The acquisition of Percy Harvin from the Minnesota Vikings has left the Seahawks without a first round draft pick for the first time since 2007 (Seattle sent their first round pick to New England in exchange for Deion Branch). The good news for Seattle is there aren’t many areas the team still needs to address. Most starting positions are spoken for and some minor depth issues are the only thing left for the Seahawks to clean up.
Linebacker: While Seattle has two linebacker spots solidified with K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner, they still have some uncertainty at the weakside linebacker position. Leroy Hill started 12 games for Seattle last season and isn’t expected back with the team. Malcolm Smith was an adequate fill-in but has battled injuries during his first two seasons in the league. The addition of a strong run defending cornerback in Antoine Winfield could lead Seattle to play more nickel and take a third linebacker off the field more frequently. However, they could still use added depth at the position.
Guard: Seattle needs to see improved play at the guard position from the way they performed last season. A healthy James Carpenter could help solve many of their issues at the position but Seattle would be wise to add to the competition among Carpenter, Paul McQuistan, John Moffitt and J.R. Sweezy at the two guard spots.
Tackle: Russell Okung was a Pro Bowl selection and isn’t a worry for the team at left tackle. Breno Giacomini is a solid option at right tackle but he was also the second most penalized player in the league last season. With Frank Omiyale still unsigned, Seattle needs to find a backup tackle option that can play both sides and push Giacomini for his starting job.
Defensive Tackle: The additions of Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett have solidified the end position for the Seahawks, but Seattle could still use help on the interior defensive line. The signing of Tony McDaniel from Miami gives Seattle a replacement for Alan Branch on run downs with Bennett likely to slide inside for passing situations. Brandon Mebane has been a very good player for Seattle as well but a strong draft class of tackles could lead Seattle to add to the position even more.
Tight End: Zach Miller is a very solid starter and will actually be the highest paid tight end in the league this season. Anthony McCoy has been a serviceable second option but has been inconsistent and struggled with drops at times. The Seahawks could use another tight end to challenge McCoy for playing time behind Miller.
Punt Returner: Adding Percy Harvin to the roster signaled the end to Leon Washington’s time with Seattle as Harvin is a dangerous kickoff returner in his own right. However, he doesn’t return punts. The Seahawks need to find a replacement for Washington in the punt return game. Golden Tate and Will Blackmon are potential options already on the roster but Seattle could look for more of a specialist in the draft as well.