Great topic. Here is what I am keying on.
#1. Tyler Lockett. If this guy's ability translates to the NFL, he could transform our offense in a way that would resemble what TY Hilton or Antonio Brown have done for theirs. Not to say that Lockett will have that kind of production, but his potential for impact could be in that type of category. Or, he could be on the Deion Butler side of the spectrum and be irrelevant. I think we'll have a better idea of which he'll be after a few preseason games. If there is a 2012 Russell Wilson preseason story to have this year, it's for Lockett.
#2. Jimmy Graham. The Jimmy Graham we all think of wearing black and gold is not the player we'll see in Seattle. It will be something new and probably diminished, like when (as a random example) Mike Wallace went to the Dolphins. I have little doubt that we'll see Graham run block plenty, and that's fine so long as he's rarely asked to pass block. QB Chemistry is also something to watch for as a bonus.
#3. Frank Clark. Is the TC hype real or is it just talk? Clark has serious talent, but still has to jump a few more hurdles.
#4. OL battles. The Seahawks are banking on having guys step up more than ever at OL.
#5. DBs struggling? Haven't been hearing the most glowing reviews of our backup DBs in TC. But sometimes TC reports can be grossly exaggerated. Game situations should give us a more solidified understanding.
#6. RB competition. This one is important, but kind of feels set in stone to me. I really doubt Michael could do anything to unseat Turbin as a #2 RB, and I would be stunned if Michael didn't make the 53 man. Really only question is if team keeps a 4th RB in Rawls. Seems doubtful to me.
#7: Chris Matthews. Pete says he's going to try to feed the ball to Matthews. That should be interesting. But like all the other tall WRs du jour Seattle brings in on the cheap, Matthews has consistency issues. So at least for me, expectations are low, even if the potential is high.
#8: Marsh at LEO. I've long thought that Marsh is a LB. Last preseason I was totally perplexed that the team was playing him at DT when he had the obvious build and athletic skillset of a LB. It would be nice to be surprised when he takes some reps on LEO, though.
#9: Will Seattle have a 'rhythm' passing game without Richardson? The quick hit passing game basically fell apart after Richardson was injured last year.
