Only three days away from their exhibition opener, courtesy of the team's PR department, the Seattle Seahawks revealed their first unofficial depth chart on Monday.
As is always the case with these initial depth charts, the word “unofficial” carries the most weight. While stars such as quarterback Geno Smith, receiver DK Metcalf, and linebacker Bobby Wagner obviously sit atop their respective position groups, recent history suggests Seattle won't play any of its starters in the preseason, and behind them, there's plenty of uncertainty with competitions for roster spots ongoing.
Others such as linebacker Jordyn Brooks and safety Jamal Adams, who remain on the PUP list, won't be active and aren't listed where they normally would be when healthy.
Offensively, the Seahawks list Phil Haynes as the starter at right guard, which shouldn't come as a shock considering rookie Anthony Bradford has yet to play a single snap with the first-team and a competition hasn't come to fruition there. Meanwhile, after coach Pete Carroll said the veteran currently was ahead after Sunday's practice, Evan Brown gets the first crack at winning the center job over incoming rookie Olu Oluwatimi.
On that side of the football, there aren't really any surprises, though it's safe to say running back Ken Walker III won't be playing on Thursday night since he has been sidelined by a groin injury since the second practice of training camp. Even if he was healthy, he probably wouldn't be suiting up beyond participating in warmups anyway.
As for the defensive side of the football, the Seahawks list Boye Mafe as the starting outside linebacker opposite of Uchenna Nwosu instead of Darrell Taylor. This could have to do with the fact Taylor currently has a strained shoulder and hasn't practiced since last Wednesday, but considering Walker and cornerback Riq Woolen remain atop the depth chart nursing or coming back from injuries, it could have substance to it than simply being injury related.
Away from Mafe being ahead of Taylor, the rest of the defensive line matches what has been seen on the practice field thus far for Seattle. Veteran Jarran Reed has been primarily playing nose tackle, while Dre'Mont Jones and Mario Edwards have been the first-team 3-tech defensive ends. Behind them, rookies Cameron Young and Mike Morris should get a ton of snaps on Thursday night, while returning veteran Myles Adams is listed as the other second-team defensive lineman.
In the secondary, Seattle lists rookie Devon Witherspoon as a backup behind incumbent Mike Jackson at left cornerback. But without nickel cornerback being listed as a position on the depth chart, that is likely where the top-five pick will see the majority of his snaps, especially with Coby Bryant being listed as a backup strong safety behind Julian Love.
In one last interesting tidbit on special teams, the Seahawks have rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba listed as the second punt returner behind running back DeeJay Dallas. After receiving work in the return game in practice over the past two weeks, it's possible the team will give the first-round pick a close look in the preseason.
With practices scheduled the next two days, Seattle will open exhibition season against Minnesota at Lumen Field on August 10. Kickoff is slated for 7 PM PST.
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