Seattle Seahawks: Early 55-man roster predictions after the 2020 draft

Linebackers (6): Cody Barton, Jordyn Brooks, Ben Burr-Kirven, Shaquem Griffin, Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright

After not re-signing strongside linebacker Mychal Kendricks in free agency, the Seahawks find themselves in an interesting situation. The team eventually plans to put a lineup featuring Barton, Brooks, and Wagner on the field. However, Wright still has one more year left on his current contract, and the veteran doesn’t plan on losing his starting job yet.

If Wright wins a starting spot on Seattle’s defense, which he should, the veteran could find himself shifted to strongside linebacker. In Seattle’s defensive scheme, the strongside linebacker plays about 70 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. However, the weakside linebacker, which is where Wright usually lines up, plays over 90 percent of the defensive snaps.

With an eye toward the future, the Seahawks could de-emphasize Wright in their defense this season. Either Barton or Brooks would assume the larger role at weakside linebacker. Barton already gained some starting experience this past season when Kendricks went down with a season-ending injury.

While Seattle’s coaches love Barton, Brooks possesses a first-round pedigree. He could edge out Barton for the team’s open linebacker spot.

Burr-Kirven and Griffin both played large roles on special teams this past season. The two former fifth-round picks should retain their jobs. Also, with Shaquill Griffin entering the final year of his rookie deal, it wouldn’t benefit the Seahawks to cut his twin brother. That might motivate the Pro Bowl cornerback to sign a new contract elsewhere in 2021.