Many starting spots open as Seahawks conclude rookie minicamp

RENTON — The Seahawks put their offseason additions into practice over the past three days.

First-round pick Aaron Curry lined up next to fellow linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill, and receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught passes from a healthy Matt Hasselbeck.

But those were the easy decisions for the coaches. Curry and Houshmandzadeh could be written in the starting lineup with permanent ink the moment they arrived in Seattle.

The situation isn't so clear cut at other spots like right defensive end or on the interior of the offensive line. And while it will be months before there are any answers, it's already clear where the hotspots will be in competition for starting jobs and playing time.

"Competition is healthy," Seahawks coach Jim Mora said. "That's what we want ... There will be some spots we really have to keep an eye on."

The Seahawks still have two kickers on the roster, a couple of long-snappers — neither of whom has played a regular-season NFL game — and plenty of other spots where men will be trying to play their way onto the field.

Defensive end

Seattle wanted to augment its pass rush over the offseason, but the only defensive lineman signed in free agency is a run-stopping tackle, and the only defensive end the Seahawks chose in the draft was seventh-round pick Nick Reed, who at 247 pounds weighs less than the linebacker Seattle drafted in the first round.

Patrick Kerney is the starting left end, but he suffered season-ending injuries in two of the past three seasons. Who starts on the other end of the line is a question.

Seattle traded for Cory Redding, who played defensive tackle for the Lions but is expected to move to end.

Darryl Tapp had three sacks last season, his fewest in three NFL seasons, and Lawrence Jackson wasn't as much of a factor as the Seahawks expected after choosing him in the first round.

The improvement in Seattle's pass rush could come from within the Seahawks' roster.

"One of the big things we've challenged Lawrence on is just his overall effort," said Gus Bradley, Seattle's new defensive coordinator. "Through this offseason — things that he's done — you're seeing it starting to show up here on the field."

Interior off. line

By the time last season ended, Seattle's entire starting offensive line had been sidelined by injuries and even now — four months later — not everyone is back. Tackle Walter Jones and guard Mike Wahle still aren't practicing as they recover from surgeries, but just how Seattle rebuilds the inside of the offensive line is worth watching.

Chris Spencer is the first-team center. Rob Sims is in great shape and back at right guard after suffering a torn pectoral muscle last year. When Seattle chose Max Unger in the second round of last weekend's draft, many thought that he might supplant Spencer at center. Unger played center his final two years at Oregon, but this minicamp he worked out at left guard with the second-unit offensive line, and that's where Unger will stay for now.

"It's really important for a young guy, you put him in a spot and let him get settled before you ask him to do other things," Mora said.

Cornerback

The addition of Ken Lucas subtracted Josh Wilson from the first-unit defense at cornerback. At least for now.

Wilson is Seattle's fifth defensive back used in nickel defenses, and he excels against the slot receiver, but this wasn't exactly what he had in mind after starting 12 games last season and picking off four passes, returning one for a touchdown.

Lucas has eight years of experience and is a 6-foot cornerback that gives Seattle size, but expect the 5-9 Wilson to do his best to play his way onto the field.

"Josh Wilson is not a guy who's going to go easily so there's going to be competition there," Mora said.

Wide receiver

Houshmandzadeh caught a touchdown pass during a red-zone drill on Sunday's final practice, exactly the kind of thing that used to make Mora holler when he was coaching the Seahawks secondary the past two years.

Now that he's the head coach, Mora told the secondary he could celebrate.

"I can stand over here with the offense and get after you, [and] rejoice in some nice touchdown throws," Mora said.

Houshmandzadeh is at flanker, and Nate Burleson is back from a knee injury and playing split end, which is where Deon Butler, the 5-10 rookie from Penn State, also begins. Then there's Deion Branch, who's recovering from an arthroscopic knee surgery, and Courtney Taylor and Ben Obomanu also will compete for playing time.

"Our backup receiver positions, there's going to be outstanding competition there," Mora said.