The odds of John Carlson playing significant minutes in 2008 are slim.

1/28 Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC

Despite an inconsistent career at USC, Jackson has ideal size at 6’5’’, 270 lbs to be an eventual starting end. Incumbent starter, Darryl Tapp, doesn’t possess perfect size for the position, and Jackson replacing him down the road is a real possibility. There has also been talk about cutting down on Patrick Kerney’s early season snaps, so Jackson will definitely be in the regular rotation.

2/7 John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame

Since it was clear the Marcus Pollard experiment was a total disaster, the Seahawks had to look somewhere for a tight end. The current competition makes Carlson look like Tony Gonzalez. However, in Mike Holmgren’s 16-year coaching career, he has never started a rookie tight end. At 6’6’’, 255 lbs, Carlson isn’t a burner, but can catch well and isn’t rigid in his routes. He’s worth taking a look at as a back-up fantasy tight end if he opens the season as the ‘Hawks starter.

4/22 Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M

Due to injuries, Bryant was on his way to injured reserve, but Seattle management opted to hold off, simply because he had been so impressive in camp. Bryant is a big, big man, and figures to see regular time on the inside, especially with question marks surrounding Marcus Tubbs, (torn ACL).

5/28 Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia

Because of T.J. Duckett’s presence on the team, Schmitt has a slight chance of being cut before the season. However, if he does find a way to stick around, the roles could reverse, having Schmitt’s youth and upside oust Duckett next season. Schmitt is a punishing runner with solid receiving skills, but still has a ways to go to be a lead blocker at the next level.

6/23 Tyler Schmitt, LS/C, San Diego State

Schmitt was place on injured reserve, which ironically was the best he could hope for. This way, he’s almost assured to have a shot at real playing time next season, as opposed to just being cut without a real good look at him. He is a great long snapper, but doesn’t have a position on either side of the ball, meaning he must excel to make the team next year.

7/26 Justin Forsett, RB, California

Forsett took over at California and let loose on the Pac-10 in fits of rage as he ran for over 1,500 yards and 15 scores. Marshawn Lynch would be proud. Despite his Maurice Jones-Drew comparisons, the 5’8’’ back still faces a tremendous battle just to make the team. He has performed extremely well in pre-season action, but is easily behind Maurice Morris and Julius Jones, and it’s likely to stay that way.

7/28 Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia

With the loss of the sure-legged Josh Brown, someone has to step up and take over. It’s either the veteran Olindo Mare, or Coutu. So far in pre-season, neither has missed, but up until a groin injury, it had appeared Coutu had the leg up. No pun intended. Going 5-5 against the Bears, including the game winner in overtime, is going to be tough for Mare to match.