Seahawks 90-Man Countdown: FB/LB Nick Bellore - Still Elite Specialist?

Originally posted on FanNation Seahawk Maven
By Corbin K. Smith | Last updated 7/8/23

With the calendar flipping to July and offseason activities in the rearview mirror, the Seattle Seahawks will open training camp at the VMAC later this month, officially ushering in the 2023 season.

To celebrate the new incoming season, we'll be detailing every member of the Seahawks 90-man roster over the next several weeks, exploring best and worst case scenarios and what to expect from each player entering the 2023 campaign.

Nick Bellore, Fullback/Linebacker

Height/Weight: 6-1, 250 pounds

2022 Stats: 15 tackles

One of seven Pro Bowlers selected for the Seahawks back in 2020, Bellore racked up 14 tackles thriving on kick and punt coverage, emerging as one of the NFL's best special teams aces after previously starting as a linebacker for the 49ers. While he hasn't returned to the Pro Bowl in the past two years, his stellar play continued as he led the team in special teams tackles both seasons and produced a forced fumble on kick coverage. For a fourth straight year, he played sparingly as a fullback on offense, seeing only 17 snaps and running the ball once for three yards.

With third-year offensive coordinator Shane Waldron preferring 11 and 12 personnel groupings and Seattle adding another dynamic receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the mix, that trend likely won't change moving forward and it's possible his role on offense could be even further diminished. But as he enters his 13th NFL season, after signing a new two-year contract this offseason to stay in the Pacific Northwest, the former Central Michigan standout remains a special teams guru and quality insurance policy as a fullback and linebacker on both sides of the football.

Best-Case Scenario: Still playing at a high level at 34 years of age and named a team captain once again, Bellore finishes with double-digit special teams tackles for the fourth consecutive season for the Seahawks while playing north of 20 snaps on offense as a seldom-used fullback and continuing to be a positive presence in the locker room.

Worst-Case Scenario: With 12 years of NFL wear and tear on his tires, Bellore starts to show signs of decline as several rising young players begin to push him for snaps on special teams, and considering his limited impact on offense and special teams, he surprisingly receives a pink slip during final roster cuts after signing a two-year contract only months earlier.

What to Expect in 2023: Long before receiving his latest contract extension, the Seahawks actually cut Bellore at the conclusion of training camp in 2020, only to bring him back shortly thereafter without a guaranteed salary. But since then, his status as a core special teams player for the team hasn't been in doubt and his importance lies well beyond his positive impact between the lines, as his fun personality and willingness to help younger players has made him a critical leader in the locker room.

Keeping that in mind, while signs of regression may be inevitable with Bellore now in his mid-30s with a dozen NFL seasons on his resume, the beloved veteran should remain a fixture on Seattle's special teams units in an important niche role making tackles on kick and punt coverage. In addition, if necessary under dire circumstances, he should still be able to jump into the lineup on offense or defense in a pinch if injuries strike in the backfield or at linebacker.

Previous Seahawks 90-Man Profiles

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