Because an NFL season is getting ready, it starts with an audit: what are the strengths and weaknesses of the workforce? Then, how to strengthen via the market and the draft. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the off-season of the 32 franchises. Today the Carolina Panthers.
Announced as candidates for the first draft pick, the Seahawks surprised everyone by qualifying for the playoffs at the end of a more than convincing 2022 campaign. But, if Seattle wishes to confirm this fine exercise, they will have to strengthen themselves.
The owners
1. DK Metcalf-Tyler Lockett (WR)
2. Tariq Woolen (BC)
3. Kenneth Walker III (RB)
If there are many holes in the Seahawks’ workforce, there is one thing they have in large numbers: playmakers. As for many seasons, the duo of receivers DK Metcalf-Tyler Lockett represents a guarantee of performance for Pete Carroll’s attack. Both authors of more than 1000 receiving yards, and 15 cumulative touchdowns, Metcalf and Lockett allowed Geno Smith to shine in the aerial game.
If this duo was expected, it was less the case of the two star rookies, Tariq Woolen and Kenneth Walker III, already considered to be in the Seahawks workforce. Walker, named holder after the injury of Rashaad Penny, confirmed the promises seen at the university by accumulating 1050 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground, as well as 165 yards at the reception. A powerful runner, he was one of the nominees for the title of offensive rookie of the year.
Tariq Woolen could have legitimately claimed the defensive rookie of the year trophy if Sauce Gardner had not been so strong. Best interceptor in the NFL last year, with 6 stolen balls, he already represents insurance to cover the opposing number 1 receiver, which did not seem obvious when Seattle had recovered him in the 5th round of the last draft.
Undesirables
–Gabe Jackson (G)
–Bryan Mone (DT)
– Quinton Jefferson (DE)
With more than $24 million in available salary margin, the Seahawks have plenty to look forward to. Nevertheless, several players could bear the brunt of the ambitions of John Schneider and Pete Carroll. First of all, Gabe Jackson seems the most able to pack his bags. Right guard holder in 2022, he did not convince and his departure would save the Seahawks $ 6.5 million.
On the defensive line, Bryan Mone and Quinton Jefferson are certainly rotation players, but could be forced to leave the ship, as their salary is not in line with their production, especially on a line in need of reinforcements. Seattle could save $6.8 million by parting ways with these two players.
Finally, if these departures seem unlikely, the Seahawks would be wise to restructure the contracts of veterans like Quandre Diggs, Jamal Adams, Tyler Lockett or Will Dissly.
The summer man
Geno Smith (QB)
The question is not so much whether he will stay or not, but the terms. A long-term, short-term contract or a franchise tag? If the quarterback and his team have not yet agreed, it seems clear that Geno Smith will start in week 1 for the Seahawks. The player declared his love for the franchise after the playoff elimination against the 49ers, and NFL Media also confirmed the Seahawks’ intention to keep Smith.
Yet such love between the two parties seemed illusory not even a year ago. Seattle seemed to be heading for a rebuild after Russell Wilson left for Denver, and Geno Smith had to act as a stopgap while they found a better quarterback. However, the former second-round pick fully seized what seemed like his last chance by having the best season of his career, even being selected for the Pro Bowl.
In 2023, Geno Smith will have to confirm his return (or arrival) to the fore if he wishes to remain the starter in Seattle for several years. In any case, after Russell Wilson’s bad season with the Broncos, Pete Carroll and John Schneider must certainly say to themselves that they have carried out the hold-up of the century.
The main free agents
1. Geno Smith (QB)
2. Poona Ford (DE)
3. Ryan Neal (S)
4. Marquise Goodwin (WR)
5. Tanner Muse (LB)
The others: Rashaad Penny (RB), Austin Blythe (C), Johnathan Abram (S), LJ Collier (DE), Drew Lock (QB), Josh Jones (S), Cody Barton (LB), Laquon Treadwell (WR) …
If the number one goal of the Seahawks’ offseason is to take care of the Geno Smith case, there are other players who will have to be taken care of. Poona Ford, in particular, should be one of Seattle’s top priorities. The defensive lineman is coming out of his fifth season with the team, his fourth as a starter, and proves year after year that his non-selection in the 2018 draft was a big mistake. He could continue to weigh in a defensive line which should see several arrivals during the offseason.
If there’s one player who has benefited from Jamal Adams’ injury, it’s Ryan Neal. He who had never really weighed in a defense since his arrival in the NFL in 2018, he replaced in week 4 Josh Jones, unconvincing, and immediately held his rank. Even if Adams’ return from injury could lower his playing time, his performance, his restricted free agent status and his youth (27 years) should convince the leaders of Seattle to offer him a new contract.
The other free agents are more rotational players, but some could stay with the Seahawks for less. This is the case, for example, of Marquise Goodwin. The veteran receiver represents “insurance” in a position where, behind the two incumbents, the rest of the group is rather weak. Tanner Muse, recovered after being cut by the Raiders, has shown some good things to him after the injury to Jordyn Brooks, and should not cost much.
Top 5 Needs
1. Defensive end
2.Guard
3. Defensive tackle
4. Wide receiver
5. Linebacker
If the Seahawks’ season is a success, we must not forget that the workforce still has many areas to improve. The biggest building site is in the trenches, on both sides of the balloon. The run defense, in particular, could use some help, having been one of the most porous in 2022 (30th in total yards, 27th in yards per run). In Clint Hurtt’s 3-4 system, a defensive end and a defensive tackle would certainly not be too much. If the defensive end can also perform on the pass rush, it could bring support to Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor, who seemed the only ones to bring danger in the area.
In attack, the offensive line reconstruction is on track, with rookies Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas having been convincing. However, an experienced guard would bring stability and confidence to a young squad, allowing Kenneth Walker III, in particular, to perform at a high level.
If DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are proven NFL receivers, adding a solid third man would be a real plus. An inside linebacker could also be a good addition to play alongside Jordyn Brooks, and thus solidify the defense.
Target
Isaac Seumalo (G-Eagles)
The Seahawks have a lot of salary margin available, and are therefore able to reinforce their weak points with free agent sides. This is the case of Isaac Seumalo, the Eagles guard, who is coming out of a high-flying 2022 season.
Less prominent than his comrades on the Philly offensive line (Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson have all been Pro Bowlers this season), he nevertheless remains a high-level guard, who perfectly contributed to the explosion of Jalen Hurts in 2022.
The Seahawks could thus guarantee the solidity of their offensive line for several years, Seumalo being only 29 years old. However, many teams could be tempted by the former Oregon State, and he is expected to sign a contract around 12 million dollars per year.
The new blood
Lukas Van Ness (DE– Iowa)
An extremely intriguing prospect, Lukas Van Ness ticks all the boxes for the future Seahawks player: high potential, perfect for the system, efficient against the run and against the pass, he already looks like a Seattle player. The recent explosion in his popularity rating could propel him into the top 10 in the next draft.
However, doubts remain about his inexperience. Indeed, Van Ness has never started on the side of the University of Iowa. That means it stays raw, and it still has a lot of work to do.
But the Seahawks could take the bet, because the physical potential is impressive.
Other choices: Myles Murphy (DE- Clemson), Tyree Wilson (DE- Texas Tech)…
