Here’s my take. Share yours in the comments section…

Seahawks record (10-6)
The Seahawks have improved their depth and the additions of Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah have addressed the serious need for pass rushers. They’ve also lost significant players including Doug Baldwin, Frank Clark and Earl Thomas. I think we’ll see a similar season to 2018 — some excellent wins mixed in with a couple of frustrating losses. Either way they’ll be highly competitive and yes — a contender (even if they’re not necessarily among the top echelon of teams).

NFC division winners
New Orleans, Green Bay, LA Rams, Dallas
The Bears have a fearsome defense, a terrific home-field advantage and a creative offense that masks some of their personnel flaws. However, losing Vic Fangio is significant and I think it’s time for Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers to bounce back and claim the NFC North. Dallas are balanced and having sorted out Ezekiel Elliott’s contract, they have an opportunity to carry on their momentum in the NFC East to edge out the Eagles. New Orleans are clearly the team to beat in the NFC South and I think the Rams will regress slightly but should still have enough to win the NFC West.

AFC division winners
Kansas City, New England, Pittsburgh, Houston
Everyone’s buzzing about Cleveland but they have to deliver under pressure. I’m going for old reliable Pittsburgh to win the AFC North now that they’ve dumped all of their 2018 distractions. New England will saunter to the AFC East title and Kansas City will push them for the #1 seed by winning the AFC West. Houston, despite all the recent criticism, have really improved their roster this week and are the clear favourites in the AFC South.

NFC Wildcards
Seattle, Philadelphia
Carolina collapsed last season and a porous offensive line is a recipe for disaster. Atlanta seem flaky and haven’t coped with losing Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers are always overrated (but will be competitive in most games thanks to Shanahan). Minnesota are better on paper than on the field and Chicago take a step back due to the loss of Fangio and their inconsistent quarterback play.

AFC Wildcards
LA Chargers, Indianapolis
The Chargers have a well-rounded roster and the only issue is the loss of Russell Okung. Philip Rivers, however, can manage the situation with the O-line. I’m going to go with the Colts as the other wildcard team. They have a major point to prove following Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement. Their roster has balanced out, they have weapons. Jacoby Brissett will manage this team and I think they’ll sneak the #6 seed in a show of defiance. Cleveland will be in the mix but they look like a firework waiting to explode. That could be a good or a bad thing.

Super Bowl winner
I’m going with Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Donald are the two best players in the league. It won’t be a surprise if they meet in the Super Bowl. Frank Clark will provide the dynamic EDGE rush they lacked in 2018 and they have so many weapons. I think the Chiefs will win the #1 seed in the AFC and ride momentum all the way to the end.

#1 overall pick
Miami’s front office has practically positioned themselves to get the #1 pick. The coaches will get the team to compete. Yet last week there were reports of potential mutiny if Laremy Tunsil was traded — and he was. The message is clear — Miami wants Tua or Herbert. They’ll take the hit in 2019 to try and build afresh from 2020.

Top NFL draft prospects
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama) or Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon) will go #1 overall. It’s just up to team preference. Andrew Thomas (T, Georgia) and Grant Delpit (S, LSU) will go very early. Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama) and Jeffrey Okudah (CB, Ohio State) have a good shot to go in the top-10. As things stand, they look like the top crop of 2020 prospects. Dylan Moses (LB, Alabama) would’ve been included but he just tore his ACL. The likes of Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn), Raekwon Davis (DT, Alabama) and Chase Young (EDGE, Ohio State) will be in the mix. For a run-down of other potential top prospects click here.

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— The Florida vs Miami game was the prior week but I wanted to start with that. It was unpleasant to watch. There were so many errors. Neither team was easy on the eye. The one positive was the Florida front seven against an admittedly overmatched Miami O-line. Jabari Zuniga (a player I mocked to the Seahawks before he opted not to declare) had a good start. He recorded 1.5 sacks and three TFL’s. Keep an eye on Jonathan Greenard (a transfer from Louisville) who had a fine game with 1.5 sacks and two TFL’s.

— Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama) is a name to watch. His injury history is a problem and could limit his stock. He needs to stay healthy. Yet his ability to track the ball in the air combined with his natural athleticism makes him a very intriguing prospect. Against Duke he gave up one deep pass (albeit in tight coverage and it was a good throw) but he fought back with an outstanding interception. Diggs looks like a potential turnover machine at corner. He’s long, fast and physical.

— Staying with Alabama and Tua Tagovailoa certainly had a better start than Justin Herbert. He looked calm, composed and in control. Tagovailoa was accurate and finished with 26/31 passing for 336 yards against Duke (four touchdowns). Herbert and Oregon were so simplistic and conservative. In the second half against Auburn everything was a manufactured throw, a screen or a bootleg. He seemed to lose confidence and momentum after an ugly fumble led to a big points swing with Oregon threatening to run away with the game. If this is a two-horse race to go first overall, the first round goes to the Alabama QB.

— Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama) is so incredibly sudden. He had 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown against Duke. His ability to glide into full speed is highly impressive and he will be a high pick in 2020.

— Speaking of high picks, Jeffrey Okudah (CB, Ohio State) will be right up there too. He started his season with a PBU, a forced fumble on a RB screen and a TFL on a pass into the flat provoking a superb open-field tackle. Okudah is a sensational athlete per his SPARQ testing but he’s also big and physical. Ohio State had an easy first outing against Florida Atlantic but still managed to make life harder than it needed to be after rolling to an early lead. Chase Young showed off a combo of great hands and speed to record 1.5 TFL’s and 1.5 sacks. Binjimen Victor the receiver looked good but K.J. Hill dropped a catchable pass on a slightly under-thrown deep ball.

— Andrew Thomas (LT, Georgia) was outstanding against Vanderbilt. He had a superb second-level downfield block to spring a huge gain for D’Andre Swift. He’s so in control of his kick-slide and stance and yet he has the athleticism and recognition to block on the move. Thomas and Grant Delpit (S, LSU) might be the two most talented players eligible for the 2020 draft. Jerry Jeudy is in the discussion too.

— I haven’t been able to watch South Carolina vs North Carolina yet but I’m fascinated to do so. Javon Kinlaw (DT, South Carolina) is one of the big names to watch in the SEC this year and he recorded a sack in the game.

— I like Stephen Montez (QB, Colorado) more than most. He’s tall, mobile and has great arm talent. He missed some throws in a back-and-forth 52-31 win against Colorado State but he also had some good moments. He had a nice pass to Laviska Shenault for a 25-yard score. He’s a very capable deep thrower. He finished 13/20 passing for 232 yards and two touchdowns. He added 39 yards as a runner. Shenault had a quiet game with 35 yards rushing on three carries (a long of 23) plus three catches for 48 yards and a TD. Maybe it’s just because it’s week one but to me Shenault didn’t quite look his electric best.

— Eno Benjamin (RB, Arizona State) is a powerful, quick running back and one to watch. He had 102 yards on 22 carries plus three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown in a 30-7 win against Kent State. He’s an underrated talent.

— I didn’t see Penn State’s win against Idaho (it was a horrendous 79-7 blowout) but Yetur Gross-Matos, one of our players to monitor this year, had 2.5 sacks and 2.5 TFL’s. A great start for a player who could be one of the top pass rushers in the 2020 draft.

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Brandan and I reflect on a big weekend for the Seahawks…

I’m not trying to be a contrarian. Hear me out.

I think what Houston did this weekend might make sense.

At the very least, I think there are some things to consider.

Mike Florio touted the possibility of Houston rescinding Jadeveon Clowney’s franchise tag on Friday. We saw the Panthers do something similar with Josh Norman a few years ago.

By now we know the Texans were close to making a blockbuster trade for Laremy Tunsil. They’d seemingly tried to include Clowney in a trade package for Tunsil, only for the player to rebuff that possibility by refusing to sign his franchise tender.

Having concluded they still wanted to make a deal for Tunsil, the Texans and Dolphins agreed a trade including two first round picks and a second round pick instead.

Presumably Houston intends to pay Tunsil having given up a kings ransom to acquire him. Therefore, simply moving on from Clowney made some sense. He was taking up $16m. If there was no chance of him playing for you in 2019 (or extending his contract) — and with zero trade leverage — it’s logical to think they preferred to just ‘move on’. Let him go.

If they were going to remove the tag that also partly explains why they’ve offered to pay half of Clowney’s salary to get something in return, rather than leave empty-handed.

Even if they weren’t planning to rescind the tag and were simply willing trade him for the best offer, they’d gone past the point of no return. Sometimes you’ve just got to know when to move on. If the Seahawks had come to that conclusion a year ago with Earl Thomas, they would’ve avoided getting nothing for him but a future comp pick.

Clearly the Texans handled this poorly at the beginning of the off-season. Extending Clowney should’ve been a priority. If it wasn’t, they should’ve dealt him months ago.

However, there was plenty of talk about Houston trying to make a deal before and after the draft. Having seen Frank Clark dealt for a first and second round pick — they were well within their rights to seek similar compensation. Such an offer wasn’t forthcoming and they were stuck.

Weren’t the Seahawks in a similar position 18 months ago? It’s clear they were open to trading Earl Thomas. Dallas flirted with an offer but reportedly only offered a third rounder during the 2018 draft. Seattle wanted more and therefore simply moved on — allowing Thomas to play out the final year of his contract.

Sometimes — even if you intend to trade a player — you just can’t. When the offer doesn’t feel right it’s tempting to just carry on and hope the situation improves down the line. With Thomas and Clowney — that was never the case.

Twelve months ago if the Seahawks had traded Thomas for a third round pick and two additional players — most people would’ve said it was a bad trade. Yet he only played a few games before getting injured and then he was off as a free agent. That third round pick and those players might’ve, with hindsight, been a good deal.

Now the Texans have taken what was presumably the best offer on the table. Clearly Clowney has dictated that to an extent, having supposedly narrowed his preferred destinations to Seattle and Philadelphia. Yet the trade has allowed Houston to move on. They avoid any drama or distraction — the type of which that has hindered the Seahawks in the past.

The move preempted their Laremy Tunsil trade. And while it’s easy to scoff at the price tag — the Texans acquired a franchise left tackle who just turned 25. There aren’t many quality, young offensive tackles in the league. Now Houston has one. They won 11-games a year ago, they have a quality quarterback and some offensive weapons. They have J.J. Watt. They’re a stronger contender in the AFC over the next few years based on their moves this weekend than they were last season.

And let’s say next April they wanted to trade up to fill that gigantic hole at left tackle. Would they have to give up their 2021 pick to move up in round one? For a rookie? Isn’t this the same move, albeit for a player with genuine NFL experience?

You could also argue against Tunsil’s potential or current ability if you wish — or make a legitimate claim that the Texans should create a better environment so players like Duane Brown don’t want to leave in the first place.

Perspective is too infrequently used, however. People have spent two days hammering the Texans without ever truly attempting to see it from their point of view.

I actually think three teams can be satisfied after a busy weekend. The Seahawks fill their greatest need and improve their pass rush in 2019. The Texans move on from a potential distraction and get a much-needed left tackle. The Dolphins are well positioned to rebuild their franchise in 2020 (which has been their intention, as reported at the time by Adam Schefter, since the end of last season).

Laugh away at Houston if you wish. I think the better way to view the Clowney deal is this — the Seahawks saw an opportunity and emphatically ran with it. John Schneider and his staff should be applauded for their work in 2019. Not just the Clowney trade but also the Clark trade, the way they turned four draft picks into a haul and the way they managed to re-sign Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner in a matter of months.

This is the work of an executive of the year — regardless of Seattle’s eventual 2019 record.

Yet the Seahawks’ opportunism doesn’t necessarily have to mirror ineptitude on behalf of the Texans. They certainly created some of their own problems. They’ve also addressed them and can move on — importantly as a team capable of contending in the AFC right away.

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Trade terms, per sources …

Seahawks get: DE Jadeveon Clowney

Texans get: 2020 third-round pick, DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo, LB Jacob Martin

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 31, 2019

This is a stunning and frankly barely believable trade. The price for Jadeveon Clowney was always going to be measured against the ‘rental’ nature of the deal. However, he’s still a terrific defensive lineman. This amounts to daylight robbery.

For at least one year of Clowney the Seahawks gave up a pass rusher with modest potential (Martin) and a player valued solely for his special teams ability (Mingo). They also give up a third round pick which could easily be reclaimed if Clowney leaves for big money in free agency. Alternatively the Seahawks could simply retain Clowney via extension or the tag.

This isn’t even a mild gamble. It’s a tour de force. And now the Seahawks have a defensive front seven to rival the best in the NFC.

Clowney, Reed, Ford, Ansah, Wagner, Wright, Kendricks.

Formidable.

A trade to get fans dreaming.

Good news if you want Jadeveon Clowney?

One league source informed of Jadeveon Clowney’s thinking reiterated that he remains adamant he doesn’t want to play for the Miami Dolphins regardless of the trade discussions between Texans and Dolphins

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 30, 2019

Clowney met with the Dolphins last week. It was an attempt to win him around. It appears the sales pitch didn’t work.

Who can blame him really? The talk over the last 24 hours is Houston wants to package Clowney and draft picks to acquire Laremy Tunsil. Desperate for O-line help — and still reeling from the Duane Brown trade — the Texans were trying to be bold.

Clowney doesn’t fancy joining a team positioning itself to draft a quarterback. An extra first rounder helps if they need to trade up. Gaining Clowney would off-set some of the fan (and player) dissatisfaction from trading Tunsil. It’d be an attempt to say, ‘look — we aren’t really tanking’.

Meanwhile Albert Breer reports the Seahawks are ‘monitoring’ the situation.

If you want Seattle to trade for Clowney this is good news. The longer he says ‘no’ to Miami the more likely a move to the Seahawks (or the Eagles) becomes. He might have to lose a couple of paycheque’s first and hold out into the regular season. Eventually though, Houston will cut their losses and take the best deal on the table.

The price will drop too. Duane Brown cost a second and third round pick but he was also under contract for another year. Clowney isn’t just a free-agent in 2020. Any prospective buyer can’t even negotiate with him until the end of the season. This is the ultimate rental — and the price has to represent that.

The Seahawks, Eagles and any other interested contender will continue to hold tight and wait for the situation to come to them. Clowney knows his best shot to max-out free agency next year is to join a contender and have a big season. By consistently saying ‘no’ to the Dolphins — he has Houston over a barrel. As long as he’s willing to sacrifice dollars to force a trade to his preferred destination, he has the upper hand. The only stumbling block is if Houston calls his bluff. Eventually he’ll have to return to the Texans and sign his tender if he wants this season to toll and be a free agent next year. Does Bill O’Brien want to deal with the distraction to play hardball? Unlikely.

Seattle’s pass rush issues are well advertised. If they wait this out and find a way to acquire Jadeveon Clowney for 2019 at a discounted price — it will significantly boost their chances of competing in the NFC.

Here’s what they’d be getting…

I don’t get the “motor” stuff w/Clowney; has to be a holdover from the pre-draft chatter. I see plenty of hustle on his film. pic.twitter.com/fsH7INMax8

— Michael Kist (@MichaelKistNFL) August 28, 2019

Thoughts on the roster

Since my initial 53-man projection a lot has changed. Phil Haynes appears destined for the PUP list. Joey Hunt has a high ankle sprain. Ben Burr-Kirven put in a superb performance against Oakland. Geno Smith won the backup job.

Here’s my updated best guess…

Quarterback

Geno Smith clearly out-performed Paxton Lynch against the Raiders. He’ll be the backup in 2019 as long as his knee’s OK.

Russell Wilson
Geno Smith
Total: 2

Running back

C.J. Prosise will be the clear #3 if he isn’t traded. Travis Homer’s special teams value could be crucial. Although they haven’t used Nick Bellore as a full-back in pre-season — his contract and special teams value suggests he’s been making the team all along. J.D. McKissic could make it but I’m going to go with five running backs.

Chris Carson
Rashaad Penny
C.J. Prosise
Travis Homer
Nick Bellore
Total: 5

Wide receiver

David Moore isn’t going to be out too long. Gary Jennings was quiet again on Thursday and maybe he’ll be sacrificed after all? With Moore set to miss at least week one and D.K. Metcalf’s health a question mark — they might keep Malik Turner initially. A lot of people will shout for Jazz Ferguson but I think he will make the practise squad if cut.

Tyler Lockett
Jaron Brown
D.K. Metcalf
David Moore
Malik Turner
John Ursua
Total: 6

Tight end

Ed Dickson’s injury situation and the lack of clarity on when he’ll return makes me think he won’t make it. Jacob Hollister will be on a short leash to make plays but he possibly makes it simply to bolster the numbers here.

Will Dissly
Nick Vannett
Jacob Hollister
Total: 3

Offensive line

Do they cut Joey Hunt with the intention of bringing him back when healthy? Given how much they like Hunt, do they stash him and IR him so he can return? Can they afford to roll with Marcus Martin as a backup center or guard? Phil Haynes will go on the PUP list. This group would look a lot stronger if Hunt and Jordan Simmons were available.

Duane Brown
Mike Iupati
Justin Britt
D.J. Fluker
Germain Ifedi
Ethan Pocic
George Fant
Jamarco Jones
Marcus Martin
Total: 9

Defensive line

Initially I thought they would add a new player before the Bengals game but time has passed and nobody has arrived. Is there any player cut by another team that can give the roster a pass-rushing boost? It seems unlikely. The best bet might be to wait out the Clowney situation and see if they can get some value. Barkevious Mingo had a poor pre-season as a pass rusher but he makes it purely for his special teams value. I would expect Bryan Mone to make the practise squad and be available if needed down the line. I think it’ll come down to Earl Mitchell or Branden Jackson.

Ziggy Ansah
Poona Ford
L.J. Collier
Al Woods
Quinton Jefferson
Cassius Marsh
Jacob Martin
Rasheem Green
Barkevious Mingo
Earl Mitchell or Branden Jackson
Total: 10

Linebackers

Austin Calitro has played like a warrior in pre-season. A year ago he won a roster spot and this summer he’s again made an impression. Shaquem Griffin likely ends up on IR and Ben Burr-Kirven wins a roster spot with a dynamic performance against Oakland.

Bobby Wagner
K.J. Wright
Mychal Kendricks
Cody Barton
Austin Calitro
Ben Burr-Kirven
Total: 6

Cornerbacks

I think they’ll start the season with Ugo Amadi as the nickel, allowing them to carry an extra defensive lineman and stash BBK. They could easily add another player to compete at nickel given the incumbents were disappointing.

Tre Flowers
Shaquill Griffin
Akeem King
Neiko Thorpe
Total: 4

Safety

II think they’ll cut DeShawn Shead with the intention of signing him after week one when his contract isn’t guaranteed.

Bradley McDougald
Tedric Thompson
Lano Hill
Marquise Blair
Ugo Amadi
Total: 5

Special teams

There’s no drama here with all three specialists signed to long term contracts.

Jason Myers
Michael Dickson
Tyler Ott
Total: 3

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This wasn’t a classic. The weather conditions possibly didn’t help but Seattle’s offense amounted to a couple of great deep throws from Geno Smith, a handful of good runs and not a lot else. Things ground to a shuddering halt in the second half.

The Raiders seemed to function more consistently and they were capable of moving the ball — but they collapsed in the red zone.

Here are some quick notes…

— Ben Burr-Kirven was superb. He finished with 12 tackles, a sack (on a fourth down in the red zone), two TFL’s, a pass deflection and a QB hurry. Whether he was blitzing, dropping in coverage or just running to the ball — this was a statement to protect him on the roster. The linebacker spots are set with Wagner, Wright, Kendricks, Calitro and Barton. Can they find room for BBK? On this evidence, they might have to.

— Austin Calitro was fantastic again. For the second year in a row he had a superb pre-season. They took him out early in the game after a few impact plays. He’s a lock for the roster.

— Barkevious Mingo better hope special teams value is enough because he had another poor game playing as a pass rusher. On the first defensive snap he was dumped on his back by a pulling tight end. On the first snap of Oakland’s second series he lost contain on a run. It’s hard to see how he’s not a liability if he takes snaps as anything other than a linebacker playing in space. He’s a super special teams factor and that might save him. As a pass rusher it just isn’t happening.

— Rasheem Green had his best game of the pre-season and Branden Jackson continued to look good. Jamie Meder and Bryan Mone both had an impact here but we’ll see if either have a chance to make it.

— “If we’re fortunate enough to have him on our team he’s going to help us”. That’s Pete Carroll on Deshawn Shead. To me that confirms the likelihood he’ll be cut initially with the potential to be re-signed down the line.

— Geno Smith almost certainly won the backup job. It was unfortunate for Paxton Lynch that the offense collapsed after half time. He didn’t have much time or ability to create much. Yet when one guy throws two great downfield balls and the other goes 1/7 passing, there’s a clear winner. The only concern is Smith’s ‘tweaked’ knee.

— Gary Jennings didn’t even receive a single target in the game which is strange. Neither did John Ursua. Jazz Ferguson had two targets catching one (the 41-yarder). Terry Wright did well on his long touchdown as did Jacob Hollister to concentrate and complete the catch in a tight window. It’s very difficult to predict how this will shape up after today. Maybe the weather was a factor but it would’ve been nice to see more targets for the group.

— Seattle hasn’t turned the ball over in pre-season. They nearly broke a record in that area in 2018. This is a positive sign going into the new year.

— The running back depth looked excellent again. C.J. Prosise looked good for back-to-back games. They have to keep him on the roster based on these flashes as the #3. Travis Homer was sharp and Bo Scarborough had a nice run later on. Homer’s special teams value could be a bonus for him. J.D. McKissic was quiet but offers something a bit different. Given the Seahawks want to run a lot they might stash bodies here.

— There was a lot of blitzing again and that’s fine. The linebackers made it work today. However — it still really feels like they need more on the pass rush. Especially with Carroll stressing after the game they won’t rush L.J. Collier back as ‘the saviour’ (PC accidentally acknowledging the lack of pass rush with his choice of words there).

— The Seahawks ended the pre-season 3-1 (an improvement on 0-4 a year ago). There are areas where depth is a clear concern (DL, CB) but there are also positions of real strength and depth (OL, RB, LB) plus young talent (WR, S).

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Various reports have been doing the rounds today as the Jadeveon Clowney saga moves slowly to a conclusion…

Dolphins are very interested in trading for Jadeveon Clowney, according to league sources, but have to get him interested in going there. Prefers Seahawks, Eagles as potential destinations. Fluid situation because he has leverage as unsigned franchise player

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 27, 2019

This report at least suggests the Seahawks are ‘in’ on a potential deal. That’s not a big surprise. Clowney is a top NFL defensive end and Seattle has a major need at the position. They’re always looking for potential deals and there’s a sense of urgency given the way the pass rush has struggled in pre-season.

However, according to Armando Salguero, the Dolphins believe they’re in the driving seat:

The Miami Dolphins have re-engaged with the Houston Texans to explore the possibility of making a trade that would bring Jadeveon Clowney to Miami, and consider themselves the leader in the sweepstakes to land the pass rusher.

The Dolphins recently visited with Clowney, who met multiple persons within the organization as part of a recruiting effort of sorts to get the player to accept a trade to Miami. Part of this effort included a meeting with coach Brian Flores.

The effort, by the way, was necessary because sources say Clowney was at least initially not in love with the idea of coming to Miami. The Dolphins believe that has changed to some degree.

The Dolphins have constantly been linked with Clowney and appear motivated to make a deal. Any hopes the Seahawks have of landing him appear to rest on Miami’s ability (or inability) to get this done.

So what’s the compensation?

The Texans did engage teams on Jadeveon Clowney some in the spring. The belief then, according to multiple clubs involved, was that he could be had for a second-round pick.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 27, 2019

The Seahawks have two 2020 second round picks following the Frank Clark trade. It’d be a heavily discounted offer compared to the Clark deal but with the caveat that this could be a one-year rental.

Would you be prepared to spend a second rounder for a year of Clowney? If he did depart next year they should be able to get a third round comp pick (assuming they don’t make major additions in free agency). It’d be a calculated gamble. The last one on Sheldon Richardson didn’t work out. That year, however, the Rams skillfully traded a second round pick for Sammy Watkins and recouped a third rounder when he left for the Chiefs.

There’s no right or wrong answer. Everyone will have their opinion. The Seahawks need to add something to their D-line though before the regular season begins.

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Quarterback

I think it’s still an open competition between Geno Smith and Paxton Lynch. Both players have been unable to play in a game each due to injury. Lynch performed very well against Denver and Smith was solid against the Chargers. I sense it all rests on the final game against Oakland. Most teams would go with the more experienced, more conservative option here. The Seahawks aren’t conventional though and the idea of taking on a younger reclamation project could appeal to Pete Carroll.

Russell Wilson
Geno Smith or Paxton Lynch
Total: 2

Running back

The Seahawks needed their running back depth a year ago and that’ll remain the case in 2019. Chris Carson has missed games throughout his career (college and pro). They need some options, especially considering they run the ball more than most teams. The big question mark is whether they keep full back Nick Bellore. The Seahawks will take on a dead cap hit of $600,000 if they cut him. They also like his special teams value. I have him making it, just.

Chris Carson
Rashaad Penny
C.J. Prosise
Travis Homer
J.D. McKissic
Nick Bellore
Total: 6

Wide receiver

David Moore’s injury creates a problem. If they intend to bring him back later in the season they can’t put him on injured reserve without naming him on the 53-man roster. Therefore, here’s what I think they’ll do. Moore makes the roster and then is placed on IR immediately. Malik Turner will then be called onto the roster once he (likely) clears waivers. Jazz Ferguson clears waivers and makes the practise squad.

Tyler Lockett
Jaron Brown
D.K. Metcalf
David Moore (and once he’s put on IR, Malik Turner)
Gary Jennings
John Ursua
Total: 6

Tight end

This is a difficult projection. Ed Dickson’s injury situation and the lack of clarity on when he’ll return makes me think he won’t make it. It’d be a risk to go with just Will Dissly (returning from injury) and Nick Vannett as your orthodox tight ends. However, the news George Fant is set to return for week one is a positive and enables them to carry an extra body at the position. Jacob Hollister was given a shot to impress against the Chargers but didn’t really take it.

Will Dissly
Nick Vannett
Total: 2

Offensive line

Despite a number of injuries during pre-season, this seems fairly straight forward. They like Joey Hunt enough to keep him around. George Fant is their hybrid tight end and Jamarco Jones provides a backup left tackle. Ideally Jordan Simmons would be on the roster but he has another knee problem and could be absent for some time. If he’s able to return after a few weeks they could keep him on the roster (possibly at the expense of Nick Bellore or DeShawn Shead) and then IR him to free up a roster spot (just as they might do with David Moore). They protect Phil Haynes.

Duane Brown
Mike Iupati
Justin Britt
D.J. Fluker
Germain Ifedi
Ethan Pocic
George Fant
Jamarco Jones
Joey Hunt
Phil Haynes
Total: 10

Defensive line

I think they will add a new player to bolster the pass rush before the start of the regular season. Barkevious Mingo, despite being a key special teamer a year ago, has struggled mightily to adapt to a pass rush role. The Seahawks need more off the edge and I think they’ll acquire someone either via trade or off the waiver wire. I have them going with only three defensive tackles to start the year (Ford, Woods, Jefferson) but would expect Bryan Mone to make the practise squad and be available if needed down the line.

Ziggy Ansah
Poona Ford
L.J. Collier
Al Woods
Quinton Jefferson
Cassius Marsh
Jacob Martin
Rasheem Green
New addition
Total: 9

Linebackers

Austin Calitro has played like a warrior in pre-season. A year ago he won a roster spot and this summer he’s again made an impression. It’s hard to justify stashing Ben Burr-Kirven over Calitro. Hopefully BBK makes it to the practise squad. Shaquem Griffin could be placed on IR.

Bobby Wagner
K.J. Wright
Mychal Kendricks
Cody Barton
Austin Calitro
Total: 5

Cornerbacks

It’s very possible they’ll simply go with Jamar Taylor or Ugo Amadi at the nickel. Yet none of the candidates to replace Justin Coleman have really stood out. They acquired Coleman via a trade with the Patriots. Will they make another deal for a nickel this year? I’m going to say yes in this projection.

Tre Flowers
Shaquill Griffin
Akeem King
Neiko Thorpe
New addition
Total: 5

Safety

This group is pretty straight forward. I think they’ll cut DeShawn Shead with the intention of signing him after week one. Shead’s ability to play corner and safety will be useful and they need some experience. However, they don’t necessarily need him in week one and this will give them some flexibility to protect other players.

Bradley McDougald
Tedric Thompson
Lano Hill
Marquise Blair
Ugo Amadi
Total: 5

Special teams

There’s no drama here with all three specialists signed to long term contracts.

Jason Myers
Michael Dickson
Tyler Ott
Total: 3

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