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

Safeties (4): Marquise Blair, Quandre Diggs, Delano Hill, Bradley McDougald

Amidst issues with Blair and Tedric Thompson, the Seahawks traded for Diggs this past season. Seattle sent a fifth-round pick to Detroit in exchange for the safety and a seventh-rounder. In the five regular-season games Diggs played in Seattle, he produced three interceptions, three passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown.

Diggs should start next season. He put up great numbers during his short stint with the team, and he’s still under contract for two more seasons. The Seahawks want Blair to take over as a starter eventually, but the Utah product could target McDougald’s spot instead.

McDougald played a large role in giving Seattle’s secondary an identity following the loss of Earl Thomas to a season-ending injury two years ago. However, the Seahawks could cast off his leadership shortly in favor of giving Blair starting time. McDougald is in the final year of a three-year contract. If the Seahawks cut McDougald, the team would incur a $1,333,334 cap hit but could save around $4 million.

Whether it’s this year or in 2021, the Seahawks will give Blair a starting job. Seattle drafted Blair with a second-round pick last season. He did see some starting time as a rookie, but Diggs’ arrival shifted Blair back to the bench.

Hill is in the final year of a four-year deal. He played 28 percent of Seattle’s defensive snaps and 36 percent of the special teams snaps last season.