Seattle Seahawks: Early 55-man roster predictions after the 2020 draft
By Samuel Teets
Defensive Linemen (10): Demarcus Christmas, L.J. Collier, Poona Ford, Rasheem Green, Bruce Irvin, Benson Mayowa, Jarran Reed, Alton Robinson, Darrell Taylor, and a veteran defensive tackle
Seattle’s defensive line remains one of the most highly criticized units on the team. Rumors continue flying that link the team to players like Jadeveon Clowney and Everson Griffen. According to reports, the Seahawks remain in contact with Griffen and Clowney recently told Fox’s Mark Berman that he hasn’t ruled out returning to Seattle.
However, Clowney’s window to return to Seattle may be closing. Reed recently reclaimed No. 90, the same number Clowney wore with the team this past season. If all cards are on the table, Seattle could trade for Jacksonville’s Yannick Ngakoue, but that seems unlikely considering the Seahawks made the same move to acquire Clowney last year.
Irvin and Reed stand alone as Seattle’s only two established pass rushers along the defensive line. However, even Reed struggled to reach the quarterback this past season. Ford is also a shoo-in starter considering the positive impact he’s made against the run. Christmas should sit as the team’s third defensive tackle, although Seattle has a habit of signing veteran interior linemen before the season.
The other defensive ends, including rookies Robinson and Taylor, should battle for snaps. Green and Collier have inside tracks since Collier was a first-round pick in 2019, and Green led the team in sacks this past season.
In this projection, the Seahawks part ways with Branden Jackson and Bryan Mone. Jackson spent the last three seasons working into Seattle’s lineup as a rotational defensive end. However, he did earn three starts and 15 appearances in 2019. Jackson signed a one-year deal worth just over $2.1 million with Seattle in March. Mone appeared in four games for Seattle this past season.