I'm on vacation until March 4, but while I'm out, here is a position-by-position list on where the Seattle Seahawks stand at each spot and what they may need heading into 2015.
Today it's the defensive line:
Defensive tackles -- This is the oldest position on the team with Tony McDaniel (30), Kevin Williams (34 and a free agent) and Brandon Mebane (30 and returning from a torn hamstring). Mebane is in the final year of a deal that will pay him $5.5 million in 2015 and count $5.7 million against the salary cap. He is the only true nose tackle on the team. Jordan Hill had a breakout season in 2014 with 5.5 sacks in the final six regular-season games before injuring a knee. The Seahawks still have hopes for 2013 rookie Jesse Williams, who has yet to play a down in a NFL game because of knee problems. Landon Cohen was a late-season pickup who played well in short-yardage situation, but he's a free agent.
Defensive ends -- The two starters are locked up and long-term deals. Michael Bennett is starting the second year of a four-year contract and Cliff Avril signed a new four-year deal a couple of months ago, which will pay him $7.5 million in 2015. Bennett is a much better player than the sack numbers might suggest. In fact, he may have been the defensive MVP for the Seahawks last season, playing every game at an exceptionally high level. He's relentless and never takes a play off, and he's a good as any player in the league at playing as a rush end or a penetrating tackle. The starters are solid, but depth here is an issue. Cassius Marsh, the 2014 rookie out of UCLA, broke his foot before the team learned if he can be the pass rush specialist they want him to be. O'Brien Schofield is listed as a DE, but he's more of a hybrid rush linebacker. He's also a free agent who will get some offers. Demarcus Dobbs and David King were free agents picked up during the season to add depth.
Draft -- The defensive tackle spot is an obvious area of need for the Seahawks whether it comes from free agency or the draft. It's an aging group that needs younger talent. Many fans would love to see the Seahawks sign Ndamukong Suh, but his price tag seems way too high. As for defensive end, you never can have too many pass-rushers and the Seahawks could use another one.
































