NFL training camps are just around the corner, and as teams take stock of their rosters for the 2023 season, we are also making some evaluations of what they have. This is stock up and stock down for the Seattle Seahawks.
Stock Up
Kenneth Walker III, running back. Walker was one of the breakout stars for Seattle in 2022, bursting onto the scene with over 1,200 yards from scrimmage (including over 1,000 rushing) while starting only 11 games. He proved he can be a workhorse back while also averaging 4.6 yards per carry and scoring nine touchdowns for a Seahawks team that stunned the NFL with a playoff berth.
He did not become the focal point of Seattle’s ground game until but still recorded at least 88 yards rushing in seven of his final 12 games. With an opportunity to start from the beginning of the year, he could be in line for an even bigger breakout year this season.
Geno Smith, quarterback. Smith might end up being a modern-day Rich Gannon, who found stardom in his 30s after bouncing around the league as a journeyman backup for the first part of his career. Smith has completely turned around his career in Seattle, throwing 35 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions in his three years with the team. He has also completed more than 68 percent of his passes.
In his one full year as a starter, he helped lead the Seahawks to the playoffs and not only proved to be a capable replacement for long-time starter Russell Wilson, he significantly outplayed him during the 2022 season. With first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba joining a wide receiver group that already includes D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, he will have no shortage of talent around him.
Stock Down
Will Dissly, tight end. Dissly is a fine option as a second tight end, but the Seahawks could probably do better. He caught 34 passes on 38 targets a year ago, but he figures to be the odd man out in Seattle’s passing game this season — especially after the drafting of Smith-Njigba.
He now has Metcalf, Lockett, Smith-Njigba, Noah Fant, Walker and second-round running back Zach Charbonnet ahead of him as options in the offense.
Devin Bush, middle linebacker. The Seahawks badly needed to address inside linebacker this offseason. The signing of Bush was one of their moves to try and accomplish that, but he might not have the impact they expected.
Bush, the 10th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was a massive disappointment with the Steelers and never quite the same after tearing his ACL halfway through the 2020 season. He struggles against the run and repeatedly lost his starting job with the Steelers to Robert Spillane and Mark Robinson. Maybe a fresh start in a new system will help. It is far from a given.
