Team Award Predictions: Seattle Seahawks

One of the most consistent franchises in all of football, the Seattle Seahawks were once again one of the premier contenders in the NFC last season. Led by superstar quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks won 11 games in 2019, capturing the fifth seed in the playoffs. After falling to the San Fransico 49ers in week 17, failing to capture home field in the playoffs, the Seahawks ultimately lost to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round at Lambeau Field. Next season, Seattle looks to be among the elite teams in the league following the additions of Greg Olsen, Mike Iupati, and Brandon Shell in free agency.

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MVP: Russell Wilson

Widely regarded as one of the top three players in football, Wilson has been the epitome of consistency during his time in the NFL. Last season was another strong year for Wilson as he threw for over 4,100 yards and 31 touchdowns in an MVP caliber campaign. What makes this even more impressive is that the Seahawks recorded the second-highest amount of injuries last season at 218, with 129 of those coming on offense. However, thanks to the strong play of Wilson, Seattle made the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons. Looking ahead to next season, look for Wilson to again be in the conversation for MVP, following the development of young wide receiver D.K. Metcalf and the addition of Olsen at tight end.

Offensive Player: D.K. Metcalf

After sliding down into the second round of last year’s draft, Metcalf landed in the perfect situation in Seattle. Still needing time to develop as a route runner in the NFL, Metcalf thrives on being a deep ball receiver that can run past defensive backs with his 4.3 speed. Playing alongside one of the best deep-ball passers in the game in Wilson, he quickly developed chemistry, hauling in 58 passes for 900 yards and seven touchdowns. However, similar to many rookie wide receivers, he struggled to hang onto the football as he dropped seven passes and lost two fumbles last season. Heading into his second year in the league, look for Metcalf to become a premier young wide receiver and the go-to target for Wilson in Seattle.

Defensive Player: Bobby Wagner

A top-three defensive player in the league and the leader of the Seahawks defense, Wagner has already entered his name into the discussion of best linebackers ever. One of the most durable and consistent players the game has seen, Wagner was named first-team all-pro in five of his first eight seasons in the NFL, all while only missing nine games over that period. Last season, Wagner had one of the best years of his career at age 29, recording 159 tackles and an interception in 16 games. Paired with longtime fellow linebacker K.J. Wright, Wagner has kept the defense in Seattle potent as they transition from the legion of boom era and remains the best linebacker in the game at age 30, and easily the best player on Seattle’s defense.

Offensive Rookie: Colby Parkinson

Selected by the Seahawks in the fourth round of the draft, Parkinson is known for his large catch radius and outstanding contested-catch skills. Last season for the Cardinals, he set a new career-high in catches with 48 and receiving yards with 589; however, his touchdowns fell from eight in 2018 to only one last season. Joining a crowded tight end room in Seattle that features long time panther, Olsen, third-year tight end Will Dissly, and fan-favorite Jacob Hollister, Parkinson will have to fight for snaps during his rookie tenure. He should see time immediately in the red zone as the Seahawks look to use his large frame to matchup against shorter defenders to build on an offense that was already top five in red-zone percentage last season.

Defensive Rookie: Jordyn Brooks

Projected as a day two selection by many heading into the 2020 draft, the Seahawks selected Brooks with the 27th pick. A four-year starter at Texas Tech, Brooks is known for his strong downhill speed and excellent tackling skills in run support. However, he needs to improve on his coverage skills as this was a major knock on his game heading into the draft, with many experts questioning his ability to cover running backs and tight ends in a new-look NFL in 2020. Joining one of the best positional groups in the entire league featuring long time linebackers Wagner and Wright, look for Brooks to play the majority of his snaps in year one on early run downs as his coverage skills develop.

Biggest Surprise: Marquise Blair

A favorite of Carroll, Blair played the majority of his snaps last season on special teams. After an injury to starting safety Bradley McDougald, he played well when given a chance to start at safety for the Seahawks. Starting at the position for two games, he recorded 17 tackles, one pass deflection, and a forced fumble. Following the departure of standout linebacker Mychal Kendricks, the Seahawks look prepared to move away from their base defense, something they used more than any other team last season. Drawing high praise from Carroll for his physicality and work ethic on the field, look for Blair to receive an expanded role from the team in nickel packages in only his second season in the league.

Biggest Disappointment: Quinton Dunbar

Two years after signing a ten million dollar contract in Washington, Dunbar has struggled to stay on the field. Appearing in only eighteen games the past two seasons, he was ultimately released by the Redskins before landing in Seattle. Making matters worse, Dunbar and fellow Giants cornerback Deandre Baker got involved in legal trouble following an offseason incident in Florida. Heading into training camp, all eyes will be on Dunbar as he projects to be the second cornerback on the depth chart, battling Trey Flowers for the second starting spot opposite Shaquill Griffin. With a murky situation surrounding him, along with his inability to remain on the field, look for Dunbar to struggle in Seattle, leading to a potential parting of ways before the end of the season.