The Seattle Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. But as any seasoned NFL observer knows, preseason results are less about the final score and more about individual performances—especially for players on the roster bubble. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how these early games can dramatically shift perceptions, even if the season is still months away from its true form. Let’s dive into a 53-man roster projection, but with a twist: I’ll be adding my own commentary and analysis to highlight what’s really at stake here.
The Quarterback Room: More Than Meets the Eye
Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, and Jalen Milroe are the projected quarterbacks, but the chatter around Milroe’s performance has been overblown. In my opinion, writing him off after one preseason game is premature. What many people don’t realize is that rookie quarterbacks often struggle early—it’s part of the learning curve. If you take a step back and think about it, the Seahawks aren’t expecting him to be a Week 1 starter. This is about long-term potential, not immediate results. The real question is whether the team will stick with three quarterbacks or explore other options later in the season.
Running Backs: A Numbers Game
With Zach Charbonnet on the PUP list, the Seahawks are projected to carry three running backs: Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, and George Holani. What this really suggests is that the team is prioritizing flexibility. Keeping four running backs for a month when Charbonnet could return in October doesn’t make sense. Instead, they’ll likely elevate someone from the practice squad if needed. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this approach reflects the league’s shift toward roster efficiency—why tie up a spot when you can adapt on the fly?
Fullback Dilemma: Hybrid vs. Traditional
The fullback position is where things get complicated. Brady Russell is listed as the starter, but he’s more of a FB/TE hybrid with special teams value. Brock Lampe, a true fullback, barely saw the field against the Cowboys. From my perspective, this is a classic case of modern NFL strategy: teams are moving away from traditional fullbacks in favor of versatile players. Lampe might end up on the practice squad, but his role feels increasingly outdated in today’s game.
Wide Receivers: The Rise of Montorie Foster
The wide receiver room is crowded, but one name stands out: Montorie Foster. His strong summer and second-team snaps over Ricky White III are telling. What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly narratives can shift in preseason. Foster wasn’t a household name a month ago, but now he’s on the cusp of making the roster. This raises a deeper question: how much stock should we put in preseason performances? Personally, I think Foster’s consistency is more indicative of his potential than one bad game from a competitor.
Tight Ends: The Kallerup Conundrum
Nick Kallerup’s situation is a prime example of how quickly NFL fortunes can change. After a quiet rookie season, he’s on the roster bubble. In my opinion, the Seahawks are more willing to risk losing him to waivers this time around, especially with A.J. Barner, Elijah Arroyo, and Eric Saubert ahead of him. What many people don’t realize is that special teams contributions often make or break these decisions, and Kallerup’s lack of involvement there doesn’t help his case.
Offensive Line: The Battle for Depth
The offensive line projection is intriguing, particularly with Christian Haynes seemingly securing his spot. Beau Stephens, on the other hand, hasn’t challenged for a starting role. One thing that immediately stands out is how quickly players like Bobby Hart and Amari Kight fell out of favor after the Cowboys game. This isn’t just about performance—it’s about fit. The Seahawks are clearly prioritizing versatility, as seen with Mason Richman’s ability to play both guard and center.
Defensive Line: The Nose Tackle Question
Byron Murphy II and Jarran Reed are locks, but the question of a true nose tackle remains. Brandon Pili could fill that role, but the Seahawks might opt for practice squad elevations instead. What this really suggests is that the team is comfortable with Murphy or Reed sliding into that spot if needed. It’s a calculated risk, but one that aligns with their roster-building philosophy.
Linebackers: Thin Depth, High Stakes
The outside linebacker group is thin beyond the starters, with Jalan Gaines being the only standout among the backups. Inside, the competition for the fourth spot between Patrick O’Connell and Chazz Surratt is tight. What makes this particularly fascinating is how special teams value often tips the scales in these decisions. Surratt’s edge there might just keep him on the roster.
Secondary: The Sixth Cornerback Debate
The Seahawks are projected to carry six cornerbacks, which feels like a luxury in today’s pass-heavy league. Terrion Arnold’s potential Week 1 suspension adds another layer of complexity. From my perspective, this is a strategic move to ensure depth in a position group that’s often injury-prone. It’s not just about who starts—it’s about who can step in when needed.
Safeties: Finley’s Surprise Push
A.J. Finley’s emergence as a second-team safety is one of the more intriguing developments. His competition with D’Anthony Bell for the fifth spot highlights how quickly roles can shift. What many people don’t realize is that preseason is as much about adaptability as it is about talent. Finley’s ability to step into a bigger role could be a game-changer for his roster chances.
Special Teams: The Unsung Heroes
Jason Myers, Michael Dickson, and Chris Stoll are locks, and rightfully so. Special teams are often overlooked, but they’re the backbone of any successful team. Personally, I think this trio’s consistency is a testament to the Seahawks’ commitment to excellence in every phase of the game.
Final Thoughts: A Work in Progress
This roster projection is just a snapshot—a moment in time that could change dramatically by the start of the season. What makes this particularly fascinating is how much can shift in just a few weeks. If you take a step back and think about it, the NFL is a league of constant evolution, and the Seahawks are no exception. This roster isn’t just about who’s here now—it’s about who can adapt, grow, and contribute when it matters most.
