While it’s certainly no surprise for a rebuilding team like the Cleveland Browns to commit to carrying 16 rookies on their active roster, it is a bit more unusual when a Super Bowl favorite elects to commit so heavily to youth.
As of Monday afternoon’s practice, the Seattle Seahawks had 15 rookies on their active roster - eight draft picks and seven undrafted free agents.
While only a couple are expected to be in starting roles (first-round pick Germain Ifedi at right guard and second-round pick Jarran Reed at nose tackle), the Seahawks will be relying on contributions from rookies in several key areas of their roster.
“I think it’s a good statement about what we’re doing,” head coach Pete Carroll said. “We believe in young guys. We believe young guys can play. We’ve committed to that a long time ago and it’s worked out fine for us. We’ll see how these guys do. It’s a good statement about the process and getting guys in here that compete and battle. I’m happy about it -- not worried at all.
Ifedi, Reed, running backs C.J. Prosise and Alex Collins, offensive linemen Rees Odhiambo and Joey Hunt, tight end Nick Vannett and defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson comprised the eight draft picks to make the roster. Backup quarterback Trevone Boykin, fullback, Taniela Tupou, receiver Tanner McEvoy, tackle George Fant, defensive backs DeAndre Elliott and Tvyis Powell, and long snapper Nolan Frese were the undrafted free agents additions.
Three of Seattle’s four backup offensive linemen are rookies. The only backup quarterback to Russell Wilson is a rookie and the long snapper is a rookie.
Carroll has never been shy about playing young players. They elected to give Wilson the starting job in 2012 over veterans Tarvaris Jackson and Matt Flynn.
However, 28 percent of the roster is composed of rookies that have never played a regular season snap in the NFL. It’s a talented group of players, but it’s inexperienced talent at this stage.
