After a disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round, the Seahawks exit 2018 and enter the 2019 season with various offseason needs.
Safety has emerged as one of the most important positions of need after Kam Chancellor’s retirement and the high likelihood of Earl Thomas leaving in free agency.
Cornerback is another position they must fill by potentially adding an experienced player to start alongside Shaquill Griffin.
Finally, Seattle is weak at the offensive guard position and should bring in a worthwhile starter to enhance their interior offensive line. The Seahawks must use this offseason to bring their team back to a Super Bowl-caliber level and are able to do so with a large amount of available cap space and their four draft picks this year.
Safety
Free Agency Target: Adrian Amos
In the past four seasons, Amos improved significantly with the Chicago Bears. However, if Chicago chooses not to re-sign him, Amos should be on the Seahawks’ radar. With Earl Thomas likely departing to another team in free agency, Amos could be the perfect fit to replace him.
Draft Target: Nasir Adderley (Delaware)
Adderley was a productive safety with the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and could be picked in the late first-round. Without a trade, Seattle’s only shot to get him would be with the 21st overall pick, as he would surely be selected before their next pick, in the third round. He had nine interceptions over his past two college seasons, and is an impressive tackler with the ability to continue improving.
Cornerback
Free Agency Target: Pierre Desir
Desir, 28, was the most experienced cornerback in the young Colts cornerback corps. He used that opportunity and earned himself a starting role. If Seattle could bring him in at a low price, he may be the right free agent option to improve the defense.
Draft Target: Amani Oruwariye (Penn State)
Oruwariye impressed scouts enough to rise up draft boards and become a potential second- or third-round option. The Seahawks do not have a second-round pick this year, but a trade into the second-round may get them a chance at Oruwariye or even a higher-ranked cornerback. However, if he is in fact still available when Seattle’s third-round pick rolls around, he is a solid choice for their defense.
Offensive Guard
Free Agency Target: Rodger Saffold
Saffold made it to the Super Bowl as the starting left guard for the Los Angeles Rams, and the 31-year-old veteran played at a level in which he can seek a big contract in free agency. Seattle’s offensive line could use a talented player like Saffold to protect Russell Wilson.
Draft Target: Michael Deiter (Wisconsin)
Deiter’s skillset makes him fit best at guard, and his run-blocking abilities could help allow young running back Rashaad Penny to improve. He is projected to be selected on the second day of the draft.
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