As we approach the opening of the 2017 NFL season, it is time to review one more team in terms of defensive players, both in terms of individual defensive players (IDP) and as a team defense (TD). This final installment will be looking at a top five TD that slipped a bit last season but should again be back among the top draft picks this season, the Seattle Seahawks. Drafting this once sure thing TD was a disappointment in 2016, but the outlook is better with both FS Earl Thomas and kick returner Tyler Lockett in better health than they were in last season.

Seattle plays a 4-3 defense, and the line is solid, with Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril providing strong pass rushing skills, and Ahtyba Rubin and Jarran Reed to plug up the middle. Both Rubin and Reed are subject to being substituted out on passing downs, but the team has good depth on the defensive line. Bennett missed time last season due to a knee surgery, but is expected to be back in form this season. DE Frank Clark is proving to be a valuable bench player and did rack up 10 sacks last season,  If on another team, he would probably be a starter at defensive end. If you are in a DT-mandatory league, both Rubin and Reed are considerations at the draft table, and both Bennett and Avril are steady and solid IDP producers in big play leagues.

The linebacking crew is also worthy of IDP league consideration, especially MLB Bobby Wagner and WLB K.J. Wright. These are the linebackers to target in IDP leagues, especially with the Seattle propensity to use nickel coverage which discounts the value of the strong side linebackers Michael Wilhoite and Terence Garvin. The team is well set at LB in terms of depth, but the backups are not players you want to target in your IPD leagues unless they develop into every down LBs due to injury. One bench player to keep an eye on is Dewey McDonald, who saw a great deal of time on the special teams squad in 2016, and has been converted from safety to linebacker.

The Seahawks secondary has questions, to be sure, with FS Earl Thomas returning from a broken leg and SS Cam Chancellor coming off surgery to clean up both his ankles. Still, having CB Richard Sherman in the backfield is a positive, despite off-season talk about trading the cornerback. Jeremy Lane is slated to be the other cornerback, but is in competition with rookies Shaquill Griffin and Mike Tyson, so hold off on taking him in your IDP leagues until the starters shake out. Thomas has been a stud in the past, although the broken tibia issue in 2016 is a concern going forward. Rookie Tedrick Thompson and Bradley McDougald will be groomed this season as future safeties, as the Seahawks prepare for a future without Sherman, Chancellor and Thomas, as all three defensive secondary players are coming up on the end of their contracts.

The special teams squad is boosted by the return of Tyler Lockett, who will handle the bulk of the kickoff returns as well as punt returns. If Lockett has health issues, the team will turn to Richard Sherman for punt return duties, and will look to JD McKissic to step up to return kickoffs. Lockett has value as a WR and in the proper league, as a return specialist.

This is a defense to again target in your drafts, with a bunch of potential IDP producers. When the team plays in Seattle, the defense is formidable due to the involvement of the fans during the game, upsetting opposing offenses with the level of crowd noise at the home stadium. Absent the injuries that affected the team last season, they look like a sure thing to again be a top-5 team defense in 2017. If you want to fade the TD when the Seattle Seahawks head out on the road, that is a good consideration but only against a strong offense, as this defense matches up well at home and on the road for the most part. Remember to read the IDP Reports every week on our site to learn whether or not we are discounting their weekly value.

As ever, good luck and Godspeed in your fantasy efforts. Make certain to read all of our great articles to help you win your fantasy match ups every week and ultimately bask in championship glory. If you have any fantasy football questions, especially about IDP leagues, send your inquires to ia@fantasyalarm.com.