Quarterback

The Seahawks’ defense was a real strength in 2011, but the offense was the problem and the reason why this was just a 7-9 team. They’ll be better in 2012 offensively with presumably better health. Guys like Sidney Rice, Russell Okung, and Robert Gallery missed significant time with injury this season. However, I really think the quarterback position is holding up this team. Can they go 10-6 next year? With some luck, yes. However, I don’t think Tarvaris Jackson is the long term answer and the guy to lead them into the playoffs. They may reach for a quarterback like Ryan Tannehill or Brock Osweiler at 11 or trade down for them. If not, expect them to take a developmental quarterback after the first round. At the very least, he’d be a better backup than Charlie Whitehurst.

Defensive End

At the left end/5-technique position, Red Bryant is a free agent. He’ll be one of their offseason priorities and he has expressed interest in returning, so I do expect him to be back. Raheem Brock is also a free agent. The situational pass rusher had a down season in 2011 after getting arrested in the offseason. A 34 year old free agent, he probably won’t be back in the same role. At right end, Chris Clemons had another great season, but he’ll be a 31 year old free agent next offseason. Defensive end will be a much priority for them this offseason as they try to improve upon the 33 sacks they had in 2011. If they don’t go for a quarterback in the first round, they’ll take someone like Quinton Coples, Whitney Mercilus, Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw at 11.

Cornerback

Richard Sherman had a fantastic rookie season after being a mere 5^th round pick last April. Former CFL player Brandon Browner had a mixed back of a season. He was awful in their loss to Pittsburgh and committed 15 penalties, 2^nd most among all cornerbacks behind only Stanford Routt, but also had some dominant moments. His 15 pass deflections were 3^rd behind just Darrelle Revis and Joe Haden. Besides, they don’t have much depth behind those two. Neither Walter Thurmond nor Marcus Trufant can stay healthy, while the latter is a free agent and likely won’t be brought back.

 

Guard

Both Robert Gallery and John Moffitt couldn’t stay healthy last season. Neither played particularly well either. The former will be 32 this offseason so he could be in the declining stage of his career while the latter was just a 3^rd round pick last April. They could use another guard in the mix.

Running Back

Marshawn Lynch’s beast mode ability carried over from their playoff win against New Orleans to last season as he had career highs in yards and touchdowns. Just in time for him to hit free agency. It always worries me when someone has their best season right before they hit free agency, particularly if it’s an underachieving former first round pick who has had off the field issues before like Lynch. However, for the right price, he’s definitely worth resigning. If for whatever reason they don’t resign him, they’ll need to find a replacement because their depth behind him is pretty poor. If he’s not resigned, Trent Richardson makes too much sense at 11. Even if he is resigned, they could bring in another back for depth purposes because neither Leon Washington nor Justin Forsett could carry the load should Lynch get hurt.

Outside Linebacker

Leroy Hill has had a past full of problems, ranging from injuries to off the field problems to suspensions, but he put together a good season last year. He’s a free agent this offseason so the Seahawks will have to decide what his long term future is with the team.

Middle Linebacker

David Hawthorne does not have Hill’s checkered past and he is one of the best middle linebackers in the league. The Seahawks have said he’s not a priority to resign (they also have to resign Lynch, Hill, and Bryant), but he really should be. They can’t let him go and they don’t really have an internal replacement so if he isn’t resigned, they’ll need to find an external solution.

Offensive Tackle

Both Russell Okung and James Carpenter also had injury problems in 2011 (only center Max Unger stayed healthy the whole season). Okung hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his brief 2 year career thus far. They could use a better swing tackle. Their offensive line really struggled this year after being hit with injuries, allowing 50 sacks.