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Top Four Seattle Seahawks Team Needs Entering the Offseason

Seahawks Offseason

This 2022 NFL season was the best-case scenario for the Seattle Seahawks. In a season where they were supposed to be one of the weaker teams in the NFL, Seattle overachieved with the help of Pro-Bowl quarterback Geno Smith, a variety of veterans, and a great rookie class. What puts the cherry on top for the Seahawks is that they have a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft thanks to the disastrous collapse of the Denver Broncos. While the future is bright for the playoff-contending Seahawks, there is serious work to be done this offseason. These were position needs that kept the Seahawks from advancing deeper in the playoffs.

Seattle Seahawks Offseason Team Needs, Ranked

Edge Rusher 

The Seahawks’ defense saw a solid pass rush from linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor. There was even solid production from Bruce Irvin when he arrived during the middle of the season. If there was one thing that was evident from the Seahawks switching to a 3-4 defense this season is that Seattle needs more support at the edge. The Seahawks finished with 45 sacks (tied for seventh in the league), but only 34 quarterback pressures (28th in the league). They often didn’t blitz as they utilized 95 blitzing schemes throughout the season (tied for 30th). Seattle will need to add a permanent edge rusher who can create a more solid pass from the outside and interior as well as provide solid run support. If the Seahawks keep the 3-4 base, an edge rusher like Alabama’s Will Anderson or Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson would be solid additions.

Defensive Tackle

If Seattle sheds the 3-4 defense and goes back to the 4-3 defense, it would help the run defense. The defense ranked 30th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (150.2). Most of all, the new defensive front exposed some players that did not play well. Poona Ford, L.J. Collier, and Quinton Jefferson were the players that struggled throughout the season. The lack of support in run defense was the biggest reason why Seattle lost to Carolina, Las Vegas, and San Francisco in the regular season twice. Seattle needs three-technique defensive tackles to pair with Al Woods and Shelby Harris at the nose and strongside end, respectively. There are some great run-stoppers at the trenches in the first round and the second round of the 2023 Draft.

Wide Receiver

Geno Smith was the highest-graded offensive player for Seattle, according to Pro Football Focus. Following Smith were his two biggest weapons in Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Outside of the two star receivers, the Seahawks do not have a reliable receiver, and that needs to be addressed in the offseason. Marquise Goodwin had some good moments this past season as he was fourth on the team in receiving yards (387). He is 32 years old and set to be a free agent. Outside of Goodwin, the next leading receiver is D’Wayne Eskridge, who only caught seven receptions for 58 yards. Seattle has a valuable 20th overall where they could sneak in another valuable young receiver to match with Metcalf.

Interior Offensive Lineman

The Seahawks saw a huge boost of productivity in the run game thanks to rookie Kenneth Walker III. After a hot four-game stretch as a starter, Walker was held to 126 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries in the next four games. He was able to pick up in the last three regular-season games. The biggest reason was the lack of support from center Austin Blythe and guard Gabe Jackson struggled. Jackson finished the season with an overall grade of 54.8 by Pro Football Focus. Blythe finished with 54 overall, the lowest among all starters on the offensive line. Some more high-level talent will be needed to be added, this time, in the interior.

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