The Seattle Seahawks used the NFL draft to trade their way into 11 new players, giving them added depth at multiple positions heading into training camp.
While the extra depth is good for Seattle in general, it isn’t good for everyone. Namely, the Seahawks players who may not have a job come September, if they get replaced by new draftees.
Here are three players who saw their future get a lot murkier after last weekend’s draft.
Wide Receivers not named Tyler Lockett
The Seahawks took three gigantic steps toward rebuilding their receiving corps during the draft, snagging D.K. Metcalf, Gary Jennings Jr. and John Ursua.
While the team is possibly going to be without Doug Baldwin, who is reportedly weighing retirement, Seattle’s new receivers are all expected to challenge for roles right away.
That will present a challenge for David Moore and Jaron Brown – not to mention fringey roster guys like Keenan Reynolds, Amara Darboh and Caleb Scott.
GM John Schneider specifically mentioned a desire to get faster in their receiving group heading into 2019.
“That was the number one thing, we wanted to get fast, make sure we can compliment the stuff, like running down the field, take advantage of Russell’s ability to throw the ball down the field, which is awesome,” Schneider said. “And be able to compliment the work that we were able to do with Tyler. Make sure that he’s not the only fast guy who can take the top off. We’re really excited about that.”
Moore will likely still have a roster spot when the 2019 season begins, but the same cannot be said for Brown who is a potential cut candidate now that Seattle has a flurry of receivers on the roster.
C.J. Prosise
Prosise is technically a running back, which is why he was not included among the receivers. However, as a third down back who has primarily stayed on Seattle’s roster because of his ability to catch the ball, the addition of three new receivers is not great for his future in the Emerald City.
Neither is the addition of running back Travis Homer, whom Seattle selected in the sixth round over the weekend. Homer is a physical running back, and while his pass-catching isn’t his strongest suit, he is known as a great pass-blocker.
The addition of Homer and the presence of J.D. McKissic, not to mention presumed starters Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, could make it a tight fit to keep Prosise on the roster unless he is able to really impress in training camp.
Tedric Thompson
The Seahawks took two defensive backs in the draft, both who project to be primarily safeties at the NFL level. With Bradley McDougald locked up through 2020, Thompson may be on the outside looking in for a regular starting job.
In addition to competing with Delano Hill, Thompson now has to battle it out with the two rookies, Marquise Blair and Ugo Amadi.
Blair in particular profiles as a box safety, much like McDougald. While that seems like good news for Thompson, it is worth noting that McDougald can play both safety spots, so a starting combo of Blair and McDougald seems possible, if not likely, for next year.
Can’t rule out Amadi winning a starting job either. He has the requisite versatility that coach Pete Carroll loves, with some believing he could fill in as a slot corner replacement for Justin Coleman.
However, Carroll made it clear that Amadi is going to start out at safety, which will make that position battle one to watch throughout training camp.
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