Seattle Seahawks Team Needs

By: Greg Davis

Tight End
Marcus Pollard was the starting tight end in Seattle last season, but he has hit the free agent market and it is clear that he will not be returning. Will Heller was serviceable at times last season, but he doesn’t have the talent to be a consistent difference maker at the position. The team also signed Jeb Putzier to add depth to the position, but Putzier also lacks the type of talent a team would like to see at the position. The Seahawks may use their first pick on a tight end, but it would probably be a reach. Odds are that they’ll wait and try to find better value at the position in the middle rounds.

Defensive Line
Seattle will also look to add depth to the defensive tackle position. Chuck Darby was injured last season, so the team adjusted to life without him, and now he has left in free agency. Brandon Mebane will be called on again to work hard up front, but Marcus Tubbs may not be back, so there will need to be talent brought in to challenge for playing time and act as insurance over the course of the season. This need could be addressed in the first round, if the team’s draft board dictates it talent-wise.

Wide Receiver
At wide receiver, Deion Branch could miss as much as half of the upcoming season, if not more, because of injury. Also, D. J. Hackett has signed with Carolina, leaving the team with Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram as the only receivers with significant experience. Engram is coming off of a solid season numbers-wise and Burleson also found an opportunity to contribute, finding the end zone nine times. However, the depth here could be an issue and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck would benefit from having another downfield threat to fill in for Branch as long as need be. This is another need that the team could look to address on the first day of the draft.

Offensive Line
The Seahawks may also look to add offensive line depth at the guard position in the hopes of finding a future starter. They may be better served waiting another season since they do have a fair amount of help at the position and adding Mike Wahle was a decent move, but they’ll need to upgrade at guard within the next season or two as Chris Gray turns 38 within a few months time.