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The Seattle Seahawks were solid once again this past season, but there was a lot to be desired after losing to the Dallas Cowboys in first round of the 2018 playoffs. Seattle had a solid approach to their offense in 2018 with their league best running game. Unfortunately, the Seahawks had difficulties in the passing game and the lack of any clear cut playmakers hurt them this season.
Another area in which the Seahawks can focus their attention is their lack of playmakers on defense as well. Linebacker Bobby Wagner is the defense's leader and there's really no room for argument there. Wagner can't do it alone and while he has some solid pieces around him, it's obvious the Seahawks are very far away from their “Legion of Boom” days.
Let's take a look at three burning questions that the Seahawks must answer this offseason.
Who should the Seahawks take in the 2019 draft?
It's clear the biggest void that needs to be filled on the Seahawks roster is their troubles on defense. The “Legion of Boom” is long gone and one of its founding members, Earl Thomas, will likely be playing with another team in 2019. In addition to Thomas' possible departure, the Seahawks need to make a decision regarding linebacker K.J. Wright and defensive end Frank Clark.
Both players need to retained if the Seahawks want to remain contenders in 2019 and while Clark has emerged as one of the league's most promising pass rushers, they need to get him some help. Clemson's Clelin Ferrell is a viable option for the Seahawks as is Brian Burns coming out of Florida State. It will be very interesting to see what position Seattle assesses through the draft, but they ought to do their due diligence in targeting a defensive player.
What to make of that crowded running back position?
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The Seahawks absolutely love to run the ball and there are several factors as to why. Maybe it's because they have Russell Wilson, who can do a ton of damage with his speed and scramble ability. Another theory could be the lack of a playmaker in the passing game seeing as Jimmy Graham is now with Green Bay and wide receiver Doug Baldwin never played at 100 percent in 2018. The last theory could be the fact that Seattle has several running backs who make a difference in the offense.
Chris Carson is without a doubt the best running back on the team. Carson is an all-around fantastic talent and runs the ball with speed and power. Mike Davis is a wrecking ball type of back and rookie Rashaad Penny was fantastic when he got some momentum midway through the season. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, they still have two running backs on their roster in addition to those three that they have used in recent years: C.J. Prosise and J.D. McKissic. While it might be a good thing to have several weapons at the team's disposal in regards to a team's offense, it's simply a headache at this point for Seattle.
Their best bet is to give Carson the workhorse job and bring Penny in under situational roles, as well as giving him the team's sole backup spot. McKissic and Prosise both have great pass catching ability, but Prosise (when healthy) has proven to be the better player. Seattle should figure out which players best benefit their roster and clear up the backfield a bit ahead of the 2019 season.
Will Seattle sign a viable playmaker on offense?
While the Seahawks had the most efficient run offense in the league in 2018, a good deal of the success could be in due part to the team's lack of a playmaker in the passing game. It's highly unlikely the team goes after former Seahawk Golden Tate, but he is, in fact, the best option in regards to a free agent receiver. Two players that Seattle could target are Baltimore Ravens wide receiver John Brown and Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook. Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess could be another option for Seattle as well. Funchess' size is intriguing and they could likely get him for cheap due to his inability to live up to expectations in recent years. They might not have that eye-popping name, but he could provide a solid option for Seattle in their efforts to give Russell Wilson some help.
