Seattle Seahawks: 5 Players who need to improve in 2019 season

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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 10: Tedric Thompson #33 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a turnover on downs after a stop on fourth down in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field on December 10, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Tedric Thompson, S

I’ve already gone on record saying I think rookie Marquise Blair will take this job from Tedric Thompson before the 2019 season ends. Blair, a second-round pick, has better size than Thompson and made more of an impact in his college film than Thompson has made in his two seasons with the Seahawks. Now, Thompson only became a starter this past season, but his job is in major jeopardy.

The Seahawks not only added Blair in the draft, but they also took versatile defensive back Ugo Amadi and have had him take some snaps at safety as well. Bradley McDougald, who was PFF’s 22nd best safety in 2018, had a solid year and emerged as a leader in the secondary. He’s not the guy in danger of being replaced — that would be Thompson, who finished 52nd among safeties according to PFF.

Aside from needing to maintain his job, Thompson could really help the Seahawks by taking a step forward. He only recorded one interception and just three passes defensed last season. Considering how low the Seahawks interception numbers are already, tied for 18th fewest in 2018 with only 12, Thompson needs to produce more as a free safety.

It’s also worth noting that Thompson is entering his third season and was a fourth-round pick, meaning he’s not making a lot of money. Financially, this year will be a big factor in determining what he’ll be paid two seasons down the road.

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