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My 26-column NFC West rosters are updated and available for download for those interested in studying how teams are put together.

The chart shows how many players at each position NFC West teams were carrying on 53-man rosters through moves made Wednesday.

The Seattle Seahawks are making their way through "Turnover Thursday" with a league-low 23 players on their 53-man roster from last season.

Turnover, indeed.

The chart, based on information from rosters I maintain for every team in the league, shows how many players from 2009 Week 17 rosters and injured reserve lists now reside on the same teams' 53-man rosters (but not IR). The numbers measure turnover and attrition -- by design, injuries, etc.

The bottom line: Seattle has the freshest 53-man roster in the league. The team has subtracted Red Bryant (IR), Deion Branch (trade), Julius Jones (released), Leroy Hill (IR), Mansfield Wrotto (released) and Max Unger (IR) since the 2010 regular season began.

NFC West teams own three of the NFL's 10 youngest offensive rosters heading into Week 10.

The chart shows to-the-day age averages for offensive players, ranked from youngest to oldest and based on rosters updated late in the week. The information is based on rosters I maintain for every team in the league.

The St. Louis Rams (fifth youngest), Arizona Cardinals (eighth) and San Francisco 49ers (10th) rank among the 10 youngest. The Seattle Seahawks rank 21st on the list of youngest offensive rosters (starters and backups). I've included their averages in the 11th row of the chart.

St. Louis, Arizona and San Francisco are significantly younger than NFL averages at wide receiver. They are also younger at quarterback.

Arizona's offensive linemen are oldest in the league on average. The team has veteran backups.

The latest comprehensive NFC West rosters are updated and, as usual, complete with 26 columns of information on any player associated with the teams over the past few seasons.

Download here.

Column Z features information for players who finished the 2009 season on NFC West teams' 53-man rosters, or on injured reserve. That information allowed me to filter for players new to NFC West teams since last season. I was then able to produce the following chart, which shows college conference affiliation for those newcomers.

Seattle, led by former USC coach Pete Carroll, was indeed heavy on players from the West, notably the Pac-10. The Seahawks have 14 total players from the Pac-10 (the NFL average is 5.7). That includes six players added since last season.

The totals in the chart do not count NFC West newcomers currently on injured reserve. Those players are: Keilen Dykes (Big East), Nehemiah Broughton (Southern) and Chris Johnson (Missouri Valley) of the Arizona Cardinals; Anthony Heygood (Big Ten), Jameson Konz (MAC) and Isaiah Stanback (Pac-10) of the Seahawks; and Chris Hovan (ACC) and Josh Hull (Big Ten) of the St. Louis Rams.

Information reflects current college conference affiliations.

Matt Hasselbeck called the Seattle Seahawks' flurry of roster moves an avalanche.

As in, the avalanche that swept away his good friend and teammate, the recently released Craig Terrill.

It's that time of year. NFL teams slash their rosters. Some slash more than others and the Seahawks have slashed more than most.

Terrill's departure from Seattle leaves right tackle Sean Locklear as the only member of the team's 2004 draft class, and his status is in question (Locklear and newly acquired right tackle Stacy Andrews are each scheduled to earn more than $5 million this season).

I've sifted through what's left and put together updated the 26-column roided-out rosters, available for download. These reflect the latest moves, including:

• the St. Louis Rams' release of Keenan Burton (to make room on the roster for Mark Clayton);
• the San Francisco 49ers' release of Nate Davis (to make room for Troy Smith);
• the Seahawks release of Terrill (to make room for the re-signed Jordan Babineaux);
• and all the practice-squad moves through Monday (Davis could return to the 49ers in that capacity).

The chart shows positional counts for each team in the division. The Rams and Arizona Cardinals appear lighter than usual on the offensive line. The Seahawks and 49ers are a bit bloated at that position. Seattle appears light at linebacker, although defensive end Dexter Davis might provide flexibility at that position. The 49ers are light at running back, but third tight end Nate Byham could help out at fullback.

The fun is only beginning for NFC West teams after the mandatory reduction to 53 players Saturday.

Teams will continue shuffling their rosters as the Sept. 12 regular-season openers approach.

For now, though, we've gotten some answers. The chart shows positional counts for NFC West teams on the initial reduction to 53.

Counts for defensive linemen and linebackers vary by scheme.

The Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams might be able to use another offensive lineman (teams generally carry nine). The Seattle Seahawks appear light at linebacker after releasing Tyjuan Hagler and placing Leroy Hill on the reserve/suspended list.

Seattle might be inclined to keep only two quarterbacks. The team could sign one to its practice squad and/or bring back J.P. Losman later if an injury creates a need.

The St. Louis Rams hold the No. 1 priority for waiver claims and they'll probably put that status to work following the mandatory reduction to 53 players Saturday.

With that in mind, let's take a position-by-position look at the Rams' roster heading into their second season under coach Steve Spagnuolo (current roster counts listed in parentheses):

Quarterbacks (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 2.9

Keepers: Sam Bradford, A.J. Feeley

Looking safe: Keith Null

On the bubble: Thaddeus Lewis

Comment: Lewis has played well enough to intrigue the Rams, but probably not well enough for another team to claim him off waivers. That makes Lewis a natural choice for the practice squad.

Running backs (5)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: Steven Jackson, Mike Karney

Looking safe: Kenneth Darby

Not sure what to think: Keith Toston, Chris Ogbonnaya

Comment: The Rams are carrying as many running backs as teams typically keep, but multiple spots could be up for grabs depending on which running backs become available via waivers. I'd rather list Toston, Ogbonnaya and Darby in one group until it becomes clear which backs -- and which types of backs -- hit the waiver wire. Ogbonnaya showed potential last season and looked good early in camp, but his performance hasn't carried over to exhibition games and that could cost him. Perhaps expectations were too high. Darby's toughness and special-teams contributions could help him. Toston runs hard and could land on the practice squad.

Wide receivers (9)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: Laurent Robinson, Mardy Gilyard, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Keenan Burton

On the bubble: Dominique Curry

Also: Brandon McRae, Jordan Kent, Danario Alexander

Comment: Curry stood out as an undrafted steal during camp. He has excellent size and has showed good ability on special teams. Burton's durability should remain a concern, but that's the case with Robinson and even Gibson at this point. Gibson's value rises with Donnie Avery on injured reserve.

Tight ends (6)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.0

Keepers: Billy Bajema, Mike Hoomanawanui

Looking safe: Fendi Onobun

Not sure what to think: Daniel Fells, Darcy Johnson

Also: Dennis Morris

Comment: But wait, Fells is the incumbent starter, right? Yes, but he hasn't been durable and there's so much to like about the rookies Onobun and Hoomanawanui. Bajema is an obvious keeper for his blocking and all-around game (he has caught the ball well on limited chances). Johnson has shown toughness and blocking ability, so he could be an option if the team wants to move on from Fells. Perhaps I'm over thinking things here, but the emergence of Onobun and Hoomanawanui during camp creates dilemmas.

Offensive linemen (13)

Average number kept since 2003: 9.3

Keepers: Jason Brown, Jacob Bell, Rodger Saffold, Jason Smith, Adam Goldberg, Hank Fraley

Looking safe: John Greco, Roger Allen III

Also: Eric Young, Drew Miller, Ryan McKee, Renardo Foster, Tim Mattran

Comment: It's tough finding nine keepers here, so the Rams could be active in the waiver-claim game. Greco's versatility works in his favor. Are the Rams still high on Allen's prospects? I know they liked him last season, but that was before reconstructive knee surgery. Trading Alex Barron made sense in the big picture, but the Rams would have better depth here if Barron were still around.

Defensive line (12)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.6

Keepers: Chris Long, Fred Robbins, Clifton Ryan, James Hall, Gary Gibson, Darell Scott

Looking safe: George Selvie

On the bubble: Victor Adeyanju, C.J. Ah You, Jermelle Cudjo

Also: Ernest Reid, Eugene Sims

Comment: Durability concerns could cost Ah You. Adeyanju also could be on the bubble depending on what options the Rams have beyond their own roster. Cudjo has made a positive impression during camp and preseason. Same goes for Selvie, although an injury sidelined him part of the time.

Linebackers (9)

Average number kept since 2003: 6.3

Keepers: James Laurinaitis, Larry Grant, Na'il Diggs, Chris Chamberlain

Looking safe: Bobby Carpenter

On the bubble: David Vobora, Josh Hull

Also: Devin Bishop, Cardia Jackson

Comment: Carpenter has gotten some work at defensive end. Perhaps his presence in an emergency capacity at that position could allow the Rams to keep one fewer defensive lineman, at least early. Chamberlain is probably the best special-teams position player on the Rams, enhancing his value. Hull could provide depth behind Laurinaitis because he's a true middle linebacker, whereas Vobora can back up every position. That could be a close call.

Defensive backs (14)

Average number kept since 2003: 9.7

Keepers: Oshiomogho Atogwe, Ron Bartell, Justin King, Bradley Fletcher, James Butler, Kevin Payne, Craig Dahl, Jerome Murphy, Kevin Dockery

Looking safe: Quincy Butler

On the bubble: Darian Stewart

Also: Brett Johnson, Marquis Johnson, Antoine Thompson

Comment: James Butler's knee injury probably makes keeping Payne a higher priority. Stewart could be a candidate for the practice squad.

Specialists (3)

Average number kept since 2003: 2.7

Keepers: Josh Brown, Donnie Jones, Chris Massey

Comment: Strong group here.

The San Francisco 49ers, though benefiting from more continuity than any team in the NFC West, face a few tough decisions on the fringes of their roster as teams approach the 53-man cutdown Saturday.

A look at some of the possibilities and issues (current roster counts listed in parentheses):

Quarterbacks (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.1

Keepers: Alex Smith, David Carr

On the bubble: Nate Davis

Also: Jarrett Brown

Comment: The pecking order is set. The key question is whether the 49ers will stick with Davis after coach Mike Singletary publicly criticized the quarterback's offseason work habits. Singletary's comments were strong. Davis should be nervous. There's no excuse for a third-string player with a learning disability to fall short on effort/preparation. Seems to me the 49ers could use his roster spot for a player better prepared to help the team. They could probably always sign Davis to their practice squad. I wouldn't expect another team to add him to its 53-man roster.

Running backs (7)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.0

Keepers: Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Michael Robinson, Moran Norris

Looking safe: Anthony Dixon

On the bubble: Brit Miller

Also: Jehuu Caulcrick

Comment: Glen Coffee's retirement opened the door wider for Dixon, who appears likely to stick as the fifth running back. Miller has value on special teams. Does that value justify keeping him around as a sixth running back? That could depend on how the 49ers view other positions.

Wide receivers (8)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.9

Keepers: Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Ted Ginn Jr.

Looking safe: Dominique Zeigler

On the bubble: Kyle Williams, Jason Hill

Also: Bobby Guillory, Kevin Jurovich

Comment: Zeigler finally appears closer to earning a spot on the 45-man roster for game days, but playing time could remain elusive. Williams was the favorite as a punt returner even after suffering a toe injury. How much has his status changed after rookie corner Phillip Adams returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown? I doubt another team would sign Williams to its 53-man roster, so the 49ers have some flexibility.

Tight ends (5)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.0

Keepers: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker

Looking safe: Nate Byham

Also: J.J. Finley, Tony Curtis

Comment: The Billy Bajema Scholarship went unfilled last season, but Byham appears ready to stick around as a third tight end.

Offensive linemen (13)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.9

Keepers: Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, David Baas, Eric Heitmann, Chilo Rachal, Anthony Davis, Adam Snyder, Barry Sims

Looking safe: Tony Wragge

On the bubble: Alex Boone

Also: Cody Wallace, Brian De La Puente, Matt Kopa

Comment: I pushed Sims into the "keeper" category because it's clear he would be the first tackle off the bench. The way Sims performed in relief last season showed he can still help the 49ers. Snyder's versatility helps his cause. Baas beat out Wragge right away in the race to replace the injured Heitmann at center. Boone's physical transformation has been striking. Perhaps the 49ers find a way to keep him. It's too bad for them, and possibly him, that Boone is strictly a tackle. Wragge can back up all three inside positions, but so can Snyder (and Baas, if Heitmann regains the job at center upon his recovery from a broken leg).

Defensive line (9)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.1

Keepers: Justin Smith, Aubrayo Franklin, Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Ricky Jean-Francois, Demetric Evans

Looking safe: Khalif Mitchell

Also: Will Tukuafu, Derek Walker

Comment: The 49ers have kept five, six or seven at this position since adopting their current defensive scheme in 2005. The numbers have fluctuated some because some defensive linemen project as outside linebackers. Versatility could work in Mitchell's favor, although Jean-Francois appears best positioned to start at nose tackle if anything happens to Franklin.

Linebackers (12)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.4

Keepers: Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, NaVorro Bowman, Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Matt Wilhelm

Looking safe: Diyral Briggs, Travis LaBoy

Also: Mike Balogun, Bruce Davis, Keaton Kristick

Comment: Briggs and LaBoy both appear to have done enough for a roster spot. They could be needed, too, with Brooks recovering from a lacerated kidney. Durability concerns are always a factor with LaBoy, but it's tough to overlook the contributions he's made when healthy enough to contribute.

Defensive backs (13)

Average number kept since 2003: 9.7

Keepers: Nate Clements, Shawntae Spencer, Dashon Goldson, Michael Lewis, Taylor Mays, Reggie Smith, Tarell Brown

Looking safe: William James

On the bubble: Karl Paymah, Adams, Curtis Taylor

Also: Tramaine Brock, Chris Maragos

Comment: The 49ers did not bring back Dre' Bly or Walt Harris, throwing open the nickel corner job. James and Paymah provide a veteran presence at that spot, although it's not yet clear which one has an edge. An ankle injury has sidelined James recently. Paymah served in the nickel role against Oakland in the third exhibition game. The 49ers have upgraded their speed at safety. Taylor, a seventh-round draft pick last year, could be out of the picture there.

Specialists (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 2.9

Keepers: Joe Nedney, Andy Lee, Brian Jennings

Also: Shane Andrus

Comment: The 49ers are set here, although Nedney has fought through an injury problem.

Matt Leinart apparently has no idea where he stands with the Arizona Cardinals. That makes it tough for the rest of us to predict exactly what might happen.

Will Leinart start at quarterback for the Cardinals in Week 1? Will he serve as the backup? Will the Cardinals release him? Might they trade him?

The next week to 10 days should provide answers. NFL teams have until Saturday to reduce their rosters to 53-man limits, with the 75-man deadline passing Tuesday.

After looking at the Seahawks' roster earlier Monday, here's a quick run through the Cardinals:

Quarterbacks (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.0

Keepers: Derek Anderson

Looking safe: Max Hall

On the bubble: Leinart, John Skelton

Comment: Coach Ken Whisenhunt's handling of Leinart suggests there's more than tough love at work here. It's fair to question whether Leinart fits into the team's plans at all this season. The smart move, it seems, would be to keep Anderson, Leinart and the winner of the Hall-Skelton competition. But it's clear Whisenhunt isn't convinced Leinart has what it takes to be a starting quarterback.

Running backs (8)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Jason Wright

On the bubble: Reagan Maui'a, Charles Scott

Also: Alfonso Smith, Nehemiah Broughton

Comment: Scott arrived via trade this week after Broughton suffered a season-ending knee injury. Maui'a could be the choice heading into the regular season. Scott provides depth for the final exhibition game, but it's unlikely he would be refined enough as a blocker to factor into the offense in a meaningful way. Smith's speed caught my attention early in camp.

Wide receivers (11)

Average number kept since 2003: 6.1

Keepers: Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Early Doucet

Looking safe: Andre Roberts, Stephen Williams

On the bubble: Onrea Jones, Max Komar

Also: Isaiah Williams, Darren Mougey, Mike Jones, Ed Gant

Comment: Gant serves a suspension to open the season. Roberts will make the team as a third-round pick. Williams pretty much wrapped up a spot with his latest strong performance (at Chicago). Jones and Komar could be competing for a sixth and final spot at the position.

Tight ends (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.1

Keepers: Ben Patrick, Anthony Becht, Stephen Spach

Also: Jim Dray

Comment: The team released Dominique Byrd on Monday. The top three appear set. Not much drama here. Dray looks like practice-squad material.

Offensive linemen (12)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.9

Keepers: Lyle Sendlein, Alan Faneca, Brandon Keith, Reggie Wells, Levi Brown, Deuce Lutui, Rex Hadnot, Jeremy Bridges

Looking safe: Herman Johnson

Also: Ben Claxton, Tom Pestock, Jonathan Palmer

Comment: Lutui could be trending toward a spot back in the starting lineup despite reporting to camp overweight. Johnson also reported overweight. He isn't a starter, and that's why I listed him separately from the keepers (even though it's an upset, most likely, if Johnson does not stick).

Defensive line (9)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.4

Keepers: Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell, Dan Williams, Bryan Robinson

Looking safe: Alan Branch, Gabe Watson, Kenny Iwebema

Also: John Fletcher, Jeremy Clark

Comment: This position appears pretty much set. I would expect seven to earn roster spots.

Linebackers (14)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.1

Keepers: Gerald Hayes, Paris Lenon, Clark Haggans, Joey Porter, Daryl Washington

Looking safe: Will Davis, Cody Brown

Bubble: Monty Beisel, Reggie Walker

Also: O'Brien Schofield, Steve Baggs, Mark Washington, Chris Johnson, Pago Togafau

Comment: Hayes and Schofield could open the season on reserve/physically unable to perform, opening two roster spots. Beisel and Walker could be competing for the final spot at this position.

Defensive backs (13)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.9

Keepers: Adrian Wilson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Kerry Rhodes, Greg Toler, Trumaine McBride, Matt Ware

Looking safe: Michael Adams, Hamza Abdullah, Rashad Johnson

On the bubble: Marshay Green

Also: A.J. Jefferson, Trevor Ford, Justin Miller

Comment: Toler could be passing McBride on the depth chart as the starting right cornerback, fulfilling expectations. Johnson appeared more physical early in camp. Haven't heard much about him lately, though.

Specialists (3)

Average number kept since 2003: 2.9

Keepers: Jay Feely, Ben Graham, Mike Leach

Comment: Arizona has three on the roster and that's how many the team will keep. Simple enough.

NFL teams have until Saturday to reduce their rosters to 53-man limits, with the 75-man deadline passing Tuesday.

I've been putting together roster breakdowns similar to this one for roughly 10 years. They're a quick read and worthwhile exercise because they require thinking through each position. The numbers in parentheses shows how many players the team has on its roster. The average number kept since 2003 reflects Week 1 counts by position.

In some cases I've used the "looking safe" category for players that could qualify as "keepers" (the term "locks" is one I used previously). The Seattle Seahawks remain somewhat unsettled at quite a few positions and they could be active in claiming players off waivers. Some players looking safe one day could become expendable quickly. The same could be said for some keepers.

Here's what I'm thinking Monday:

Quarterbacks (3)

Average number kept since 2003: 2.9

Keepers: Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst

Looking safe: J.P. Losman

Comment: Some teams keep only two quarterbacks when other positions demand special considerations. Seattle could have some interest in Matt Leinart if the Arizona Cardinals released him. I wouldn't expect the Seahawks to invest anything trade-wise, however.

Running backs (6)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: Justin Forsett, Leon Washington, Julius Jones, Quinton Ganther

On the bubble: Owen Schmitt

Also: Louis Rankin

Comment: Schmitt isn't a top special-teams player and he isn't versatile enough to carry the ball. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates says he has room for traditional fullbacks on his roster. We'll see if that's enough to spare Schmitt. I don't think the team would release Jones even though Forsett and Washington have sometimes looked better.

Wide receivers (9)

Average number kept since 2003: 5.3

Keepers: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Mike Williams, Golden Tate

Looking safe: Deon Butler

On the bubble: Ben Obomanu, Brandon Jones

Also: Ruvell Martin, Kole Heckendorf

Comment: Jones probably needs to make an impact over the next week, including during the final exhibition game, to prove he's worth a roster spot. Obomanu can play multiple positions, he's good on special teams and he's caught the ball when given chances. Jones has shown more during past regular seasons and he can also provide special-teams value. Butler's strong offseason should be enough. Houshmandzadeh seems to be gaining momentum following an injury-affected offseason.

Tight ends (5)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.1

Keepers: John Carlson, Chris Baker

On the bubble: Anthony McCoy, Cameron Morrah

Also: Nick Tow-Arnett

Comment: McCoy has dropped too many passes, but he's a draft choice and he also scored a touchdown during the preseason. It's possible the Seahawks could keep four tight ends. They'll use more double-tight personnel groupings this season, most likely. Carlson and Baker are clearly the top two. I'm not sure McCoy or Morrah would rank among the 53 best players overall.

Offensive linemen (15)

Average number kept since 2003: 8.9

Keepers: Russell Okung, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Max Unger, Mansfield Wrotto, Mike Gibson, Ray Willis, Chester Pitts

Not sure what to think: Steve Vallos, Ben Hamilton

Also: Mitch Erickson, Jeff Byers, Joe Toledo, Gregg Peat, Jacob Phillips

Comment: This position is difficult to figure. The Seahawks expect Willis back at some point early in the season. If that holds true, the team wouldn't want to place him on injured reserve. Pitts falls into the keeper category if his knee holds up (reserve/PUP is not an option for him after Pitts passed a physical). Spencer and Unger can both play center, and Gibson could start at guard, making me wonder if there's a spot for Vallos. Hamilton entered camp as a starter. Line coach Alex Gibbs values him as a mentor for Okung. But with Gibson overtaking Hamilton recently and with Pitts getting medical clearance, Hamilton appears less valuable. Seattle might want to keep 10 while the injury situation settles out. Expect the Seahawks to check out the waiver wire, too.

Defensive line (15)

Average number kept since 2003: 9.6

Keepers: Chris Clemons, Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Colin Cole, Kevin Vickerson, Nick Reed, Kentwan Balmer, E.J. Wilson, Dexter Davis

Looking safe: Quinn Pitcock

On the bubble: Craig Terrill

Also: Ricky Foley, Rob Rose, Amon Gordon, Jonathan Lewis

Comment: Clemons suddenly rivals Okung as the non-quarterback Seattle could least afford to lose. This reflects Clemons' strong play during preseason and the lack of attractive alternatives. Pitcock's youth and third-round potential could give him an edge over Terrill, at least in my view. Terrill has fought through knee trouble to remain in the mix.

Linebackers (8)

Average number kept since 2003: 6.9

Keepers: Lofa Tatupu, Aaron Curry, David Hawthorne

Looking safe: Matt McCoy, Tyjuan Hagler, Will Herring

Also: Joe Pawelek

Comment: Leroy Hill will open the regular season on the reserve/suspended list. He'll join the keepers once eligible. Hill, Curry and Tatupu have never played a full game together during the 2009 regular season or the 2010 exhibition season.

Defensive backs (15)

Average number kept since 2003: 7.9

Keepers: Marcus Trufant, Earl Thomas, Josh Wilson, Lawyer Milloy, Walter Thurmond, Kam Chancellor

Looking safe: Kelly Jennings, Jordan Babineaux

On the bubble: Kevin Ellison, Jamar Adams, Roy Lewis

Also: Cordelius Parks, Kennard Cox, Josh Pinkard, Marcus Brown

Comment: Trufant's return to form stands out as one of the most welcome developments for Seattle this summer. Thomas upgrades the coverage and playmaking ability of the secondary. The more Milloy plays, the more he looks like an enforcer type. Thurmond's return from knee surgery qualifies as the most pleasant surprise for Seattle in the secondary. Jennings' durability could be a concern. Babineaux's versatility makes him valuable even though it's looking as though the team doesn't have significant long-term plans for him.

Specialists (4)

Average number kept since 2003: 3.1

Keepers: Olindo Mare, Jon Ryan, Clint Gresham

Also: Clint Stitser

Comment: Mare missed from 43 yards against Minnesota on a strange night for kickers in the NFC West. Joe Nedney and Shane Adrus missed for the San Francisco 49ers.

NFL teams must reduce rosters to 75 players Aug. 31, one week from now.

The reduction to 53 players falls Sept. 4.

With that in mind, I've updated and made available for download my rosters with 26 columns of information for every player who has spent time with an NFC West team over the past two or three seasons. I call them roided-out because they're a lot more muscular than the typical rosters, not because I'm implying anything about the players themselves.

The charts show roster counts by position for each NFC West team. The first row shows counts as of Tuesday. The other rows show Week 1 counts for the 2003 through 2009 seasons, with summary information below. It's helpful knowing how many players teams generally keep at a position.

For example, the Seahawks' acquisition of Brandon Jones makes the receiver situation in Seattle more interesting. The team will likely keep five or six at the position (teams generally keep seven only when injuries sideline key contributors).

The group could include T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, Mike Williams and Golden Tate, with second-year pro Deon Butler solidly in the mix after a strong camp. Ben Obomanu was probably the sixth guy based in part on his special-teams ability, but Jones' arrival could change the dynamics if he's healthy.

Injuries often play a significant role in variances, although teams also make value judgments. The San Francisco 49ers saved a roster spot last season by keeping only two tight ends instead of three. That made it easier for them to keep a sixth wide receiver.

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The chart shows the St. Louis Rams' roster counts by position as of Friday, with Week 1 counts for every season since 2003. This makes it easier to see how many players the team might cut at a position before the regular season.

Teams must reduce to 75 players by Aug. 31 and to 53 by Sept. 4.

Analysis: The Rams have much more depth at wide receiver this season and there's no way the team will carry only four receivers in Week 1 this time. Also unlike last season, a receiver or two released by the Rams could stick on the fringes of another team's roster. That doesn't mean the team has a true No. 1 wideout, of course, but the quality has improved. Getting healthier in the secondary could allow the team to gain some flexibility in that area. Carrying injured players on the Week 1 roster takes away options elsewhere.

The chart shows the Seattle Seahawks' roster counts by position as of Friday, with Week 1 counts for every season since 2003. This can, in theory, make it easier to see how many players the team might cut at a position before the regular season.

Teams must reduce to 75 players by Aug. 31 and to 53 by Sept. 4.

Analysis: The Seahawks have a new general manager and new head coach. They have new schemes. That means the numbers from past seasons might not help a great deal in setting expectations. Carrying only three quarterbacks through training camp gave the Seahawks flexibility. Their 14 defensive linemen ties for the most in the league, but that could reflect short-term health concerns. Amon Gordon, added this week, provides flexibility heading into the second exhibition game. Note: I needed to change Ricky Foley from linebacker to defensive end, a scheme-related adjustment.

Tre9er, upon realizing the San Francisco 49ers had a league-low eight defensive linemen on their 80-man roster, was pretty sure the team would keep only seven in Week 1, anyway.

That is likely true. The team opened two of the last three regular seasons with seven defensive linemen and it carried only six in Week 1 of the 2008 season.

The chart shows the 49ers' roster counts by position as of Friday, with Week 1 counts for every season since 2003. This makes it easier to see how many players the team might cut at a position before the regular season.

Teams must reduce to 75 players by Aug. 31 and to 53 by Sept. 4.

Analysis: The 49ers have recently kept extra defensive backs on their Week 1 roster. Quality has improved at that position this offseason, I think. Will that make it easier to justify keeping more defensive backs once again, or might the quality be high enough for the team to justify keeping fewer? Reggie Smith's emergence has been striking. Second-round choice Taylor Mays is only the fourth safety, a reflection more of Smith's improvement than of anything Mays might be doing wrong. On offense, the 49ers kept only two tight ends last season. Perhaps rookie Nate Byham sticks as the third one this year.

Cody00ss asked how many players the San Francisco 49ers carried on their 53-man roster at each position last season. That reminded me to look at the yearly counts I've maintained for each team in the division.

I'll start with the Arizona Cardinals, then hit on the other NFC West teams in order of 2009 finish.

The chart shows the Cardinals' roster counts by position as of Friday, with Week 1 counts for every season since 2003. This makes it easier to see how many players the team might cut at a position before the regular season.

Teams must reduce to 75 players by Aug. 31 and to 53 by Sept. 4.

Analysis: Coach Ken Whisenhunt took over before the 2007 season, so the three most recent seasons are the ones we should pay attention to more closely. The Cardinals' defensive scheme has made some of the front-seven counts difficult to quantify, particularly when former coordinator Clancy Pendergast was using hybrid looks. Adding the totals for defensive linemen and linebackers can provide a better idea of how many the team might keep up front. Also, some of the receivers are hurt, so that 10-man count at the position could be deceiving.