The covid edition of NFL training camps has kicked off. Seattle is looking solid so far with significant improvements over last year.

QB-

QB Russell Wilson is always ready to go and should be taken early in fantasy drafts.

OL-

I have tweaked a few things in my expected starting lineup:

OLT - Duane Brown

OLG - BJ Finney (Mike Iupati, Phil Haynes)

C - Ethan Pocic (BJ Finney, Joey Hunt)

ORG - Damien Lewis (Jordan Simmons, Jamarco Jones)

ORT - Jamarco Jones (Brandon Shell, Cedric Ogbuehi)

I need to see more about how snaps are taking place in camp especially for Finney who most expect to take over at center. Pocic can play center. Finney would be a huge upgrade at left guard.

RB-

The value of RB Chris Carson keeps going up. If the left side of this line is Brown and Finney and the secondary is as improved as I think it is, then Carson will have the reps and the gaps needed to have a stellar season. RB Carlos Hyde is insurance with RB Rashaad Penny on the watch list to see if he finally starts to live up to his skill level.

WR-

The only Gordon on the roster right now is backup QB Anthony Gordon. But WR Josh Gordon could still show up. WR Tyler Lockett and WR DK Metcalf are the starters with or without Gordon. WR Phillip Dorsett could choose to revive his career and play up to his skill level - similar to Penny. WR David Moore has the grit to be the third receiver, but can he perform and stay healthy? Most likely (even with Gordon) the third leading receiver will be a tight end.

TE-

Despite being loaded at tight end, rookie TE Stephen Sullivan (6’5", 250#) will compete with TE Colby Parkinson (who is making good recovery progress), TE Will Dissly, TE Greg Olsen, TE Luke Wilson and TE Jacob Hollister for playing time. The one to take in your fantasy draft remains Dissly, not Olsen! Olsen’s presence should make Dissly a steal in most drafts.

PK-

PK Jason Myers. Yawn. Take him late if you bleed blue or are desperate.

D-

DE Jadeveon Clowney is still a possibility, but who knows? And the 49ers did not sign DE Ziggy Ansah, so he is still on the market. And new DE Darrell Taylor is not practicing yet due to surgery in January which feels a lot like DE LJ Collier last year. So who starts on the defensive line? DE Benson Mayowa and DE Rasheem Green over Collier are the most likely names on the ends. DT Jarran Reed and DT Poona Ford should hold the middle unless a free agent is brought in.

LB KJ Wright is ready to join LB Bobby Wagner once again. LB Jordyn Brooks should start as well. LB Bruce Irvin and LB Shaquem Griffin should specialize as pass rushers assuming Brooks is ready for the load.

CB Quinton Dunbar was able to return to football this week. He has to go through the covid process to get back on the field, but it seems his off-field issues are over. This is important not just because he is such a skilled player but because there is no natural nickel corner on the roster. CB Justin Coleman was the last guy who truly filled that role (and stayed healthy) leaving Seattle basically unable to call a nickel defense last year. Someone who cannot break into a starting role against the new talent should get the nickel role this year. FS Marquise Blair and CB Ugo Amadi lead the list. SS Jamal Adams and FS Quandre Diggs are locks. CB Quinton Dunbar should start at right cornerback over CB Tre Flowers and on the left will be CB Shaquill Griffin. They will be a force and fun to watch.

Go Hawks!

End.