Episode 10 – Roster Battles: Offensive Skill Positions

News: Jarran Reed arrests on domestic assault charges

Signings and Cuts: The Seahawks announced the signing of defensive end David Bass on Tuesday and released eight players, including veteran cornerback Perrish Cox.

The others are tight end Chris Briggs, center Ross Burbank, defensive tackle Rodney Coe, running backs George Farmer and Terrence Magee, receiver Jamel Johnson and kicker John Lunsford.

Featured Segment – Roster Battles: Offensive skill positions

Quarterback

  • Russell Wilson
  • Travone Boykin
  • Jake Heaps
  • Skyler Howard:

Running Back

  • Eddie Lacy 
  • Thomas Rawls: We know what he can do when healthy
  • CJ Procise: Flashed last year….but that’s it so far. Can he stay healthy?
  • Alex Collins: Drafted last year, took most of year to show promise.
  • Troymaine Pope: Pre-season darling. Can he stick to the 53 man roster?
  • Mike Davis: Claimed off Waivers this week from SF 24 years old, 4th round draft choice in 2015
  • Chris Carson: 2017 7th round pick. Runs like a truck…likes to hit people
  • Tre Madden: Injuries have always been the problem. 6’0” 223lbs. Bad knees
  • JD McKissic: Cut by Atlanta’s practice squad as a WR in Dec. 2016 and signed by Seattle to play Running back. Had two carries. Had 8 Receptions for 50 yards in Atlanta’s preseason in 2016. Fan favorite…..not happy to see him go. 5’11” 194lbs

Mailbag: What was your favorite non-Seahawks draft pick this year?

Solomon Thomas: Defensive End, San Fransisco 49ers. Comp: Michael Bennett

Bottom line: Thomas was dominant this season as shown by his No. 1 run-defense grade (92.0) and No. 6 pass-rushing grade (86.9) among FBS interior defensive linemen. Thomas has been highly productive the last two seasons but has followed a natural skill development progression as he was first a solid run defender and then made an ever-increasing contribution as a pass-rusher.

Thomas’s pass-rushing productivity rating of 8.7 ranked No. 5 among Power-5 defensive tackles. Thomas has experience playing in the interior of the defensive line but only weighs 270 pounds so he isn’t exactly the ideal size to play inside in the NFL but his experience inside and his proven ability to hold up makes him an ideal candidate to play base defensive end and then a player who can shift inside to defensive tackle in sub-package situations. If nickel is the new base, then Thomas’ ability to stop the run plus rush the passer from inside or outside will make him a highly coveted player in the draft.