It’s never easy to project the Seattle Seahawks’ 53 man roster because of the unorthodox head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll gives everyone an equal shot of making the team, whether they are an incumbent starter with a hefty contract or an undrafted free agent. This projection is a best guess of what Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider will deem as their 53 best football players and 10 best practice squad contenders heading into the 2017 season.
Seattle Seahawks Roster Projection – Special Teams and Practice Squad
Special Teams: (3)
Kickers: (1)
Blair Walsh is Seattle’s only kicker on the roster. It’s ironic that Walsh’s missed kick against the Seahawks in the playoffs ruined his confidence and eventually led to his release from the Vikings. Seahawks fans hope Walsh has gotten over that ordeal and can bring consistency to the position like Steven Hauschka did for years.
Punters: (1)
Jon Ryan will be the Seahawks’ starting punter in 2017. He’s been one of the most consistent punters in the NFL during his tenure in Seattle.
Long Snappers: (1)
The long snapper job is between Ott and Nolan Frese. Frese struggled at times last year, which leads me to believe that Ott will eventually be given the job.
Practice Squad: (10)
- Justin Senior: offensive lineman
The 2017 sixth round pick will get every chance to make the roster. The Seahawks offensive line has been terrible during the last few seasons, and they’re hoping they found a diamond in the rough with Senior. The Seahawks typically draft athletes on their offensive line and try to mold them, but Senior is different. He’s extremely big, but isn’t a good athlete. He’s a perfect practice squad candidate.
- Trevone Boykin: quarterback
The Seahawks backup quarterback from last season got arrested twice during the off-season. He has talent, but is extremely inconsistent. His skill set resembles Russell Wilson, but he isn’t accurate with the football and occasionally makes bad reads. He’ll have a chance of making the roster, but I have him on the outside looking in after the addition of Austin Davis.
- Chris Carson: running back
The 2017 seventh round pick will have a hard time making the Seahawks roster out of camp. With Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls, C.J. Prosise, and Alex Collins ahead of him, Carson will need an injury or unbelievable camp to jump ahead of the other four running backs. The Seahawks selected him for a reason in that they like his talent. He’s a likely practice squad contender.
- Tre Madden: running back
The second year undrafted free agent will be a long shot to make the roster. He hasn’t seen a carry yet as a professional, but the Seahawks like his potential. He’ll be competing with Collins and Carson for the fourth running back position.
- Tyrone Swoopes: tight end
Tyrone Swoopes was a quarterback in college at Texas. He isn’t talented enough to be a professional quarterback, but he’s an athlete. The Seahawks will likely give him time on the practice squad to develop as a tight end.
- Kenny Lawler: wide receiver
Kenny Lawler, a second year wide receiver from the University of California will be a likely practice squad candidate. He spent last year on the Seahawks’ practice squad. He’ll get a chance to make the team out of camp, but it’s unlikely he’ll make the roster unless he’s made major improvements in the last few months.
- Kasen Williams: wide receiver
Third year undrafted free agent Kasen Williams will get a shot of making the roster. After a stellar career at the University of Washington, the former Husky stayed in Seattle by joining the Seahawks. He looked like a potential first round pick early in his collegiate career, but suffered a leg injury that slowed him down. He hasn’t yet regained form since the injury, but the talent is still there. If he’s able to regain form, he’ll have a solid chance of making the roster. Otherwise, he’s a practice squad candidate.
- Jordan Simone: safety
The Seahawks signed Seattle native Jordan Simone to their roster. The second year safety out of Arizona State hasn’t suited up in an NFL game yet, but was a standout player in college. The Seahawks will give him a chance of making the roster, but it’s a long shot because of their current safety depth. He’ll be a potential practice squad candidate.
- Jeremy Liggins: defensive tackle
The Seahawks recently signed undrafted free agent Jeremy Liggins. Although he was undrafted, Liggins is talented enough to make his mark in the NFL. The Seahawks are willing to give undrafted free agents their fair shot, so Liggins will have a chance of making the team. But the Seahawks have depth along their defensive line, so it’s more likely that he’ll be signed to the practice squad than make the roster out of camp.
- Michael Tyson: cornerback
The 2017 sixth round pick will have a tough job cracking the Seahawks roster. Seattle has a lot of cornerback depth. Tyson will have a chance of making the cut, but will be a practice squad contender if he isn’t able to make the team out of camp.
