Every Seahawks position group ranked by ESPN analyst Mike Clay (2024)

The Seahawks have serious talent at this position, which is why it was so dang frustrating last year when the offense could not figure out a way to get them going. Third-year pro Kenneth Walker III is a dynamic force who should be heavily involved in every game plan each week. Backing him up is a perfect change in pace with Zach Charbonnet, a bonafide thumper. If the Seahawks are able to get their ground attack going more consistently, they have the perfect 1-2 punch in the backfield.

Here it is, the unquestioned strenght of this offense. This is the position group to put the fear of the Lord into opposing secondaries and defensive coordinators. DK Metcalf is one of the best receivers in the NFL, Tyler Lockett is one of the most sound route runners out there, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is bristling with potential. Not to mention the surprise undrafted rookie Jake Bobo, who proved he can be a legitimate option for anyone throwing him the ball.

If there is one position group I believe has the most room for improvement in reputation, it’s the Seahawks tight end room. Easily my biggest frustration with Shane Waldron’s offense was his refusal (or inability?) to get Noah Fant more involved in the passing attack. Hopefully, Ryan Grubb can figure it out. Behind Fant is journeyman Pharaoh Brown, as well as rookie AJ Barner from Michigan. Barner is considered to have untapped potential as a receiving threat.

No. 32 out of 32 feels harsh but admittedly fair, if we are going off of the last two years… or even longer. The Seahawks offensive line for as long as I can remember has been a disappointing mess. We saw glimmers in 2022, and despite injuries they played fine in early 2023. But eventually, just like every pocket they form, the unit collapsed. Tackles Abe Lucas and Charles Cross, when healthy, are stalwarts. But Seattle is going to need a lot more out of this group. Hopefully 2024 rookies Christian Haynes and Sataoa Laumea can give a much needed boost to this group.

As a former defensive tackle in high school, mark me down as the most excited to see how the Seahawks defensive line improves. We should see an immediate impact with the addition of Byron Murphy II thrown in the mix alongside Leonard Williams and Dre’Mont Jones. Not only should this group be improved, they NEED to be improved. Teams have run roughshod over Seattle the last two years, and it has easily been their Achilles Heel. If the Seahawks want to make the playoffs, improving the defensive line is a prerequisite.

For as bad as the run defense has been, the Seahawks have shown they can get after the quarterback when he drops back. Boye Mafe set a career-high with nine sacks, including one in seven-straight games. The return of Uchenna Nwosu from injury should also help boost this unit.

Here is a group where the 12th Man will be thankful they have name plates on the back of their jerseys. Gone are Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks. Replacing them are Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker, as well as rookie Tyrice Knight. Still, a decent ranking for a position group with, by definition, the most uknown on the team.

You can thank Devon Witherspoon for this group being ranked so high. The No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL draft made it evident from the moment he stepped foot on the field he was worthy of such a lofty draft position. Riq Woolen suffered a considerable sophom*ore slump from his shocking rookie season, leading the team to draft a pair of rookie corners from Auburn with plenty of potential. There may be questions, but this should still be one of the strengths of Seattle’s roster.

The weak link of Seattle’s defense this year is likely the safety position, but then again, it sort of has been for a year or two now. Quandre Diggs was fun, but starting to age. Jamal Adams was a square peg trying to be fit in a round hole. Now the position group might be a tad weaker, but it is certainly a lot cheaper. Still, the Seahawks might have coverage issues. Julian Love, a Pro Bowler last year, proved he could be a starting caliber safety. There will be questions surrounding Raywshawn Jenkins, Coby Bryant, and K’Von Wallace.