Seahawks: Potential veterans on the bubble
Every year NFL veterans get cut in training camp as they lose their jobs to younger and cheaper players. The Seattle Seahawks are no exception.
Because the 2016 draft class is supposedly so deep, we may see even more Seattle veterans released this summer than usual.
Here are four guys in particular who need to step their game up to keep their spots.
Seahawks: Four veterans on the bubble
1. TE Luke Willson
Why he might be on the bubble: The Seahawks’ situation at tight end is up in the air thanks to Jimmy Graham’s as yet unknown status for 2016. If they anticipate Graham will be ready to play in September, Seattle might feel they are deep enough at TE to cut Willson loose.
Who would replace him: Nobody would argue that Willson could compete with Graham as a receiving weapon. The bigger problem is that he’s not as good at blocking as incoming rookie Nick Vannett, who Pete Carroll calls the best run blocking tight end in his class. If Vannett has a better summer there’s not much incentive to keep Willson around for the last year of his rookie contract.
Odds of making the final 53-man roster: 6/10
Read More: Seahawks rookie profile: Nick Vannett (READ)
2. C Patrick Lewis
Why he might be on the bubble: It’s not a state secret that the Seahawks struggled at center last season. Lewis may have had the best stretch of anyone else at the position, but he did not perform well at all in the playoffs and never showed consistency.
Who would replace him: Justin Britt is now slated to start at center, which bumps Lewis down at least one spot. Seattle also added a rookie in TCU’s Joey Hunt. If Hunt demonstrates a better command of the line of scrimmage than Lewis, it’s game over.
Odds of making the final 53-man roster: 3/10
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3. RB Christine Michael
Why he might be on the bubble: Michael’s tenure with the Seahawks has been a veritable roller-coaster ride. His potential and athleticism make his future seem so bright, but not much follow-through has come outside of a strong finish to 2015.
Who would replace him: Seattle tripled down at running back in the draft to help replace Marshawn Lynch and provide depth behind Thomas Rawls. Zac Brooks, Alex Collins and Tre Madden all will get a shot to unseat Michael at RB2, which may be the most competitive training camp battle of 2016.
Odds of making the final 53-man roster: 5/10
Read More: Seattle’s 2016 running back competition (READ)
4. DT Jordan Hill
Why he might be on the bubble: Hill has shown flashes of brilliance every now and then but injuries have slowed his rise on the roster. If PC was convinced he was a real starter it’s unlikely they would have doubled down at DT in the draft, even after losing Brandon Mebane.
Who would replace him: Right now Hill is expected to start next to Ahtyba Rubin, but he will get plenty of competition from two rookies. Jarran Reed may be Seattle’s next defensive star and Quinton Jefferson looks the part as well. Hill may also have to contend with incoming veteran Sealver Siliga, who is the same age and does many of the same things. Add it all up and its an up-Hill kind of battle.
Odds of making the final 53-man roster: 4/10
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