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The Poor Man's Roster Analysis

Submitted for your approval or otherwise, a Roster Analysis compiled in light of two preseason games and the latest moves/injuries. I claim no inside access or expertise so take it for what you will. Hat-tip and humble gratitude to Tacoma News Tribune beat writer Eric Williams, who continues Sando's tradition, and from whom the numbers and template I have lifted nearly whole cloth.

Quarterback
Last season: 3
Currently on roster: 4
Average number kept since 2002: 3
Locks: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace
Solid: Mike Teel
Camp fodder: Jeff Rowe

Seneca = Wildcat. Teel rhymes with Steal.

Running back
Number kept last season: 6
Currently on roster: 8
Average number kept since 2002: 5.5
Locks: Julius Jones, Edgerrin James, Justin Forsett, Owen Schmitt, Justin Griffith
Long odds: David Kirtman, Devin Moore
Camp fodder: Dan Curran

Weird fact: Edgerrin James is a Seahawk. Replacing Duckett with Edge is a low-risk, medium-upside shakeup to an RB corps that clearly needed it. I assume they go 3 RB and 2 FB with other loaded positions (WR, DL) vying for roster space.

Wide receiver
Number kept last season: 6
Currently on roster: 10
Average number kept since 2002: 6
Locks: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Deon Butler
Solid: Ben Obomanu
On the bubble: Courtney Taylor, Jordan Kent, Mike Hass
Camp fodder: Logan Payne, Michael Bumpus.

I like Hass, based mostly on his nice route and catch for a TD against the Chargers. He could fill that hard-workin' scrappy WR role a la Wes Welker. Plus "Hasselbeck complete to Hass" has a certain lyrical symmetry. Hass does have practice squad eligibility and my guess is Taylor gets the sixth spot. Jordan Kent, we hardly saw thee do a damn thing.

Tight end
Number kept last season: 3
Currently on roster: 5
Average number kept since 2002: 3
Locks: John Carlson, John Owens
On the bubble: Joe Newton, Cameron Morrah
Camp fodder: John Tereshinski

Newton has impressed; late-rounder Morrah would be headed for the practice squad.

Offensive line
Number kept last season: 9
Currently on roster: 14
Average number kept since 2002: 9
Locks: Walter Jones, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Ray Willis, Rob Sims, Max Unger, Mansfield Wrotto, Steve Vallos.
On the bubble: Kyle Williams, Na’Shan Goddard
Camp fodder: William Robinson, Andre Ramsey, Cory Withrow, Grey Ruegamer Brian De La Puente

Ugh. At best, Big Walt returns just in time for the opener and Spencer comes back in Week 3. Maybe they add somebody (Levi Jones?) plus Williams/Goddard and keep 10. Maybe not, since most of these guys back up multiple line positions. Max Unger, please save us.

Defensive line
Number kept last season: 9
Currently on roster: 13
Average number kept since 2002: 9
Locks: Darryl Tapp, Brandon Mebane, Patrick Kerney, Lawrence Jackson, Red Bryant, Colin Cole, Cory Redding, Craig Terrill, Nick Reed.
On the bubble: Baraka Atkins, Michael Bennett
Camp fodder: Kevin Brown, Derek Walker

Kerney is a huge ? and LoJack is invisible, but Nick Reed is fucking awesome and Michael Bennett may be this year's undrafted steal. Maybe the "extra" spot saved by keeping 5 RB and/or 4 CB leads to keeping 10 from this deep group, with Reed and Atkins making the 53 and Bennett on the PS. Or better yet, Bennett on the roster and the Atkins Diet on waivers. Dare to dream.

Linebackers
Number kept last season: 6
Currently on roster: 9
Average number kept since 2002: 6.6
Locks: Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Aaron Curry, D.D. Lewis, David Hawthorne
On the bubble: Will Herring, Lance Laury
Camp fodder: Dave Philistin, Shane Simmons

Mr. Williams had Hawthorne "in the hunt" but Heater is a lock. Herring and Laury will have to play it out unless they keep seven, Herring maybe with a slight edge.

Cornerbacks
Number kept last season: 4
Currently on roster: 7
Average number kept since 2002: 4.5
Locks: Marcus Trufant, Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson, Kelly Jennings
Whatever: Kevin Hobbs, Travis Fisher, Marquis Floyd

I have no way of knowing who of Hobbs/Fisher/Floyd is in the lead for a hypothetical fifth CB spot. I can only offer the occasional animal sacrifice to the football gods for the health of Tru's disc. What offerings have you made for the health of Tru's disc?

Safeties
Number kept last season: 4
Currently on roster: 6
Average number kept since 2002: 4
Locks: Deon Grant, Brian Russell, Jordan Babineaux
On the bubble: C.J. Wallace, Jamar Adams, Courtney Greene

C.J. Wallace is closing down a roster spot, Adams and Greene are PS-eligible. Wallace brings the lumber, I'll give him that, but his punt-coverage forced fumble on Kenny McKinley should have been a personal foul. He speared the returner in the facemask with the crown of his helmet. In other news: prepare to be driven batshit crazy yet again by Brian Russell's assignment-correct pile of suck.

Specialists
Specialists kept last season: 4
Currently on roster: 4
Average number kept since 2002: 3
Locks: Jon Ryan, Kevin Houser
On the bubble: Brandon Coutu, Olindo Mare

Mare has a sore knee, while Coutu keeps drilling every kick. You have to think he now has the edge and just hope the ol' boy can be learned on touchback distance. Mare healthy is the better short-term option but they didn't carry the kid last year for no reason.

All corrections, critique and scorn are welcomed. Go Hawks.

Update: Grey Ruegamer waived, OL Brian De La Puente signed.