Here’s a quick look at the defensive tackle spot for the Seahawks heading into training camp. The team has eight players listed at the DT spot entering camp:
Locks -- Brandon Mebane, Ahtyba Rubin, Tony McDaniel, Jordan Hill. Mebane missed the second half of last season after undergoing surgery for a severely torn hamstring. He didn’t participate in OTAs, but says he’ll be ready to go for camp. No doubt the Seahawks will take it slow with him. Rubin, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, was signed in the offseason as a free agent. He could beat out McDaniel for a starting spot. Hill was spectacular down the stretch last season before suffering a knee sprain. If anyone in this quartet has a chance to fall out of the lock category, it would be McDaniel.
Bubble -- D’Anthony Smith and Jimmy Staten. Smith is starting his sixth season. It’s time to step up or step out. Staten was injured most of his rookie season last year and remains an unknown at this point, but the coaches believe he has upside potential.
Longshots -- T.Y. McGill and Jesse Williams. McGill is a rookie free agent from North Carolina State who could end up on the practice squad. It’s incredible that Williams is able to consider playing football this year. He underwent surgery for kidney cancer in June, but is working out and hoping to return soon. It’s likely he starts the season on injured reserve, but his positive attitude and quick recovery is an inspiration to his teammates.
