In case you missed the write-up on the defense, be sure to check it out here. It is time to see where Percy Harvin and the offense are after a week of free agency.



OL Paul McQuistan

FB Michael Robinson

WR Sidney Rice



I used a I used a ProFootballFocus.com blog post from 2013 about personnel groupings to find the offensive packages the Seahawks use most. The top two are represented in this post, and should account for nearly all the personnel the Seahawks could use in any formation. The only difference might be who the fourth receiver is or who the third tight end is, but the names are largely the same.

Creating a depth chart for the offense is tough right now, especially at the receiver and offensive line groups. Seattle has a formidable starting eleven, even if they make no more additions. A player like Harvin has not been used enough to know all the ways the team will line him up. Players like Michael Bowie and Alvin Bailey are so ultra-versatile and came on so fast last year, that either of them could start at three different positions on the line if the coaches wanted to go that direction. Greg Van Roten was signed from the Packers, and could be the new Paul McQuistan, or could be on the wrong side of cuts in training camp. One thing that is very clear is that the versatility on the offensive line has been among the most brilliant coaching maneuvers thus far.

Having nearly ever player cross-trained at multiple line positions creates extra depth and buffers the impact of injury. The line, though, never found the five best players last year; a remarkable fact given the results. We do not know yet what the team has in Caylin Hauptmann. They carried him on the 53-man roster almost all year, so they think highly of him. He is young, and looks athletic. Maybe he is the tackle depth the team needs. Maybe he’s off the team before the regular season. The team usually carries 10 offensive lineman, and currently has 10 on the roster. Smith was a practice squad guy, so make it nine. James Carpenter is in his final season, could even be a cap casualty if the team decides the money is spent better elsewhere. Either way, they will add to the line via the draft. They might even take two lineman. If they find a very cheap veteran who they like, they may grab someone there.

I expect Michael Bowie or Alvin Bailey to start at right tackle, likely Bowie, but it will be an open competition. It would make sense to add another promising young tackle in the draft to fortify that spot.

The receiver situation is a little more straight-forward. Baldwin, Kearse and Harvin are worthy of major roles in the offense. It is logical to expect Kearse to get Golden Tate’s old job at split end. He is bigger than Tate, high-points the ball like Tate, and is a better separation receiver. Still, I put a “gap” at the starting split end spot because I believe it will be an open competition between Kearse, a draft pick, and possibly a veteran free agent. May the best man win. And if that man is better than Kearse, and you add Harvin, the Seahawks receiving corps will be significantly better than it was last year.