Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers’ 2018 NFC West opponent preview: Seattle Seahawks

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Nick Vannett #81 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Nick Vannett #81 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 03: Injured cornerback Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks smiles from the sidelines before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 03: Injured cornerback Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks smiles from the sidelines before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images) /

Recapping the Seahawks’ 2018 Offseason

Key Losses: EDGE Michael Bennett, S Kam Chancellor, CB Richard Sherman, EDGE Cliff Avril, TE Jimmy Graham, WR Paul Richardson

Key Additions: WR Brandon Marshall, G D.J. Fluker

Best NFL Draft Picks: RB Rashaad Penny, LB Shaquem Griffin

The Seahawks didn’t exactly go through an offseason from hell in 2018, but it was close.

Just to consider all things, take a look at this:

That, plus a complete changing of coordinators under head coach Pete Carroll, and it looks as if Seattle is no longer concerned with trying to win now. Instead, the Seahawks are looking to the future.

On one hand, credit goes to general manager John Schneider for at least trying to recognize his aging, increasingly expensive roster wasn’t going to be a part of the team’s next championship run.

But all those roster moves are going to sting for a while.

Schneider used his first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft in rather interesting fashion. Instead of addressing arguably the Seahawks’ biggest weakness, the offensive line, Schneider elected to grab running back Rashaad Penny out of San Diego State. And Scheider didn’t make a move to address the O-line until grabbing Ohio State offensive tackle Jamarco Jones in Round 5.

A questionable decision, particularly with Football Outsiders ranking Seattle’s O-line 25th in pass protection and 31st in run blocking last year.

This likely equates to two things — Penny will have a tough time running the ball his rookie season, and quarterback Russell Wilson will be under duress once again for 2018. And while Wilson’s elusiveness and ability to extend plays is at an elite level, it’s probably not going to be the best formula for success when considering all the other changes Seattle endured this offseason.