Discussion: Which Seahawk Will Rule the Preseason?

by John Morgan on Jul 20, 2009 4:44 PM PDT

Since there was a request for discussion pieces and since we're nearing the start of training camp, I thought I'd kick off this new semi-regular feature with a question about which Seahawk fans expect to blow up in the preseason. Last season, Justin Forsett was coated in nitroglycerine against the Bears, Howard Greene detonated the Vikings and Jordan Kent caught a pass. So it's not always stars that shine. Seattle has a lot of new talent and some still raw talent with a lot to lose, but who gets the luck, timing and Pop Warner matchup to truly standout?

Which Seahawk will rule the preseason? Discuss your answers below.

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Probably doesn't count since he actually seems to have talent

but I suspect Max Unger will be one of the preseason darlings because he’ll get wrapped up in the media’s yearly Chris Spencer preseason bitching.

by BrianL on Jul 20, 2009 4:52 PM PDT reply actions

My vote goes for Max Unger as well

He could maul some second unit d-lineman, and make some nice blocks here and there.

I could see Deon Butler punishing some DBs with his speed as well.

by PattyB on Jul 20, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Bah beat me to it

Max Unger is going to rock it

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on Jul 20, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Brian Russell on Tuesdays

TJ Duckett on offense
Darryl Tapp and Aaron Curry on defense

by jacobstevens on Jul 20, 2009 4:53 PM PDT reply actions

Devin Moore.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Jul 20, 2009 5:02 PM PDT reply actions

Kind of what I was thinking.

Seattle will be looking hard at running backs and Moore lookes good (on tape) coming out of college. He and Forsett will have some breakout games in preseason, and I would guess those will be the two guys to look good coming out of the backfield (in preseason). As for the rest of the offense, I would look for Mike Teel and Jeff Rowe to fight it out to stay off the practice squad. At the WR spot I look for Logan Payne and Ben Obomanu to pull away from the rest of the guys for that final WR spot. Last but not least, look for Unger to look great against 2nd string guys and for everyone on all these boards to be calling for him to start at LG or Center.

As for who else, I like Nick Reed (rookie) and Baraka Atkins playing well on the D-line, David Hawthorne looking crazy good for the LB’s like last year. Also, look for Kevin Hobbs and Kelly Jennings to look very good in preseason, both will want that 4th CB spot.

by JustinWF on Jul 21, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Reed seems made for the preseason

I bet he flashes some ability, gets cut, and fans will have a recurrance of “The Forsett Seizures”.

by Groundhog on Jul 21, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions

My one question about Reed is,

will he do enough to make the team as an OLB or DE? I really don’t see that, but if he plays lights out on Special Teams he may force the team to make a cut somewhere else, and make the team. I like what Reed “could” bring, but Seahawks fans may have to hope he clears waivers and makes the PS this year, and can make the main roster in 2010.

by JustinWF on Jul 21, 2009 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Was Reed some beast in college or something?

Looking at his size alone he looks like a relatively easy cut to make.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 21, 2009 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions

He had 25 sacks and 42.5 tackles for a loss in 2007 and 2008 alone.

by John Morgan on Jul 21, 2009 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions

We drafted a 5'11" 230 lb MLB in the second round.

We drafted a 6’1" 250 lb DE in the second round.

That MLB has three pro bowls, and that DE has been good when he plays. I’m surprised a fan of this team could say something about size making him an easy cut.

by cashless on Jul 21, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm not familiar with Reed's college career.

Assuming he doesn’t tear it up in the preseason, wouldn’t he make a great practice squad candidate?

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 22, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions

I am guessing that even if he does, he will be on the PS, but he has a chance.

Assuming complete health for week one, Kearney, Tapp, Jackson, Atkins, and Redding are almost guaranteed to be ahead. At DT there is Cole, Mebane, Bryant, Terrell, then Redding again. That’s only 9 players, and last year Seattle carried 10 DL, but one was Bernard and he was suspended. When he came back, I think we lost Babin and still just had 9 DL. Most likely Reed can’t crack that top 9, and unless we pick up a roster spot by kicking out a kicker, or with more versatility somewhere else, he ends up on the practice squad.

Besides Reed, we have undrafted Michael Bennett(good tools, lack of consistancy/production, the opposite of Reed), Brandon Miller, and at DT Kevin Brown. I think he has a good chance of being the 10th DL if we carry 10, especially if he seems like a special teamer or if he can be a 3-4 type pass rusher giving them LB flexability in a creative defense. But there is little actual evidence we’ll run a defense like that yet, and no guarantee we’ll take 10 DL, if we do it’ll likely be because someone convinces us they have to be on the team, and our 9-man DL looks pretty strong.

Lets say Kearney has an injury set-back, his chances go up…IF Kearney has to go on the PUP list AND Reed outshines other candidates, including the FA list.

No matter how it’s sliced, he has to play very well, and he probably has to have some help. I agree with you, he’s likely a great practice squad candidate.

by cashless on Jul 22, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Mike Teel

He’ll give two of our Jerry Rice’s in waiting their first TD’s since their college days at Auburn. They did all come from Auburn, right? Well, whatever.

by B.B.Finnegan on Jul 20, 2009 5:16 PM PDT reply actions

I second Teel...

Though Jerry Rice went to a small traditionally black college, not Auburn. Mississippi Valley, I believe, but don’t quote me on that and I’m too lazy to look it up.

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by Tyler Jorgensen on Jul 20, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Deon Butler and Nick Reed

Brandon Coutu and Olindo Mare better be doing some two-kicker trick plays.

"And Joe for Matt Hughes, dislike may not be a strong enough adjective!" - Mike Goldberg

by SSreporters on Jul 20, 2009 5:27 PM PDT reply actions

I like the Butler pick.

He’s going to torch somebody and it’ll be fun to watch.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Jul 20, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions

third on Butler

pocket dynamite

by Camarostache '77 on Jul 20, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Butler for sure, and I'd like to see one of Greene/Adams nail down a roster spot

by Nate Dogg on Jul 21, 2009 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions

The "Four-Legged Lookie Loo" is going to be the new Wildcat

Coutu and Mare, League Co-MVPs. Lock it up.

by PRIDEin253 on Jul 21, 2009 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions

David Hawthorne

This is just based on a few HUGE hits he has made in perseason games past. I’m not expecting a star performance per se, but blowing up a couple 3rd string linemen and running backs would be cool.

Kind of makes me wish we’d see him against some first-tier competition, at least a little bit, just to check out what he really has to offer.

by J.L. White on Jul 20, 2009 5:42 PM PDT reply actions

Hawthorne and Forsett again

Although I personally found Jones to be surprisingly decent in 2008, a lot of fans don’t like him and they will probably try to stir up a RB controversy if Forsett has another Chicago game, which against pre-season talent, is very possible.

by kearly on Jul 20, 2009 5:48 PM PDT reply actions

Mike Hass

Stacey Nelson throws flaming screwballs.
It's great to be a Florida Gator!

by Wayward Llama on Jul 20, 2009 5:58 PM PDT reply actions

Jamar Adams

because if he doesn’t, Brian Russel will start for sure. And my tolerance for pain isn’t what it used to be.

by Fear on Jul 20, 2009 6:01 PM PDT reply actions

Does it matter?

Russell has the grit like no other.

"And Joe for Matt Hughes, dislike may not be a strong enough adjective!" - Mike Goldberg

by SSreporters on Jul 20, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

"Cruel time..."

“… carried him beyond the August days of preseason football and into the November days of bitter manhood.”

Oh my. Am I reading Field Gulls or Thoreau? ;) Nice writing, John.

I think the star of the preseason will be Coach Mora running around practice with a whistle around his neck. The sports writers can’t get enough of Mora. Things we will read at least a dozen times between now and September will include: “young, energetic Coach Mora running with a whistle around his neck!”. Most common words in Seahawks articles: “young”, "energetic, “player’s coach”, “running”, and “whistle”.

by Stevo's on Jul 20, 2009 6:36 PM PDT reply actions

Courtney Greene

I’m just thinking that Greene will probably play all, or nearly all, of the 2nd halves of each game since there are so few safeties on the roster.

"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin

by dcrockett17 on Jul 20, 2009 6:58 PM PDT reply actions

Courtney Greene, Nick Reed, Justin Forsett, and some WR.

Andrew Raycroft for backup? Does not compute.

by Woodinville_12thMan on Jul 20, 2009 7:29 PM PDT reply actions

Mike Hass,

Billy McMullen (ew), Max Unger, Mike Teel, Devin Moore, and either Jamar Adams or Courtney Greene.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 20, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions

Forgot to add Red Bryant.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 20, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Mike Teel

will put Jeff Rowe to bed without question. I think Deon Butler will officially be the darling that every Hawks fan will be raving about, though. He’s got the speed and route-running combo that will make those 2nd/3rd string DBs look silly.

by PRIDEin253 on Jul 20, 2009 7:35 PM PDT reply actions

I'll put my money on Red Bryant.

Is that the light at the end of the tunnel, or the headlights of an oncoming train?

by Benne on Jul 20, 2009 7:38 PM PDT reply actions

Mike Hass

White factor.

by djafrot on Jul 20, 2009 7:48 PM PDT reply actions

I've heard some good things about Kevin Hobbs

He’s 6ft, 188lbs, 3rd year, undrafted out of Auburn. Now is his time to show if he’s got it. I would very much like to part ways with Kelly Jennings and I’d be happy if Hobbs might be the SOB to do the deed.

Hopefully Forsett will get some looks against the starters and show he can hang with the big dogs.

I also think we could see a couple nice grabs from Cameron Morrah this pre-season.

by Hawkhammer19 on Jul 20, 2009 8:19 PM PDT reply actions

I have a feeling Cameron Morrah will do something special

by aerozeppelin on Jul 20, 2009 8:37 PM PDT reply actions

Hopefully that "something special" is football-related

by ninjasocks on Jul 21, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Safety. Any Safety. Please.

I’d really like for Greene or Adams to step up. I think Red Bryant might be the guy.

by eeezzbok on Jul 20, 2009 8:44 PM PDT reply actions

Deon Butler

I think his speed will help him get open for some Mike Teel passes. I also really really hope a safety steps up and breaks out

by TheSteelersRuinedMyBirthday on Jul 20, 2009 10:00 PM PDT reply actions

my boy wrotto

He was half decent when thrown in the fire last december. I think he absolutely mauls some people this preseason, and he’s going to play a lot. My hope is that it’s unger, because i really am not optimistic about Wahle.

On D, I like the pick of Hobbs, he usually has a good camp and preseason.

And like everyone, I pray for some safety to emerge, but I really doubt it happens

by Hawqz on Jul 20, 2009 10:02 PM PDT reply actions

Corn Bread

Big Red Bryant

by Stevo's on Jul 20, 2009 10:19 PM PDT reply actions

I want to see a few guys earn their starting/roster spot

Jackson – for obvious reasons

Schmitt – I want him to really earn it and not be because Griffith sucks.

Payne – I really liked him going into last season after the camp he had. He could be a nice backup to have.

Taylor – Obviously wasn’t ready last season. Hopefully he has matured, I’ll never forget his KJR comments.

But if I had to choose just one Hawk to really blow up in the preseason, I want it to be Hobbs. It seems like every practice during mini camps/TC last year, O’Neill or Romero talked about him having some big play.

Guyz, I need ur help. Im txting from my iphone. I'm at a girls house i like, & i had 2 go 2 the bthroom. It was #2, & i clogged the toilet, water is everywhere. What should I do?

by MontpikeMike on Jul 21, 2009 12:03 AM PDT reply actions

Griffith sucks?

Do you have any evidence other than him being the blocker for for top 10 rushing offense over the past years?

by Built2Spill on Jul 21, 2009 4:03 AM PDT up reply actions

I meant that I dont want Schmitt to be handed the job because Griffith sucks in camp.

Guyz, I need ur help. Im txting from my iphone. I'm at a girls house i like, & i had 2 go 2 the bthroom. It was #2, & i clogged the toilet, water is everywhere. What should I do?

by MontpikeMike on Jul 21, 2009 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I like the Kevin Hobbs call.

Last summer his named popped up regularly for making plays on the ball. So far through mini camp this year, it’s been more of the same.

I'm gonna go calm submissive on your ass.

by Dukeshire on Jul 21, 2009 6:12 AM PDT reply actions

Josh Wilson and Brandon Coutu

And would like to see Moore putting up Forsett-like preseason..

by FinnHawk on Jul 21, 2009 6:48 AM PDT reply actions

The Coaching Staff

I am looking forward to having a new feel this season, Greg Knapp, and Gus Bradley should have a little more flavor for the 12th man this year.

I know preseason isn’t the time to pull out all stops in the playbook, but we should catch a glimpse.

"Superhero like even"

by censor1979 on Jul 21, 2009 8:28 AM PDT reply actions

Several players

I think we will all be pleased with several young players. I would like to see Devon Moore, Buller and Teel have a great preseason. Other players I think will impress are Bryant, Unger, Jackson and Melbane.

by seer#1 on Jul 21, 2009 10:46 AM PDT reply actions

I think a man-sized Colin Cole will break heads

and a suddenly second or third string Lawrence Jackson will clobber jobbers.

by John Morgan on Jul 21, 2009 12:12 PM PDT reply actions

and by the regular season go back to men sized

by jacobstevens on Jul 21, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I disagree, Jackson has not even shown he can snocker hawkers let alone clobber jobbers

by Nate Dogg on Jul 21, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I hope Cole can unleash the beast

by Hawkhammer19 on Jul 21, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Defense! defense! defense!

I think Curry is going to blow people away, everyone said he can’t pass rush – that is what he will do. I meet Red Bryant on a flight to DFW, I haven’t been that close to an NFL player before, and that guy is huge! It is scary how big he is, and he is really nice. I’d love to see him become a star, he has that blue collar thing going for him, the next Mack Strong community leader type player.

by Generzal Zod on Jul 21, 2009 12:36 PM PDT reply actions

At least you didn't confuse him for Ruben Studdard.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 21, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions

There's rarely much pass rush

Or blitzes in the preseason (at least under Holmgren’s tenure). I doubt Curry will do much – they’ll save his surprises for the regular season.

by Groundhog on Jul 21, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

most teams do a lot of blitzing, though

Nothing exotic, just to get timing down. Plus it’s fun because the non-gameplanning offenses are easier to feast on.

by jacobstevens on Jul 21, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Also I'm partial to the Ducks who are now Hawks

Unger is going to be amazing – I’d hope Nick Reed makes it – and Jordan Kent isn’t bad for a guy who didn’t exclusively focus on football until he was in his 20’s – maybe he can make it as a special teams guy.

by Generzal Zod on Jul 21, 2009 12:38 PM PDT reply actions

Moore - undrafted gem

Devin Moore is the only RB we have that can really turn and burn. If he gets some holes from the O-line, which he probably will during the preseason, he’s going to light it up.

by supershane on Jul 21, 2009 2:22 PM PDT reply actions

I've been trying to tell you all...

Forsett should be looking over his shoulder sooner than later. Moore is our new Darren Sproles-type back. Home run hitter. Forsett gets caught – even on long runs. Moore will find paydirt after leaving would-be tacklers in the dust.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Jul 21, 2009 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm banking on the powerful but less-skilled members of the Hawks imposing their will in the preseason.

Wrotto, Red, and Willis.

by abender20 on Jul 21, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions

That would be great to see.

I’m intrigued and excited because of the power those guys can bring, esp. Willis, who I hope wins a starting job at RG and moves to RT upon Jones’ departure. I like maulers.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Jul 21, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Courtney Greene/Jamar Adams

Wishful thinking. Get Russell out of here.

by SPENCEMAN on Jul 21, 2009 10:02 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

This is more hope than anything,

but if Lawrence Jackson and Red Bryant come up big in the preseason, I think it may mean a lot for our defense. I think they will and I hope they do.

I’m also on the Devin Moore gravy train since he will be facing 3rd stringers and he’ll do what Forsett did last year and make slower guys look silly trying to get him.

Also, one of Unger, Sims, or Willis will look great, probably one of the first two. I still think Sims can be great, he just has to stay 100% healthy.

by LantermanC on Jul 22, 2009 8:50 AM PDT reply actions

Michael Bennett

“Who?” you ask.

6-4, 274 undrafted rookie DE out of Texas A&M. Brother to Cowboy TE Martellus Bennett. Scouting reports say he has all the potential to become a starter some day but consistency issues prevented him from being drafted. Bennett is easily ranked in the top 15 undrafted FAs from this class and almost always ahead of Devin Moore. We’ve all learned it takes DEs some time to adjust to the NFL but he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.

by Hawkhammer19 on Jul 22, 2009 10:57 AM PDT reply actions

Black Olympics gold medal winner

didn’t need to ask

by jacobstevens on Jul 22, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Hobbs, Butler, Moore

Butler and Moore – because of their speed, I assume they will get reps due to being candidates for KR/PR, and Burleson & Wilson have jobs already :)

Like others mentioned, Hobbs has consistently been around the ball in camp and OTAs, and seemed around the ball last preseason, and just missed on a few picks.

I think Curry is a fair pick – the Hawks will want to protect him like a starter, so he will likely have much fewer minutes to impress enough to “rule the preseason”. Still, they’ll probably give him more reps to make sure he’s adjusted to NFL game speed, and to make sure he gets most of the defensive adjustments and responsibilities. Also, it will give him a chance to show them whether he’ll be good at blitzing, screen recognition, whatever, so they can get some NFL grades, eliminate any bad habits, etc. before the actual season starts.

by PerryCollective on Jul 22, 2009 10:00 PM PDT reply actions