Seahawks Super Bowl Contenders? Why Seattle Should Be Taken 'Seriously'

It's certainly not a stretch to say the Seattle Seahawks have one of the NFC's best rosters, which would put them in the Super Bowl conversation by default.

Unlike last year, the Seattle Seahawks won't be sneaking up on anyone this upcoming season, as the team is now expected to make the playoffs and contend for a NFC West title.

But a Super Bowl contender? It's perfectly okay if the Seahawks aren't quite there yet after being over a year removed from trading franchise quarterback Russell Wilson.

Yet, according to Sports Illustrated's release of offseason lessons learned for all 32 teams, the Seahawks might've already shown that they are at least a respectable threat to come out of the NFC.

SI's lesson learned for the Seahawks? That they are "this year’s sleeper Super Bowl contender." Here's why:

"More should be taking the Seahawks seriously after the offseason moves they made, such as drafting Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba," SI wrote. "If Geno Smith proves to be more than a one-year wonder, the Seahawks might have one of the best rosters in the NFC. They also have enough playmakers on offense and defense to keep pace with the mighty 49ers in the NFC West."

It's certainly not a stretch to say the Seahawks have one of the NFC's best rosters, which would put them in the Super Bowl conversation by default. The team retained much of the key talent from last season while continuing to build a young core that is arguably the best in the NFL.

Combine this with a defense that is expected to be much improved and the return of legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks' roster makeup is the envy of many teams, especially since they essentially skipped the rebuilding faze after being projected as one of the worst squads in the league heading into last season.

All of this offseason hype is putting the Seahawks on the pedestal of pressure. The talent, youth and veteran leadership is there. Now, it's time for Seattle to make the most of what is fixing to be an exciting season for the franchise.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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