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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Position preview

The Spokesman-Review

Depth chart

No. NameHt.Wt.NFL
96 Grant Wistrom6-422725th year
“ Spectator at camp with foot injury
55 Chike Okeafor6-42656th year
“ Led team with eight sacks last season
97 Brandon Mitchell6-32908th year
“ Part-time starter a year ago
78 Antonio Cochran6-42996th year
“ Took step backward last season
91 Anton Palepoi6-32833rd year
“ Wasn’t much of factor in 2003
65 Omar Nazel6-5245Rookie
“Key player for co-national champ USC
55 Christian Moore6-52371st year

Lowdown

The signing of Grant Wistrom in March was Seattle’s biggest off-season move. He’s proven to be durable and highly productive, particularly in his last five years with St. Louis. During that span, he averaged 86.4 tackles, 7.7 sacks, 3.2 passes defensed, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery per season. Wistrom hasn’t been able to participate in training camp because of plantar fasciitis, but he is expected to practice following the third preseason game against San Diego on Aug. 27. Wistrom, when healthy, provides a major boost to the pass rush and run defense. Opposite end Chike Okeafor put together a solid 2003 season. Brandon Mitchell is a versatile, serviceable backup. Antonio Cochran and Anton Palepoi are trying to come back from disappointing years. Omar Nazel made several nice plays against Green Bay and Gabe Nyenhuis added two sacks.

Fast fact

Wistrom is one of six Seahawks with Super Bowl experience. The others: Chad Brown (Pittsburgh), Robbie Tobeck (Atlanta), Trent Dilfer (Baltimore), Brandon Mitchell (New England) and Tom Rouen (Denver).

Quote

“We’ve added to the defensive line so hopefully that will be one of our strong positions.” _ coach Mike Holmgren.

Coming Tuesday: Punters