NFC West: Joe Newton
Catching up with the Seahawks' cut list
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
|
The tough decisions teams face in reducing their rosters to 53 players sometimes aren't so tough.
They were arguably tougher for the Seahawks than for other teams in the division.
Three of the players Seattle released on its initial cutdown to 53 players have joined active rosters elsewhere in the league. Aaron Francisco, cut by the Cardinals, and Phil Trautwein, cut by the Rams, are the only other initial NFC West castoffs to join active rosters for other teams.
Seattle's Brian Russell (Jaguars), Marquis Floyd (Browns) and Kevin Hobbs (Lions) currently reside on active rosters. The Seahawks re-signed to their practice squad running back Devin Moore, safety Jamar Adams, receiver Mike Hass and receiver Logan Payne.
The apparent drama at receiver left Jordan Kent and Courtney Taylor on the outside. Kent reached an injury settlement following his release. Taylor remains available. Neither player has eligibility for the practice squad.
Defensive lineman Baraka Atkins and kicker Brandon Coutu appeared close to earning roster spots. The Seahawks once thought Coutu might have trade value. That wasn't the case in the end.
Ex-Seahawks with practice-squad eligibility
|
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
NFL teams can begin forming eight-man practice squads once released players clear waivers this afternoon.
The Seahawks faced tougher decisions on the reduction to 53 players because some of their young prospects, notably receivers Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent, had no remaining eligibility for the practice squad following an injury-plagued 2008 season.
Defensive end Baraka Atkins, cornerback Kevin Hobbs and fullback David Kirtman are also among the recently released Seattle players without eligibility for the practice squad. Receiver Mike Hass also caught some fans' attention.
The chart shows recently released Seattle players who remain eligible. Safety Jamar Adams, kicker Brandon Coutu, safety Courtney Greene, receiver Logan Payne and tight end Joe Newton could be among the candidates.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Biggest surprise: Starting free safety Brian Russell, signed in 2007 after the Seahawks grew tired of assignment errors in the secondary, seemed to fend off a challenge from versatile backup Jordan Babineaux. That made Russell's release a surprise even though coach Jim Mora had said Babineaux would compete for the job in camp. The team went with Ben Obomanu as its fifth and final receiver, releasing Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent. Rookie defensive linemen Nick Reed and Michael Bennett joined preseason surprise Derek Walker among 11 defensive linemen, prevailing at Baraka Atkins' expense -- a big surprise. Rookie seventh-rounder Cameron Morrah beat out Joe Newton as the third tight end. Veteran kicker Olindo Mare beat out second-year pro and 2008 draft choice Brandon Coutu in a close battle. The team cleared another spot by placing starting corner Marcus Trufant on the physically unable to perform list, helping corner Travis Fisher earn a spot among the initial roster. Keeping 11 defensive linemen meant keeping only six linebacker, costing versatile veteran D.D. Lewis a job.
No-brainers: The Seahawks also released safety Jamar Adams, guard Brian De La Puente, cornerback Marquis Floyd, tackle Na'Shan Goddard, safety Courtney Greene, receiver Mike Hass, cornerback Kevin Hobbs, fullback David Kirtman, running back Devin Moore, cornerback Nate Ness, tight end Joe Newton, receiver Logan Payne, linebacker Dave Philistin, tackle Andre Ramsey, tackle William Robinson, quarterback Jeff Rowe.
What's next: The Seahawks reduced to 52 players with these moves, but the team was expected to add veteran safety Lawyer Milloy for depth and experience.
Observations from Seahawks' exhibition game
Thoughts and observations through most of the Seahawks' final exhibition game of the 2009 season:
- Defensive line battle. Rookie end Nick Reed and rookie defensive tackle Michael Bennett have both made strong cases for consideration on the 53-man roster. Both have fumble recoveries. Both are pressuring the Raiders' quarterbacks. This game is affirming what the Seahawks have already seen from them, perhaps not making the decision much easier. Finding a way to keep 10 defensive linemen would seem desirable.
- Obomanu steps up. The Seahawks figure to keep five or six receivers. Ben Obomanu appears to be affirming his status as the likely fifth wideout, followed by Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent. Obomanu played 20 snaps in the first half, catching two passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. He looks dependable, though not very flashy. Taylor played 19 snaps in the first half and did not catch a pass, but he looked good and nearly made a spectacular touchdown catch in the third quarter, laying out for the ball in the end zone. Kent played six snaps in the first half and failed to make two catches he conceivably could have made, and he limped off the field early in the third quarter. Update: Kent suffered an ankle injury and will not return.
- Morrah or Newton? I thought seventh-round tight end Cameron Morrah might make a strong run through camp, but Joe Newton might be better prepared to be the third tight end. The race could be close. The Seahawks took a long look at Morrah in the first half, giving him 18 snaps. Newton, who played more a week ago, took one first-half snap. Starter John Carlson played five. Newton appears better than Morrah in run blocking, in my view. Both are eligible for the practice squad and one of them figures to land there.
- Curry having fun. Rookie first-round choice Aaron Curry appeared to be having more fun than at any point since signing with the Seahawks. He was the lone defensive starter to play and he stood out with four tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. He played with attitude.
- Domino effect. Louis Rankin's 45-yard touchdown run for the Raiders went down this way: Tight end Tony Stewart somehow cleared out massive Seahawks defensive tackle Red Bryant, and towering tackle Erik Pears then pancaked linebacker Will Herring, who inadvertently took out safety Jamar Adams. Bryant and Herring both appeared to be standing a bit too upright, sacrificing leverage.
Those are a few things I've noticed. As noted previously, I'll watch the Cardinals' game next, followed by the Rams game in the morning. Looking forward to them all.
What to watch in Seahawks' exhibition game
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Among the things I'll be watching to see when the Seahawks close their 2009 exhibition schedule Thursday night against the Raiders at Qwest Field:
- Edgerrin James. The veteran running back might not play. If he does, it won't be for long, but something is better than nothing -- particularly in Week 4 of the preseason.
- All-out battle at receiver. The Seahawks might keep only five. Strong showings by Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu and Jordan Kent could convince them to keep six. Which ones? Check back after the game. Also watch to see how they fare on special teams (Taylor could return kicks).
- Cameron Morrah. The rookie seventh-round tight end would have to beat out Joe Newton to earn a roster spot at tight end behind John Carlson and John Owens.
- Michael Bennett. The Seahawks already have defensive ends with the ability to play tackle on passing downs. That could complicate Bennett's efforts to earn a spot among the initial 53, but he has impressed enough to stick on the practice squad if there isn't a spot for him on the roster. Defensive end Nick Reed appears in strong position to earn a spot. Update: Draft analyst Rob Rang explains why he thinks Bennett has more NFL upside and potentially more value. Audio via KJR950 Seattle here.
- Brandon Coutu. The second-year kicker has been very accurate on field goals. Veteran Olindo Mare's depth advantage on kickoffs helps his cause, but touchbacks could carry less value if the new NFL ban on three-man wedges shortens kickoff returns.
NFL Network is showing this game live at 10 p.m. ET.
Around the NFC West: QB beauty contest
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Reed Albergotti of the Wall Street Journal says Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Hill and Kurt Warner rank among the 10 most handsome quarterbacks in the NFL, based on research showing a relationship between facial symmetry and perceived attractiveness. Albergotti: "Scientific research overwhelmingly points to facial symmetry as an indicator of success. Studies show infants with more symmetrical faces are given more attention. Symmetrical workers also tend to earn more. Football is supposed to be egalitarian, of course. The players with the strongest and most accurate throwing arms should become the quarterbacks while the biggest, most powerful players should be linemen. Somewhere along the way, it seems, good-looking kids are steered toward the glamour position."
Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals want second-year cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to become more disciplined in adhering to his assignments. The Packers had fun at Rodgers-Cromartie's expense in the Cardinals' most recent exhibition game. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "I would say he's a young player that at times is undisciplined, and it's our job, and it's our defensive leaders' job, to get him on the same page. I think he was disappointed in the way he played, embarrassed, and he worked in practice a lot harder. Hopefully, that will translate to a better game. I still like the young man as a football player. He's got tremendous talent and we're going to continue to work with him to see if we can establish more consistency."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Whisenhunt's anger over his team's performance against the Packers has subsided. Expect the Cardinals' starters to get limited work in the final exhibition game.
Revenge of the Birds' Hawkwind tackles competition for spots on the Cardinals' roster.
Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers cornerback Nate Clements took notice upon seeing Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald posing shirtless on a magazine cover (left). "I thought you had to have abs for that," Clements joked. Brown: "Clements might want to be careful with his quips, considering he’s going to have to cover the coverboy in the 49ers’ regular-season opener in Arizona on Sept. 13. Fitzgerald is coming off a dazzling postseason and a trip to the Super Bowl; Clements is in his ninth season and still searching for his first postseason appearance. Moreover, Clements has endured some rough patches during the preseason games, including allowing a few big gainers against Dallas on Saturday."
Also from Brown: 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye would like to run the ball 60 percent of the time. More on that in a bit.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat projects the 53-man roster for the 49ers. He keeps J.J. Finley at Bear Pascoe's expense and expects the 49ers to pick up a free-agent fullback, which makes sense after the team lost Zak Keasey to injury.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers' starting offensive line worked together for the first time since left guard David Baas suffered a torn plantar fascia Aug. 4.
Also from Barrows: Nate Davis needs more reps to better grasp the 49ers' offense.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune forecasts the Seahawks' initial 53-man roster for the 2009 season. He puts Courtney Taylor and Ben Obomanu on the team at receiver, releasing Jordan Kent. Joe Newton is the choice over Cameron Morrah as the third tight end. Kyle Williams makes it at tackle.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Michael Bumpus' release from the Seahawks shows how much more depth Seattle has at the position this season. Injuries forced Bumpus into the starting lineup for a game last season.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch doesn't hesitate to affix blame for the Rams' roster predicament. Miklasz: "These drafts were conducted by head coach coach Scott Linehan and GM Jay Zygmunt. Both are gone from Rams Park. Horrible personnel decisions were a substantial part of their demise, and the impact is still reverberating. The new regime of GM Billy Devaney and head coach Steve Spagnuolo inherited a stripped-down roster and will need plenty of time to clean up the mess caused by Linehan and Zygmunt."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo asked players to support the team's personnel decisions after St. Louis traded 2006 first-round choice Tye Hill to the Falcons for a 2010 seventh-round pick. Accepting so little in return for Hill suggests the Rams might have released him anyway. Spagnuolo stopped short of endorsing Jonathan Wade as a likely starter now that Hill is gone. Spagnuolo: "Wade's play has improved this preseason, but he's the first to admit he needs further improvement across the board. When asked what he liked about Wade, Spagnuolo sidestepped the question, perhaps another indication he's keeping his options open."
Also from Thomas: Joe Klopfenstein's excellent measurable skills never translated to production on the field.
More from Thomas: a chat transcript featuring questions about the Rams' depth at cornerback after the team traded Hill. Thomas: "I do question the depth behind Hill. Like the draft picks and free agents he has brought here, Devaney will be judged over time."
Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch backs the Rams as the new football leadership parts with high-profile players from the past, including Hill. Burwell: "The people whose fingerprints are on the crime of this century are long gone, and here was all the stark evidence why."
Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com translates the message Rams management sent through its recent moves. Gordon: "Everybody has to earn their job here. Hill’s first-round draft status didn’t help him whatsoever."
What to watch in Seahawks' exhibition game
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Among the things I'll be watching when the Seahawks face the Broncos in their second exhibition game Saturday night:
- Sean Locklear at left tackle. The Seahawks hope Walter Jones can return from knee surgery in time to play a full season at left tackle. Locklear will work there in the meantime. The team's usual right tackle can earn an additional $600,000 in 2010 compensation if he plays half the snaps at left tackle in half the Seahawks' regular-season games this season. That price would be a bargain if Locklear plays well.
- Depth at receiver. Jordan Kent, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, Mike Hass and Michael Bumpus are battling for one or two roster spots behind receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson and Deon Butler. Kent, Obomanu and Taylor do not have practice-squad eligibility. They need to produce now.
- Nick Reed, Michael Bennett and Baraka Atkins. At least one of these players could be affected if the Seahawks keep fewer than 10 defensive linemen. Another impressive showing from Reed, who had two sacks and an interception in his exhibition debut, could make it tougher for Seattle to sneak him onto the practice squad.
- Matt Hasselbeck. The quarterback has yet to take a hit since last season. The Broncos pressured the 49ers' quarterbacks last week by exploiting fullback Zak Keasey in blitz pickup. Seattle fullback Owen Schmitt needs to prove he can play consistently well in that area. One lapse could expose Hasselbeck to punishment.
- The kickers. Brandon Coutu needs to get more depth on his kickoffs. He and Olindo Mare are competing for one roster spot. The team will not keep two kickers this season.
- Cameron Morrah. Seattle will likely choose between Morrah, a seventh-round rookie, and Joe Newton as the third tight end. It's the sort of competition you'll probably appreciate if you've lasted this deep into a blog entry about things to watch during a game few will remember one month from now.
|
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The race among Seahawks receivers for the last couple roster spots features high stakes.
Contenders Jordan Kent, Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor are no longer eligible for the practice squad. One or two of them could be finished in Seattle, at least for now, if they fail to earn spots on the initial -- not even close to final -- 53-man roster.
Kent and Taylor each were active for at least nine games last season -- Obomanu was active for 12 in 2007 -- as the Seahawks worked through catastrophic injuries at the position. That made each receiver ineligible for future practice squads.
Deon Butler, Mike Hass, Logan Payne and Michael Bumpus are the current Seattle receivers with eligibility remaining. Butler is expected to emerge from camp as the fourth receiver behind T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson.
The chart shows all 29 current Seahawks players with eligibility, arranged by position.NFL teams must reduce rosters from 80 to 75 players Sept. 1. They must reduce to 53 players Sept. 5. They can begin forming eight-man practice squads Sept. 6 at noon ET.
As the NFL puts it:
After 12 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free-agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s).
A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.
The situation at tight end remains quite competitive, with Joe Newton and Cameron Morrah likely competing for one roster spot behind John Carlson and John Owens.
The Seahawks face tough decisions on the defensive line, with Nick Reed and Michael Bennett fighting for spots on the 53-man roster. Baraka Atkins is not eligible for the practice squad after playing 12 games as a rookie in 2007 and nine more last season.
Numbers games: Seahawks roster in perspective
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Seahawks have a few tough decisions to make before reducing their roster to 53 players in less than three weeks.
The final spot or two at receiver remain unsettled. I see at least 10 defensive linemen worth keeping, but perhaps no more than eight offensive linemen. The final spots at all three general positions on defense -- line, linebackers and secondary -- could spur debate.
The Seahawks aren't even certain which kicker will earn a roster spot, opening possible trade scenarios for teams with needs at the position.
|
The chart provides a framework for how many players the Seahawks might keep at each position heading into the regular-season opener against the Rams.
Here's a quick look at which Seahawks players I might keep on the cutdown to 53 players:
'You could reach out and jump in the cockpit'
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The lettering on the F-15 fighter's fuselage was clearly visible from the boom window beneath our KC-135 refueling jet.
"Capt. Bill Kopp", it read.
We were close enough to see the pilots' faces as they took turns adding fuel 25,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon coast.
"It was like you could reach out and jump in the cockpit," Seahawks coach Jim Mora said.
All while traveling 400 mph.
"If I make a mistake on a route, I might drop a ball or there might be an interception," tight end John Carlson said. "If they make a mistake, it might be life or death. It really puts it into perspective."
I wasn't sure what to expect when former Rams and Seahawks defensive end Bryce Fisher, a captain in the Washington Air National Guard, invited me to accompany a small contingent featuring Mora, Carlson, strength coach Mike Clark and backup tight end Joe Newton.
The experience exceeded any reasonable expectations [see photos on my Facebook page]. I'm not sure anything on a football field, at least from a spectator's standpoint, can compare with the sight of a fighter jet flying so close.
"Watching Coach and the players get down in that boom, they are like little kids at Disneyland," Fisher said. "How do you get to be within 20 feet of a fighter in midair? It's an amazing experience."
Carlson the best tight end in the division?
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The 49ers and Seahawks were the only NFC West teams to draft tight ends this offseason, and then only late in the draft.
The rest of the division has sought depth from the free-agent scrap heap. The 49ers didn't bring back Billy Bajema, but the Rams signed him. The Rams had long ago given up on Dominique Byrd, but the Cardinals signed him. The Seahawks signed John Owens from the Lions.
The 49ers' sixth-round pick, Bear Pascoe, could factor significantly in double-tight personnel groupings, perhaps at the expense of Delanie Walker. It's early to forecast where Seahawks seventh-rounder Cameron Morrah might fit in Seattle.
A quick look at NFC West tight ends, with less regard for the order, which figures to change significantly in some cases:
|
The top three tight ends in the division, for my money:
- Carlson: Very good receiver. Only getting started.
- McMichael: Established veteran with some versatility.
- Davis: Very good blocker, inconsistent receiver. Could be on the rise.
Comings and goings: Seahawks since Super Bowl
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
A quick look at 53-man rosters from Feb. 1, date of Super Bowl XLIII, provides a reference point for seeing how NFC West teams have changed so far this offseason.
I'll conclude with Seattle.
Gone from the Seahawks' 53-man roster and injured reserve list in the 58 days since the Super Bowl (12):
Offense
Charlie Frye, QB
Koren Robinson, WR
Maurice Morris, RB
Leonard Weaver, FB
Steve McKinney, C
Floyd Womack, OL
Bobby Engram, WR
Will Heller, TE
Defense
Howard Green, DT
Julian Peterson, LB
Rocky Bernard, DT
Special teams
Jeff Robinson, LS
Roided-out NFC West rosters: Week 20.5
I've updated the NFC West roided-out rosters to include moves made this week. Those are available for download.
I'll tack on a Steelers version in the next edition, scheduled for Super Bowl week. In the meantime, let's take a quick look at players NFC West teams have signed to future contracts. These players will become part of the 80-man rosters after the Super Bowl.
Arizona: punter Waylon Prather, quarterback Tyler Palko, running back Justin Green, guard Ben Claxton.
St. Louis: receiver Nate Jones, defensive tackle Willie Williams, receiver Joel Filani, receiver Travis Brown, running back Samkon Gado, defensive end C.J. Ah You.
San Francisco: tight end J.J. Finley, tackle Joe Toledo, receiver Mark Bradford, linebacker Justin Roland and kick returner Michael Spurlock.
Seattle: defensive back Marquis FLoyd, tight end Joe Newton, receiver Michael Bumpus, defensive tackle Kevin Brown, tight end John Tereshinski, long snapper Ryan Senser, receiver Mike Hass and Receiver Billy McMullen.
|
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Seahawks filled all but one of their practice-squad spots today, but fullback David Kirtman wasn't part of the group. Kirtman, a fifth-round choice from USC in 2006, signed with the Chargers' practice squad.
Seattle's backfield is crowded. The team carried six running backs on the initial 53-man roster. None of the seven practice-squad players was a running back.
Rookie seventh-round choices Justin Forsett and Brandon Coutu earned spots on the 53-man roster, but one could become a viable candidate for the practice squad if the team decided it couldn't afford to carry six running backs or two kickers.
The chart shows every Seahawks player with practice-squad eligibility. Safety Jamar Adams and receiver Michael Bumpus probably came closest to earning spots on the 53-man roster.
In the end, the Seahawks couldn't justify keeping a ninth defensive back. Kyle Williams, a tackle from USC, also showed promise working with new line coaches Mike Solari and Mike DeBord.
Unusual circumstances have left the Seahawks' roster in flux. Receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram remain sidelined, but both are counting against the roster limit. Jordan Babineaux and Rocky Bernard are healthy, but neither counts against the limit while serving a one-game suspension to open the season.
|
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Rosters spots are serious business for NFL players lacking job security. For some, the next 30 hours or so will determine whether they'll earn $17,352.94 per week or whatever the real world pays.
The minimum NFL salary is $295,000. Players get paid in 17 installments, one for every week they spend as a paid member of the organization.
NFL teams must trim rosters from 75 players to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. Teams can establish eight-man practice squads beginning Sunday. Practice-squad players earn a minimum of $5,200 per week during the regular season and playoffs.
Once a player signs with a practice squad, he can practice with the team. He becomes eligible to play in games only if a team signs him to its 53-man roster. Practice-squad players are free to sign with any team's active roster at any time during the season.
The chart shows each of the Seahawks' players with practice-squad eligibility, according to the team (I'll hit all the teams in the division as the day continues).
I was surprised to see Ray Willis' name on Seattle's list, but practice-squad rules can be confusing, and exceptions sometimes apply to relatively experienced players. In this case, Willis is a lock to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
To be clear: Players need nine games on the 45-man (active) roster to burn their practice-squad eligibility, even if they have multiple accrued seasons, as Willis does.
I've categorized each player based on his perceived likelihood of earning a spot on the 53-man roster. Those are rough characterizations. Teams still have not made decisions. It's conceivable that a player listed as a "keeper" could face his release.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
