Scott Engel previews the Seattle Seahawks from a fantasy perspective.

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

Players listed in order of fantasy relevance. Recommended round to draft in standard 10 to 12-team leagues with 16 rounds in parentheses.

Quarterback: Matt Hasselbeck (5), Seneca Wallace

Running Back: Julius Jones (4), T.J. Duckett (11), Maurice Morris, Leonard Weaver

Wide Receiver: Bobby Engram (8), Nate Burleson (8), Deion Branch (13), Ben Obomanu (16), Courtney Taylor

Tight End: John Carlson (12), Will Heller

Kicker: Olindo Mare (16), Brandon Coutu

Additions: RB Julius Jones, RB T.J. Duckett, K Olindo Mare
Subtractions: RB Shaun Alexander, WR D.J. Hackett, TE Marcus Pollard, K Josh Brown

Round Two: John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Round Five Owen Schmitt, Fullback, West Virginia
Round Seven: Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia

Qwest Field - home of the 12th man. Photo Credit: Marshmallow

TOP POSITION BATTLE

Kicker: Olindo Mare vs. Brandon Coutu

Top matchups in bold

Sept. 7: at Buffalo
Sept. 14: San Francisco
Sept. 21: St. Louis
Sept. 28: BYE
Oct. 5: at New York Giants
Oct. 12: Green Bay
Oct. 19: at Tampa Bay
Oct 26: at San Francisco
Nov. 2: Philadelphia
Nov. 9: at Miami
Nov. 16: Arizona
Nov. 23: Washington
Nov. 27: at Dallas

FANTASY PLAYOFF MATCHUPS
Dec. 7: New England
Dec. 14: at St. Louis
Dec. 21: New York Jets
Dec 28: at Arizona

LANDRY'S LOOK: THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Looking at Seattle's offensive weapons, I am concerned about pretty much everyone aside from Hasselbeck and Engram. The running game is a big question mark heading into the regular season, as there are at least three RBs who are likely to see time on the field, and the WR corps doesn't exactly strike fear into anyone. Deion Branch, who may or may not be able to contribute depending on the condition of his knee, could very well be the wild card this team will need down the stretch. I'd draft Hasselbeck or Engram if they linger on the board, but aside from a late round gamble on Branch, look elsewhere for consistent fantasy contributions.

2008 FANTASY POSITIONAL OUTLOOKS

Matt Hasselbeck had to carry the Seattle offense for most of the 2007 season. Photo Credit: medium as muse

Quarterback
In terms of statistics, Matt Hasselbeck came through with his best season ever in 2007. He threw for a career-high 28 touchdown passes and 3,966 yards. One could argue, however, that Hasselbeck was more effective during Seattle's run to Super Bowl XL in 2005. With an increased emphasis on rebuilding the running game this year, you'll likely see a minor drop in overall numbers. Regardless, Hasselbeck is a master of Holmgren's hybrid West Coast offense and will be a solid, sometimes spectacular fantasy starter. With improved pass protection, he'll take less hits and should be less susceptible to injuries in '08, and while his receiving crew does have some questions surrounding it, he'll spread the ball around well while making quick, crisp reads. Hasselbeck is an optimum pick as a fantasy starter in the fifth-to-sixth rounds, once the very elite quarterbacks are off the board.

Backup Seneca Wallace has a strong arm and understands the offense well, and his athleticism is an added plus. While he's on the small side and can make some head-shaking mistakes, he has filled in adequately for Hasselbeck before and would be a good fantasy plug-in should he be needed to start at any time. I give him a free-agent pickup grade of B-plus in such a situation.

Running Back
After a disappointing four-year run in Dallas, which was marked by injuries and unmet expectations, Julius Jones looks to start over in Seattle. Playing with something to prove and the skills to be an electric runner, Jones does have some considerable upside with his new team. Seattle's offensive line should be improved this season, and Jones can be explosive and very productive when he gets into a rhythm. He'll be a good pick late in the fourth round or early in the fifth.

The one residual problem with Jones may be a lack of regular touchdown production, as another newcomer, T.J. Duckett, is a serious threat to steal goal-line carries. Duckett will at least be useful as a fantasy reserve and bye week option. There is the potential for Jones and Duckett to split carries and frustrate fantasy owners, so Jones is no sure thing as a starter, and Duckett doesn't look like an ideal flex player.

Maurice Morris is a quality fill-in if Jones goes down, and he is a top free-agent pickup in case of an injury. Morris won't score many touchdowns, but he is gritty and can tear off some long runs. Holmgren has recently indicated that Jones and Morris could share some first-team duties, but it may just be a ploy to motivate Jones. If Jones is playing to his potential, it’s difficult to envision both Duckett and Morris taking a lot of his carries.

Fullback Leonard Weaver is a solid lead blocker who can catch passes out of the backfield. He has minor scoring potential, but he is strictly a major desperation option with a free-agent pickup grade of C-minus.

Rookie Owen Schmitt has drawn some comparisons to ex-49er Tom Rathman, but he will likely be buried on the pecking order in his rookie season and should only be considered as a good depth selection in dynasty leagues.

Wide Receiver
This unit doesn't look as impressive as last year, especially with Deion Branch recovering from knee surgery and D.J. Hackett, who was a weapon when he was available, gone to Carolina. Branch is recovering from a torn ACL and is not expected to be ready for the start of the season. When he actually returns is anyone's guess, and you should probably pass on him on draft day, letting someone else worry about him. There have been some recent reports that he could be back in time for the regular season, but he may not be near 100 percent.

So Bobby Engram, who caught 94 balls for 1,147 yards in 2007, should again be Hasselbeck's top target. Engram is a better option in PPR leagues than in standard scoring formats, as he scored six touchdowns last year, and it's always tough to guess who will score for the Seahawks on any given drive. Engram is also 35 years old, and he could see a decline in production at any time, even though he relies heavily on wit and experience.

Nate Burleson will start while Branch is out, and while he scored nine times in 2007, consistency may be an issue. Burleson has big-play ability, but he can be pushed around by physical defenders and is prone to mental lapses. Don't overrate him on draft day.

Ben Obomanu is a good bet to step forward as the third receiver. He has displayed some good hands and the ability to become a quality route-runner. If he is needed to start for Seattle at any time, I would give him a free-agent pickup grade of B-minus. He can become a respectable third option for the Seahawks, but would struggle against starting cornerbacks.

Courtney Taylor may have more pure upside than Obomanu, but he likely won't make much of a statistical impact this season.

Tight End
This has long been a problem area in franchise history, with players like Mike Tice and Pete Metzelaars being among the best to ever play for the Seahawks. Along with highly questionable officiating, Jerramy Stevens is another dark memory from Super Bowl XL.

Rookie John Carlson is expected to immediately contribute, because the tight end is a vital position in Holmgren's offense. That became more obvious when the now-departed Marcus Pollard couldn't be relied on in the playoffs, especially against Green Bay. Carlson is smart and fundamentally sound, but will take some time for him to adjust to the NFL game, as many tight ends often do, so you'll have to be patient with him early.

Backup Will Heller is a solid blocker and gets occasional goal-line looks, but is not useful in most leagues, even if he is needed to start for the Seahawks.

Kicker
The loss of Josh Brown has been well-publicized, but as savvy fantasy players know, kickers can vary in performance from year-to-year, and he should be effectively replaced.

Olindo Mare's best days may be behind him, but he'll get a healthy amount of field-goal chances with the Seahawks...if he can win the job in camp.

Rookie Brandon Coutu, however, has the stronger leg, and any kicker who is actually drafted must be on your radar. Coutu has a free-agent pickup grade of A if he has a strong camp and sends Mare packing. Either Seattle kicker will be worth starting in fantasy leagues, depending on who wins out. My pick is Coutu.

Defense/Special Teams
Seattle ranked 15th in the NFL last year in yards per game (321.8) but was sixth in points per game allowed (18.2). More importantly, they ranked fourth in the league in sacks (45) and in interceptions (45). The defensive line has improved greatly in recent years and is led by DE Patrick Kerney, who led the NFC last year with 14.5 sacks. The linebacking unit is arguably the best in the league, and middle man Lofa Tatupu may soon be regarded as the best at his position. Julian Peterson is an established force, and Leroy Hill has Pro Bowl ability. Marcus Trufant has developed into a premier cornerback. Kelly Jennings is rapidly learning and making less mistakes as he progresses. Free safety Brian Russell is very smart and underrated. Burleson is an exciting and highly productive return man who scored twice last season, which only adds to the value of this unit. Seattle should be in the top five in most fantasy scoring formats in 2008, while improving in the yards allowed category.

Offensive Line
This unit was inconsistent in 2007, and it can be partly blamed for Alexander's woes in his final year in Seattle. Left tackle Walter Jones, though, remains the best player at his position. The addition of Mike Wahle should stabilize the left guard position again and help the group perform more respectably overall. Young center Chris Spencer is on the rise, but the right side may not always be dependable, with guard Rob Sims the likely starter next to Sean Locklear. Both players seem to run hot and cold, but as a unit, this group should be steady and will key better overall offensive production this season.

Scott Engel covered the Seattle Seahawks as a columnist and reporter from 1992 to 1998. E-mail Scott at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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