John Clayton's Cold Hard Facts

John Clayton covers a myriad of Seahawks topics, including the position battles to keep an eye on in the Seahawks' preseason opener Thursday at San Diego. He also picks the Seahawks' most valuable fantasy player, and explains why WR Early Doucet was released so soon.

John Clayton explains why the Seahawks can't afford to lose wide receiver Sidney Rice for more than a few games this season. "The Professor" also talks about how another serious injury could affect guard James Carpenter's time in Seattle, what he expects the team's plans to be during Thursday night's preseason opener in San Diego and whether the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement has anything to do with the slew of training camp injuries.

John Clayton explains why one shouldn't be concerned about Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin disrupting Seattle's offense with a return from injury late in the regular season, should the Seahawks already be on a roll. "The Professor" also gives an update on the 49ers' injuries and his impression of the Rams after visiting their training camp.

John Clayton discusses whether the Seahawks releasing return man Leon Washington after the trade for wide receiver Percy Harvin will come back to haunt them, as well as whether a prolonged absence from Harvin will have a negative effect on their record in 2013. The Professor also has thoughts on the Seahawks' signing of linebacker O'Brien Schofield, whether Seattle guard John Moffitt could be looking at a suspension, and what NFL team's receivers have been hit hardest by injuries.

John Clayton sheds some light on the injury that landed Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin on the PUP list, and notes why Harvin missing practices may not be as bad as it sounds. Clayton also talks about why Seahawks fans should be worried about tight end Zach Miller's foot issues and the Pac-12's new limit on full contact practices.

John Clayton breaks down everything he saw today at Seahawks training camp at the VMAC. The professor also gives his concern with Percy Harvin's hip injury. Clayton also thinks the Seahawks offense looked rusty today.

John Clayton explains that the December hearing for Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch's DUI arrest that occured last July will likely be delayed until next year. Clayton also discusses the Seahawks signing tight end Michael Palmer, where quarterback Russell Wilson ranks in fantasy football and what things could derail their highly-anticipated season.

John Clayton gives his take on Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman agreeing to write a regular column for Sports Illustrated's Monday Morning Quarterback and whether there's any danger of Sherman's self-promoting behavior distancing himself from his teammates. Clayton also predicts where both the Seahawks defense and 49ers defense will rank and discusses current happenings within the 49ers organization.

John Clayton gives his prediction on whether or not the Seahawks can go 8-0 at home again this season? Which Seahawks rookie has the best chance to start? Clayton also talks about his unique relationship with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger.

John Clayton discusses what the Seahawks' plan will be in the backfield, including how much they will run the ball and how the depth chart will look at running back. Other topics including CBS Sports' Pete Prisco's coach ratings, Seahawks DE Chris Clemons' injury status, and the effect of the new helmet rule.

John Clayton explains why there are so few shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL and how the Seahawks' dominant secondary helps open up the playbook for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. "The Professor" also touches on Heisman winner Johnny Manziel's projection as an NFL quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals' sleeper status and Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's admission that he still roots for his hometown Atlanta Falcons.

John Clayton discusses whether Seahawks second-round draft pick Christine Michael can beat out second-year pro Robert Turbin for the Seahawks backup running back spot. "The Professor" also gives his take on how the Seahawks defense could evolve under new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, whether the Broncos suspending two of their executives for DUI arrests was an appropriate punishment and how the Atlanta Falcons will fare this season.

John Clayton brings insight to the NFL's hopes to enhance the in stadium experience. The professor also discusses how the Seahawks defensive approach might change with Dan Quinn as the new coordinator. He also talks about what the Seahawks must do in order to improve off of last season's growth.

The Seahawks released wide receiver Charly Martin to sign long snapper Kyle Nelson who was released by the San Francisco 49ers. Nelson will now battle with Clint Gresham for the starting long snapper position. If Nelson beats out Gresham, it will save the Seahawks nearly $900,000 dollars to help resign some more important players. Also, Clayton talks about the latest NFL uniform rules with pads and Patriots defensive back Alfonzo Dennard's DUI.

"The Professor" explains what Bruce Irvin's move from the defensive line to linebacker will mean early in the season for the Seahawks. He also answers questions about possible LB signing for the Seahawks and Lions QB Matthew Stafford's big extension.