WR’s (5) TJ Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deon Butler, Deion Branch, Ben Obomanu

TE’s (3) John Carlson, John Owens, Cameron Morrah

In the last several years, the Seahawks have had some turnover at wide receiver and every fall has seen stories focused on the developing chemistry between Matt Hasselbeck and a new group of pass catchers. There doesn’t seem to be a need this year, so obvious is the connection between the QB and new target TJ Houshmandzadeh. 100 grabs is not out of the question if both guys stay healthy.

Burleson is the clear #2 receiver on the team now, and its main option on the outside, since Houshmandzadeh will be creating havoc in the middle. Nate isn’t a deep threat exactly, he is dangerous because he can shake the first defender and streak down the sideline after the catch. Expect to see him return a few kicks this year as well.

When Deon Butler was taken in the third out of Penn State, I watched a lot of video on him. The temptation for a Seahawk fan is to think that the little wideout will be similar to fellow PSU alum and Seahawk Bobby Engram, but they aren’t the same player. Butlers ability to adjust to bad deep balls and make over the shoulder catches is phenomenal. He has game breaking speed and can make the eye-popping catch. The skills are there, but the question will be whether he can hold up physically and take the big hit from safeties and linebackers.

Deion Branch is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, and that seems appropriate. When he is physically able to play, Branch gives the Seahawks amazing depth at WR. When he’s out, they are short. There was some talk of trading him, but at his salary and with his injury situation it was never realistic. If his body holds up, he may still make a difference for this team.

Obomanu has several years experience with the QB, he can play the slot position, and he is a solid special teamer. This is another player that has struggled with injuries, but this is a critical year for him because the ‘Hawks are carrying just 5 wideouts. Obomanu must be a factor in the passing game and prove he can be counted on in a regular season game.

John Carlson is arguably the best TE in the history of the Seahawks entering his second season, and holds all relevant single season records in team history for TE’s. It’s true the Seahawks haven’t had many pass catching tight ends, but Carlson is the real deal. He and Houshmandzadeh will be the interior targets for Hasselbeck.

John Owens was picked up without much fanfare from the Lions, but I like this player. He won’t be on your fantasy team, but he is the kind of player that makes real life football teams work. He did a great job blocking this preseason and he will be on the field regularly as the 2nd tight end. 3rd stringer Cameron Morrah looked raw in preseason and committed a few penalties/mental errors. He has physical skills and hopefully he will develop. While I like the starters at tight end I worry a little about their depth at the position.

Offensive Line (9): Walter Jones, Ray Willis, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer, Max Unger, Rob Sims, Steve Vallos, Mansfield Wrotto, Brandon Frye

The key to the season is right here and there are question marks at every position. If the offensive line can protect Hasselbeck and keep him in the game, this team can make noise. If they can’t, we are looking at more top 5 draft picks and rating rookie QB’s. I have been following Walter Jones (@tweetie) on twitter and his mood is clearly bubbly, confident. I don’t expect him for the first game, but he will be back soon. He may be mortal now, but he is still Walter. Fellow tackles Locklear and Willis will be tested in his absence. Were these two worth the investment? I think they were. Pay close attention to how they perform in the Rams game, protecting the edges against Leonard Little and Chris Long.

Chris Spencer is injured again and will miss at least one game. Steve Vallos is stepping in again. Is Spencer going to be dinged up all season long with leg injuries? Is Vallos good enough to start for a playoff team? Frankly I have doubts about both players, but I am leaning towards Vallos at this point. Max Unger will settle in at right guard for now, but will he be needed at center? Unger looks like a great pick already, if nothing else he is a security blanket at 3 positions. At left guard we will experiment with Rob Sims again. This is a sink or swim year for Sims, who can establish himself or play himself out of the picture this season. Also in the picture are G Mansfield Wrotto and G/T Brandon Frye, but the Seahawks will need to keep their starters healthy on the line if they hope to have any success this season.