldue and Richman
Rookies Bryce Cabeldue and Mason Richman face an uphill battle. Rookie offensive linemen often require time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Their performance in pass protection and run blocking will be heavily scrutinized. Teams often prioritize retaining rookies with the highest ceilings, even if they aren’t immediately ready to contribute significantly. The Seahawks will need to determine if their potential outweighs the immediate need for experienced depth. Understanding the current Seahawks roster is key to understanding the competition.
The Veteran Presence: Laumea and Jerrell
Sataoa Laumea and Michael Jerrell represent a different profile – players with some NFL experience who are looking to establish themselves. Laumea, in particular, has shown flashes of potential. Their ability to contribute on special teams could be a significant factor in their favor. Veterans often provide stability and leadership in the locker room, qualities that coaches value.
The Practice Squad Factor and Waiver Wire Risks
The Seahawks’ decision-making process extends beyond the initial 53-man roster. They must also consider which players are most likely to clear waivers and be available to sign to the practice squad. A player with high potential but a lower chance of being claimed by another team is a valuable asset to develop. This adds another layer of complexity to the evaluation process. The NFL waiver rules are crucial to understanding this dynamic.
Positional Versatility: A Key Advantage
In today’s NFL, positional versatility is highly prized. Linemen who can play multiple positions – guard and center, for example – significantly increase their value. Players like Jalen Sundell, who have demonstrated the ability to play both guard spots, will have a distinct advantage in the competition. This flexibility allows the coaching staff to create more favorable matchups and adapt to injuries.
Looking Ahead: Building Sustainable Depth
The Seahawks’ offensive line depth is a work in progress. The team is investing in young talent and evaluating their potential. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the team’s ability to withstand injuries and maintain a high level of performance throughout the season. Ultimately, the goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of offensive line talent that can compete for years to come. The Seahawks’ success hinges on identifying and developing these players.
What are your predictions for the Seahawks’ offensive line depth chart? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
