Field Gulls
Do the Seattle Seahawks have an issue at linebacker? Well, there is not necessarily an issue at the top of the depth chart with both Ernest Jones and Tyrice Knight returning from last season. However, the depth behind Jones and Knight have looked underwhelming up to this point in the preseason. And with Knight potentially not being ready for the start of the regular season, that could become an issue. That all begs the question, does Seattle need to add to the linebacker room before the start of the regular season? This author says yes.
Behind Jones and Knight, the Seahawks have a few returners (Patrick O’Connell, Drake Thomas, Josh Ross, and Jamie Sheriff), though Sherriff is new to the position this offseason. Seattle also has two newbies (D’Eryk Jackson and Alphonzo Tuputala). Of these depth pieces, Thomas, O’Connell, and Ross are the players who have gotten at least some play time in regular season games, but all of O’Connell and Ross’ snaps have been on special teams. Meanwhile Sheriff, Jackson, and Tuputala are some intriguing names that could be fun to develop on the practice squad.
Despite the intrigue that Seattle has at linebacker, if Tyrice Knight is unable to start the regular season, would Seattle be comfortable starting any of these depth pieces in week one against the San Francisco 49ers? Unfortunately, barring a trade or waiver claim, Seattle may be forced to.
On Sunday, when asked about Knight’s availability for Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, stated, “We’re going to get some more information in a few days that’ll have some more clarity on his situation, but I’d say optimistic.” Though Macdonald is “optimistic” Knight can play week one, it sure does not sound like a sure thing.
If Knight is unable to play, the likely replacement would either be Thomas or O’Connell. Both players are entering their third seasons in Seattle. However, neither has started a game in their NFL careers. Neither has looked particularly great in preseason, either. Thomas currently ranks 118th/200 linebackers according to PFF with a 57.3 Grade. O’Connell fairs a little better, ranking 111th/200 linebackers with a 58.6 Grade.
Would Seattle be willing to give the reigns to a starting linebacker spot to either Thomas or O’Connell? Or would they be better off looking for another linebacker off of waivers this year, or via trade? The other option is to play Nick Emmanwori at linebacker. The second round safety has lined up seemingly everywhere, including many snaps at linebacker.
If Seattle would be interested in any linebackers, the best options may be if a player becomes available via waivers. Though some names could be trade options, it would not make much sense for Seattle to give up draft capital for a player who would be primarily a depth piece, and, at most, would spot start in Week 1 or down the line. That draft capital would be better kept for other trade options (like Trey Hendrickson...
