Seahawks 53-Man Roster Prediction: Take 1

TIGHT END

Contenders: Brandon Cottom, Jimmy Graham, Cooper Helfet, Ronnie Shields, Nick Vannett, Brandon Williams, Luke Willson

Winners: Willson, Vannett, Cottom

Practice Squad: Shields

The Skinny:   I know, I know. Jimmy Graham was not forgotten. I just feel that Graham’s ruptured patella tendon from late November will not be 100% healed in early September. He is a prime candidate for the PUP list in which the player is shelved for the first 6 weeks of the regular season, allowing the team more time to make a decision on his availability for the second half of the year.

Vannett becomes an important player immediately, serving as the best in-line blocker of the bunch (which isn’t saying much, as none of the others possess that trait). Not having Graham early on allows another contestant to make the roster, and I give the nod to Cottom, who is working at tight end now but can also play fullback. Again, position versatility is a big asset to this coaching staff, as well as special teams contributions.

Shields makes the PS over Helfet because Helfet isn’t good at football and the team will want a body ready to go if another tight end gets hurt while Graham is already on the shelf.

Next: About That Offensive Line...