Seattle Seahawks 53-Man Roster Reactions
After watching one of the greatest rebuilding processes in the history of professional sports take place here in Seattle under Pete Carroll and John Schneider, they get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to personnel decisions. But my job is to analyze, so here it goes.
Hawks Trade for Marcus Burley: PC/JS prefer larger corners on the outside, so the 5’10” Burley will most likely provide depth in the slot behind Jeremy Lane. Burley ran a blazing 4.35 at his pro day and spent last season jumping around practice squads for Jacksonville and Philadelphia. Reports are that he played well in the preseason and could have been the nickel corner for the Colts. As much as Carroll and Schneider value late-round picks, they weren’t impressed enough with Phillip Adams for the second consecutive year to keep him on the 53-man roster. Therefore, making the trade for Burley made sense.
Surprise Cuts:
B.J. Daniels/Terrelle Pryor: After a lack of improvement in accuracy from the pocket, and only one spot maximum for a developmental QB on the roster, it didn’t come as too big of a surprise when reports of Terrelle Pryor being released came out Thursday night. But after a solid preseason passing the ball, as well as showing he has at least similar athleticism to Pryor, it seemed B.J. Daniels would be on the roster with Pryor being cut. But PC/JS decided to save a roster spot for a player with the ability to contribute now rather than keeping a player unlikely to play in his Seattle career. More than sound logic. Hopefully, Daniels will clear waivers and join the practice squad.
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Eric Winston: The NFLPA President was signed to provide some competition for rookie second-round pick Justin Britt at right tackle. But PC/JS decided that Britt was the present, as well as the future. Britt didn’t exactly go out and take the job like we saw Russell Wilson do a few years ago, as he gave up eight QB hurries, which is not a good total. Britt is a work in progress, but he’s exactly the kind of strong, physical lineman that Tom Cable loves to work with, usually with success.
Benson Mayowa: After a fantastic rookie camp and preseason, and the Seahawks carrying him on the 53-man roster all last year, it appeared as though PC/JS had plans for him long term. But with so many talented end rushers on the roster who can contribute now, he was too much of a project. And with rookie Cassius Marsh having a good preseason, he became expendable. Look for Mayowa to be snatched up by another team.
Bryan Walters: If his play over the course of camp and the preseason were the determining factor in deciding if he made the team or not, I have no doubt Walters would be on the roster. He came into this preseason looking more explosive than we’ve seen him, and he looked smooth in his route-running and catching as well as after the catch. Unfortunately for Walters, the Seahawks are loaded with guys who can play the slot. PC/JS just decided that Phil Bates‘ size could be of more use on the 53-man roster.
Spencer Ware: Another second year player who was kept on the roster all last year, but this decision was made simpler by Derrick Coleman simply out-playing him.
Other surprises: Kevin Pierre-Louis survived the cut, presumably due to special teams play and Gary Gilliam was a cheaper alternate to Winston.
What do you guys think? Who was the biggest surprise left off the Seahawks 53 man roster?