ESPN NFC West Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The premise: 'Tis the season when disappointed NFL fans call for their teams to take a longer look at young talent on the roster.

The reality: Teams generally do not have a long list of promising players sitting on their benches. For Seattle, Mansfield Wrotto and Brandon Coutu might be logical candidates.

The Seahawks: After looking at the 49ers' youngest players, we take a quick look at the 20 youngest players on the Seahawks' roster. Each is listed by name, position and current age, starting with the youngest.

1. Brandon Miller, DE, 22: Recently claimed off waivers from the Falcons.
2. Justin Forsett, RB, 23: Returned two punts and one kickoff against Dallas in Week 13.
3. Lawrence Jackson, DE, 23: Starting at right defensive end.
4. Josh Wilson, CB, 23: Starting at right cornerback.
5. Owen Schmitt, FB, 23: Started at fullback until Leonard Weaver returned from injury. Key contributor on special teams.
6. David Hawthorne, LB, 23: Played enough on special teams at Dallas to draw a penalty.
7. Brandon Mebane, DT, 23: Starting at defensive tackle. Best player on the defensive line.
8. Coutu, K, 24: General manager Tim Ruskell is carrying Coutu on the roster while coach Mike Holmgren is sticking with veteran Olindo Mare.
9. Wrotto, OL, 24: Next in line for playing time if injuries sideline guards Floyd Womack or Ray Willis.
10. Darryl Tapp, DE, 24: Starting at defensive end.
11. Baraka Atkins, DE, 24: Playing extensively as part of the line rotation. Has shown signs of progress lately.
12. Jordan Kent, WR, 24: Struggled when injuries forced him into the lineup.
13. John Carlson, TE, 24: Starting tight end leads the team in receiving.
14. C.J. Wallace, S, 24: Special-teams contributor not factoring into rotation in secondary.
    
15. Red Bryant, DT, 24: Injuries have prevented him from playing as much as expected.
    
16. Courtney Taylor, WR, 24: Played his way out of a starting role even when Seattle was desperate at the position.
17. Kyle Williams, OL, 24: Signed to help the Seahawks get through practice amid diminished numbers on the line.
18. Steve Vallos, C, 24: Started at center against the Cowboys after 2005 first-round choice Chris Spencer suffered an injury.
19. Will Herring, LB, 25: Battled illness for much of the season before passing a physical and contributing on special teams.
    
20. Kevin Hobbs, CB, 25: Singled out for progress during offseason workouts, but not part of the rotation in the secondary.

We'll take a look at the Rams' 20 youngest players at some point this week. Their youngest player, David Vobora, started at linebacker in Week 13.