With the NFL season approaching, fantasy football enthusiasts eagerly assess teams and players for their dream lineups. The Seattle Seahawks garner considerable attention, boasting an explosive offense and dynamic playmakers. In this comprehensive fantasy football preview, we delve into each position from a fantasy perspective, considering offseason departures and arrivals. Join us as we uncover potential fantasy gems on the Seahawks’ roster, guiding both seasoned managers and newcomers in search of Pacific Northwest treasures.
Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Football Preview
Key Subtractions and Additions
Key players lost in free agency: LB- Cody Barton (Commanders), S- Ryan Neal (Buccaneers), IDL- Poona Ford, S- Johnathan Abram (Saints), IDL- Quinton Jefferson (Jets), WR- Marquise Goodwin (Browns)
Notable free agency additions: LB- Bobby Wagner (Rams), S- Julian Love (Giants), IDL- Jarran Reed (Packers), C- Evan Brown (Lions), LB- Devin Bush (Steelers)
Additions via draft: CB- Devon Witherspoon, WR- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, OLB- Derick Hall, RB- Zach Charbonnet, G- Anthony Bradford, DT- Cameron Young
Positional Previews
Quarterback
Last season, there were doubts surrounding Geno Smith’s ability to remain the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. Many believed he was merely keeping the seat warm for Drew Lock. However, those doubts were quickly put to rest as Geno went on to have a remarkable season, capturing the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award. He surpassed all expectations, throwing for an impressive 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions, resulting in a stellar passer rating of 100.9.
Heading into this offseason, the Seahawks solidified their confidence in Geno by signing him to a lucrative three-year, $75 million deal. This significant commitment not only demonstrates the team’s faith in his abilities but also reassures fantasy managers that he will remain the clear-cut starter moving forward. With job security and a new contract in place, Geno is poised to build upon his exceptional performance from last season.
Furthermore, the Seahawks’ quarterback situation becomes even more enticing from a fantasy perspective when considering their wealth of receiving talent. In addition to established playmakers like D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the team added Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the draft. Smith-Njigba is widely regarded as the most NFL-ready wide receiver in his class. His arrival injects even more firepower into an already explosive passing attack. The combination of Metcalf’s physical dominance, Lockett’s precise route running, and Smith-Njigba’s potential impact make the Seahawks’ receiving corps a dream for fantasy managers.
Geno’s breakout season and the team’s investment in him solidify his role as the unquestioned starter, providing fantasy managers with a reliable option at the position. As the new season approaches, keep a close eye on the Seahawks’ passing game, as this dynamic combination has the potential to produce significant fantasy points and play a pivotal role in your pursuit of a championship.
Running Back
The Seattle Seahawks running back room underwent significant changes and showcased promising talent last season. Rashaad Penny began the year impressively, accumulating 346 yards on just 57 attempts before a season-ending injury. However, he is now with the Philadelphia Eagles. In Penny’s absence, rookie Kenneth Walker III took the reins and thrived, rushing for an impressive 1,050 yards on 228 attempts while finding the end zone 9 times. He also contributed with 27 receptions for 165 yards.
Not content with their backfield, the Seahawks invested a second-round draft pick (52nd overall) on UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet. In his senior season, Charbonnet displayed his skills by rushing for an impressive 1,359 yards and 14 touchdowns on 195 attempts. He also showcased his versatility with 37 receptions for 321 yards.
The addition of Charbonnet undoubtedly introduces a potential timeshare in the Seattle Seahawks backfield, impacting Walker’s fantasy value. While Walker impressed as the primary back last season, Charbonnet’s draft position and collegiate production indicate that he will be involved immediately, reducing Walker’s workload and eliminating his bell cow status.
As fantasy managers, it remains to be seen how the carries will be split between these two talented backs. Will Walker continue to shoulder a significant load, or will Charbonnet emerge as a true threat? Monitoring training camp reports and preseason games will provide valuable insights into the Seahawks’ running back distribution and help assess the fantasy potential of both players.
In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks’ running back room presents an intriguing fantasy landscape. The combination of Kenneth Walker III’s impressive rookie season, along with the addition of Zach Charbonnet, creates a mix of talent and uncertainty. With Rashaad Penny now on the Philadelphia Eagles, the dynamic between Walker and Charbonnet becomes even more crucial to monitor. Keeping a close eye on the team’s preseason performances and training camp updates will be essential in determining each player’s fantasy value and understanding how the backfield situation will unfold for the upcoming season.
Wide Receiver
Geno Smith now has a trio of talented wide receivers to target in the Seattle Seahawks’ passing game. D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett return as established playmakers, while rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba joins the ranks. Despite only playing one full season at Ohio State during his sophomore year, Smith-Njigba is widely regarded as the most talented wide receiver of his draft class.
During his explosive sophomore campaign, Smith-Njigba showcased his potential with an impressive stat line of 95 receptions, 1,606 yards, and 9 touchdowns. Such production at the collegiate level hints at his ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Last season, Metcalf recorded 1,048 yards on 90 catches with 6 touchdowns, while Lockett contributed 1,033 yards and 9 touchdowns on 84 receptions. The departure of Marquise Goodwin leaves room for a third receiving threat in the Seahawks’ offense. As Tyler Lockett enters his age-31 season, it’s essential to closely monitor his role and potential competition from the talented rookie Smith-Njigba.
Fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on how Smith-Njigba’s skill set translates to the professional level and if he begins to surpass Lockett in targets and other statistical categories. If he lives up to his potential, Smith-Njigba could emerge as a fantasy gem in his rookie season.
In conclusion, Seahawks wide receivers offer a tantalizing fantasy outlook. With the established duo of Metcalf and Lockett complemented by the highly regarded rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the potential for significant fantasy production is evident. Monitoring the distribution of targets and the development of Smith-Njigba will be crucial in capitalizing on the Seahawks’ dynamic wide receiver group in fantasy football.
Tight End
The Seattle Seahawks tight end position is led by Noah Fant, who joined the team last season along with quarterback Drew Lock from the Denver Broncos. Although Fant didn’t quite meet the expectations of those who drafted him, he still finished as the third-leading receiver on the team. He recorded 50 catches for 486 yards and 4 touchdowns.
With the addition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the Seattle Seahawks’ receiving corps, it is unlikely that Fant will take a substantial step forward in terms of fantasy production this season. The presence of other talented threats on the perimeter might open up opportunities for Fant to find success in the middle of the field, but the extent of his involvement remains to be seen.
If Fant is not expected to bounce back strongly from an average season, it follows that the number two tight end, Will Dissly, will face similar challenges. Dissly had a modest performance last season, catching just 34 passes for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns.
It is important to note that the tight end position is currently the weakest point in the Seattle Seahawks’ high-powered offense. As such, fantasy managers should not have high expectations for significant fantasy production from either Fant or Dissly this season.
In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks tight end room offers limited fantasy potential. While Noah Fant and Will Dissly may contribute, their overall impact is unlikely to be significant. Fantasy managers should adjust their expectations accordingly and explore other options at the tight end position for more reliable fantasy production.
D/ST
The Seattle Seahawks defense underwent some changes during the offseason, losing key interior defensive linemen Poona Ford to the Bills and Quinton Jefferson to the Jets. However, they were able to find a replacement in Jarran Reed, who posted 52 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks last year with the Packers. Reed brings experience and playmaking ability to the defensive line.
One area of strength for the Seahawks is their cornerback position, where they have a pair of speedsters. In the 2023 draft, they selected Devon Witherspoon, who impressed with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. Additionally, Tariq Woolen, who ran an astonishing 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, enjoyed a phenomenal rookie season. Woolen broke up 16 passes and recorded 6 interceptions, exceeding expectations.
The return of linebacker Bobby Wagner is perhaps the biggest news for the Seahawks defense in the offseason. As a founding member of the “Legion of Boom,” Wagner brings leadership and playmaking ability to the unit. With his presence, Wagner should easily replicate Cody Barton’s 84 solo tackles from the previous season.
Another notable addition to the linebacker corps is Devin Bush, formerly of the Steelers. Bush’s skills and experience should provide linebacker Jordyn Brooks with the necessary support to excel against the run. This upgraded linebacker group, featuring Wagner and Bush, will contribute significantly to the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive success.
In summary, the Seattle Seahawks’ defense presents a mixed fantasy outlook. While the loss of interior linemen and some changes in the secondary may raise concerns, the addition of Jarran Reed and the presence of speedy cornerbacks offer promise. Furthermore, the return of Bobby Wagner and the addition of Devin Bush bolster the linebacker position. Monitoring the defense’s performance and adjusting fantasy expectations accordingly will be crucial for fantasy managers.
For more great rankings and analysis, make sure to check out our 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit!
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