Hawk Talk highlights: Where Kevin Williams fits

Defensive lineman Kevin Williams is a five-time All-Pro, but he’s competing for a spot with the Seahawks. (AP)

By Brent Stecker

Highlights from the latest edition of “Hawk Talk” with Danny O’Neil:

Tory asked what players recently-signed former All-Pro Kevin Williams be competing with for a roster spot.

Danny O’Neil: That’s a great question. Locks on the D-Line: (Brandon) Mebane, (Cliff) Avril, Michael Bennett, Tony McDaniel. I am also inclined to put Jordan Hill and Bruce Irvin on this category, too, though Irvin is a starting linebacker. Kevin Williams is in the next group of guys, alongside Jesse Williams and Greg Scruggs who’ll have a strong opportunity, but I don’t think you should overlook some other players like Jimmy Staten.

A guest asked if the signing of Kevin Williams means the Seahawks aren’t thrilled with Jesse Williams or Jordan Hill.

Danny O’Neil: No, I wouldn’t phrase it that way. It means that Seattle saw Kevin Williams as someone who can come in and compete for that role. That getting a six-time Pro Bowler and seeing how much is left will make everyone better and give the team the pick of the litter.

HawksNorth asked who is the one name nobody knows that has a real shot of making the team.

Danny O’Neil: Dion Bailey. Undrafted rookie safety out of USC, and someone who could factor in as a backup to Earl Thomas.

aiiye asked if rookie wide receiver Paul Richardson figures to rotate into the mix outside or primarily see action as a slot guy.

Danny O’Neil: Paul Richardson — I expect — is going to play exclusively on the outside to begin with. Kevin Norwood is actually the rookie who projects as a slot target for this team. I know that sounds kind of counterintuitive because Norwood is the physically larger of the two men, but Richardson’s speed sets him up on the outside.

Evil Penguin asked if it’s a surprise Marshawn showed, and whether he did only because he has responded in the past to threats of fines.

Danny O’Neil: Well, if Marshawn Lynch is truly that reluctant to risk a fine, that’s great news for the Seahawks’ leverage. Because the CBA allows you to fine the Bejeebers out of a player under contract who doesn’t come to training camp.

RaidersFan asked what the status of Terrelle Pryor is, and which players he’s taking reps with.

Danny O’Neil: Well, this isn’t going to make you happy. I think the release of Keith Price was actually a sign the Seahawks are very encouraged by Pryor’s progress. The Seahawks have thought that Pryor has responded to instruction — both in terms of technique and the playbook — very well, and he’s picked up things quicker than people expected. There’s no guarantee Pryor makes the team, and if he does, it would be as a No. 3 QB, but the team is encouraged.