Predicting the Seahawks 53-man roster: Defensive Line

With training camp around the corner, we will go through each position group for the Seahawks to predict their Week 1 roster. So far, we have looked at the quarterbacks and running backs. And we have also looked at the wide receivers and tight ends, and the offensive line. We now move on to the defensive line.

Michael Bennett:

Bennett has been a cornerstone for the Seahawks defense for the past four years. He has been named to the Pro Bowl the last two years, even though he missed five games last year due to injury. Last year was the first time since 2011 that Bennett has missed a regular season game. Averaging 7.5 sacks and 26.5 tackles per season with Seattle, Bennett is the best defensive lineman the Seahawks have.

Cliff Avril:

Ever since Avril came to the Seahawks in 2013, he has been the best pass rusher for the Seahawks. Avril had a career high in sacks last season with 11.5 and also registered 20 solo tackles. Avril was in the top ten in sacks in the entire NFL last season. Playing opposite of Bennett helps draw less attention to Avril, helping him get into the backfield even more. Going to his first Pro Bowl last season, he will look to return again in 2017.

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Malik McDowell:

McDowell was drafted in the second round of the 2017 Draft. He will be playing up and down the defensive line, allowing Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard to put him in the best spot to make an impact. His versatility and explosiveness will likely put him in the NASCAR defense on third down. McDowell is very likely to make an impact as a rookie.

Jarran Reed:

Reed is the prototypical two-gap nose tackle to clog up the middle of the line and stuff the run game. With a defensive line full of good pass rushers, Reed’s run defense is needed for Seattle. However, he does not provide much of a pass rush. If he can develop more of a pass rush in his second season, he is due for a breakout season.

Frank Clark:

Clark had a strong second season in 2016, racking up ten sacks in 15 games. A very good pass rusher, Clark sees a lot of time on passing downs. However, with a strong season last year, he will likely be the starting defensive end in across from Avril. If he is able to perform better in the run game, Clark could be in line for a big extension next offseason.

Ahtyba Rubin:

Rubin is a rotational defensive tackle that can play well in spurts. He provides the Seahawks a reliable run stopping presence. However, he does not provide much in terms of a pass rush. He will likely play most of the early downs, but will be taken off the field for most of, if not all, passing situations.

Nazair Jones:

Jones was drafted from North Carolina in the third round of this year’s draft. He is another defensive tackle that excels in run situations. Jones rarely saw time as a pass rusher at UNC, but he could find himself in third and short or other run situations.

Quinton Jefferson:

Jefferson was drafted in the fifth round in 2016 out of the University of Maryland. The Seahawks see him as a developmental player, only playing in three games last year and did not register a tackle. The hope is he develops as a pass rushing defensive tackle.

Dion Jordan:

Jordan has been a bust ever since he was drafted in the top five of the 2013 draft by the Dolphins. Marred by suspensions and failure to pass physicals, the Seahawks are taking a flyer on Jordan. Pete Carroll is not afraid to take chances on guys like Jordan. If Jordan is able to figure things out with the Seahawks, Seattle will have cheap, high potential player.

Next up for our prediction series will be the linebackers who could be on the Seahawks Week 1 roster.

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