POLL: How many rookies will start a game in 2018?

In the 2017 draft class, four rookies started games: Shaquill Griffin (11 games), Ethan Pocic (11), Chris Carson (3), and Nazair Jones (2).

Michael Dickson is the "expected" starting punter, but first he'll have to beat out legendary Seahawks veteran Jon Ryan.

Rashaad Penny will be competing with the other RBs, namely Carson, for playing time. The first round investment was so huge that you would have to expect Penny to start Game 1. Also, Carson is recovering from leg and ankle surgery, and they may want to ease him back.

Rasheem Green is expected to battle for time at the 5T in the base defense and inside in the nickel. Green and Frank Clark could man each side of the defensive line. But Green will have to beat out the likes of Dion Jordan, Marcus Smith, and Quinton Jefferson. Tom Johnson, a natural 3T, could also compete for time outside at the 5T.

Will Dissly gives the Seahawks an all-around TE, who can both run routes and has the physicality of a great run blocker. But they signed experienced TE Ed Dickson to a three-year contract this off-season. Dickson is a good receiver and pass blocker. Former 3rd-round-pick Nick Vannett is a good receiver and sometimes capable blocker.

Shaquem Griffin is expected to backup K.J. Wright at Weakside Linebacker and will also contribute heavily on the coverage teams.

Tre Flowers is a conversion project from safety to cornerback. He is also expected to play special teams if he makes the 53-man roster.

Jamarco Jones will be competing for the backup swing-tackle role against former starters George Fant and Reece Odhiambo, as well as Isaiah Battle and Willie Beavers.

Jake Martin will be fighting to make the roster as a LEO pass rushing specialist. Newly-signed Barkevious Mingo is the likely starter at LEO/SLB. Avril, Jordan, and Smith could also see time at LEO in the nickel defense.

If QB Alex McGough is starting, then something very bad has happened.

There are also several undrafted free agent rookies who will be competing for playing time, i.e. Tanner Carew is expected to start at long snapper, Poona Ford could compete for time at NT, Marcus Martin and Khalid Hill at FB, etc.

Bearing in mind that the word "start" is a moving target, it seems we have a number of players that will see time--some significant--especially if we consider special teams. If, for instance, we look at the D-line rotation, are starters only those on the field on the first snap, or does it include those subbing in? If the latter, then the numbers are higher. Injuries could certainly move some of our new players into starting roles.

I'd argue that starters at their positions:
Offense: Penny, starting RB; Dissly; starting TE; Hill, FB; Jones may end up as a starting T

Defense: Flowers, CB; Green will be in the D-line rotation; Griffin may end up startling at LB or S;

Special Teams: Dickson, Griffin, Flowers, Carew

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Ad Hawk":3cmi6mbw said:

Bearing in mind that the word "start" is a moving target, it seems we have a number of players that will see time--some significant--especially if we consider special teams. If, for instance, we look at the D-line rotation, are starters only those on the field on the first snap, or does it include those subbing in? If the latter, then the numbers are higher. Injuries could certainly move some of our new players into starting roles.

I'd argue that starters at their positions:
Offense: Penny, starting RB; Dissly; starting TE; Hill, FB; Jones may end up as a starting T

Defense: Flowers, CB; Green will be in the D-line rotation; Griffin may end up startling at LB or S;

Special Teams: Dickson, Griffin, Flowers, Carew

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Let's say official NFL starts, plus kicker/punter/LS/PR/KR.

Highly likely to start a game as a rookie:
P Michael Dickson
RB/KR Rashaad Penny
LS Tanner Carew

Somewhat likely to start:
DE Rasheem Green
FB Khalid Hill
TE Will Dissly

Somewhat unlikely to start
Shaquem Griffin
Tre Flowers
Jamarco Jones
Jake Martin
Alex McGough

Of course, injuries and training camp competition could change the equation entirely.

“IF” Jones would to win the starting RT job, it would mean that this team may go places. Think about it, if our probowl LT could play to his potential with an improved RT, our OL is quite serviceable, then we also have two blocking TE.

I smell a decent running game!


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toffee":1h941upk said:

“IF” Jones would to win the starting RT job, it would mean that this team may go places. Think about it, if our probowl LT could play to his potential with an improved RT, our OL is quite serviceable, then we also have two blocking TE.

I smell a decent running game!


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A success for Jones would be earning the backup LT spot, while George Fant moves to the right side.

Due to his lack of foot speed, Jones could be better served moving to LG. I think he has a better chance of success at LG (allowing him to remain on the left side) than he will trying to learn the RT position against NFL-level speed. This is especially true during his rookie year.

I see the potential for him to be a good left guard and backup LT, making Odhiambo expendable.

I voted for 2 but forgot about Dickson. I figure Penny will start a game or 2 and of course we will have to show off our new toy and have Griffin out there on kickoffs. 3 should be the correct answer.

I could see Penny and Dickson cracking the starting rotation but that's probably it.

SeaWolv":13i75ym1 said:

I could see Penny and Dickson cracking the starting rotation but that's probably it.

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I see those two as close to "sure things" to start if they are healthy.

The others will have a somewhat tougher battle in beating out the veterans ahead of them for playing time (Green, Dissly, Hill, Jones, etc.).