Seahawks 53-Man Roster Prediction: Take 1

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Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) rushes over Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks won 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

RUNNING BACK

Contenders: Zac Brooks, Alex Collins, Christine Michael, CJ Prosise, Thomas Rawls

Winners: Rawls, Michael, Prosise, Collins

The Skinny: There is still too much doubt and uncertainty regarding the condition of Rawls’ ankle for my liking, but it would be surprising if he wasn’t ready to roll by week 1 of the season, if not sooner. The expectation is for Rawls to lead the team in carries but get plenty of help in order to keep the whole troop fresh throughout the year.

Initially I thought Michael and Collins might be battling for 1 spot, but because the team wants no part of having street free agents like DuJuan Harris getting regular season carries again this year, there is room for both players this season, ensuring the team has three capable options to handle first and second down running back duties.

Prosise is clearly being groomed for the specialty role of 3^rd down back and special teams contributor- something he excelled with at Notre Dame. This leaves Zac Brooks on the outside looking in. He is a practice squad candidate, but I am leaving him off that list in favor of some other players.

FULLBACK

Contenders: Brandin Bryant, Tre Madden, Taniela Tupou

Winner: Tupou

The Skinny: Tough call here. You have defensive tackles-turned-fullback options in Bryant and Tupou, then there’s a guy more used to carrying the ball than blocking in Madden.

Sep 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Taniela Tupou (90) celebrates the Huskies 31-17 win over the Utah State Aggies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

The official team roster changed Brandon Cottom’s position from fullback to tight end, so he is apparently not an option. Too bad- I probably would have selected him to win this job. Maybe he still will.

The choice of Tupou is the culmination of typical Seattle undrafted player-who-refuses-to-give-up and Pete Carroll’s affinity for tough players with position versatility like Will Tukuafu offered the last couple seasons. Tupou is willing to learn how to block on offense and willing to chase down and hit someone on special teams. All of that, combined with a league minimum salary, makes him the latest example of a tryout player making the team and actually contributing to its success. Grit is rewarded in Seattle and Tupou has it.

Next: Which Receivers will Break Out?

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