First impressions of Seahawks newcomers

Seattle P-I Seahawks beat reporter Clare Farnsworth evaluates how some of the team's newest players looked during the three-day minicamp over the weekend and the four-day veterans' camp that concluded Thursday.

RB JULIUS JONES

IN A WORD: Quick

IN DEPTH: When all is said and run, Jones should get the brunt of the carries in Year One, A.S. (After Shaun). Jones has been hitting the holes -- the assigned holes -- more quickly than Alexander did the past two seasons. Now, it's just a matter of whether he can be durable while also being productive.

RB T.J. DUCKETT

IN A WORD: Biceps

IN DEPTH: His upper arms are huge. So big, in fact, it's amazing he can cradle the football. But then Duckett is a big back (254 pounds) trying to show he can be a complete back. He could end up playing some tailback, some fullback and also being the short-yardage option.

OG MIKE WAHLE

IN A WORD: Needed

IN DEPTH: Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, Chris Spencer and Rob Sims were not the answer at the left guard spot that has been a sore spot since All-Pro Steve Hutchinson was allowed to get away in free agency after the 2005 season. Wahle's skills fit what new line coach Mike Solari needs his linemen to do.

TE JEB PUTZIER

IN A WORD: Backup

IN DEPTH: The Seahawks had to get a starter at the pivotal tight end position that sets Mike Holmgren's hybrid of the West Coast offense apart from the others in the league. That's why they drafted John Carlson. And, they're now admitting that incumbent backup Will Heller is a better player than originally given credit for. So ...

LB D.D. LEWIS

IN A WORD: Familiar

IN DEPTH: He's wearing a different number (58) than during his first stint with the team (54). But Lewis knows the defense -- so well that he's calling the signals in the huddle as the middleman in the No. 2 defense. Lewis provides needed depth and versatility and also will help on special teams.

DT LARRY TRIPPLETT

IN A WORD: Rejuvenated

IN DEPTH: Tripplett is happy to be "home," and it shows in how active the former Washington Husky has been in practice. But he's also trying to stick at a position where the line in front of him includes Brandon Mebane, Rocky Bernard, Craig Terrill, Red Bryant and perhaps Marcus Tubbs.

DL CHRIS COOPER

IN A WORD: Versatile

IN DEPTH: The Seahawks could have used Cooper last year, when so many defensive linemen when down or were sidelined with injuries. But they had released him in 2006. Cooper's value remains his ability to make plays at either end or tackle.

K OLINDO MARE

IN A WORD: Consistent

IN DEPTH: Or, in a hyphenated word, machine-like. Injuries eroded his efficiency with the Saints last season, but Mare still has the leg to get the job done. Whether the job is going to be his will be determined during a summer-long "kick-off" with rookie Brandon Coutu.

-- Clare Farnsworth