#1: LB. WLB is the only spot on the team with a starting spot completely open to competition this offseason. It's pretty likely the team will move on from Leroy Hill. If guys like Bradford, Toomer, Smith, et al had shown more this preseason, I doubt that Hill would have even made the cut this year. The team was pretty much indifferent on bringing Hill back last year, and that was after Hill had a good season in 2011. After a mediocre season in 2012, I have to imagine that Hill is done in Seattle. Like Justin Forsett, he may not even get a camp invite this time.
Is this the most important area of need? No. But it is the most glaringly obvious area for immediate upgrade at a starting position. Seattle's depth at LB could use improvement as well. We don't really have an insurance policy for Bobby Wagner. Which is saying something because his speed and coverage ability mean a lot to this defense.
#2: WR. Our WR starting trio is actually pretty talented. However, both Rice and Baldwin are injury prone and we lack much depth behind them. Tate or Baldwin can be upgraded on with a very good draft pick.
#3: DE. I'd put this #1 if I felt Clemons was a sure thing to crap out next season. Irvin looks more ideal as a permanent pass rush specialist. Clemons is 32 next season. Clemons might have a season or two left, but if a premium pass rusher reaches Seattle's first pick that player should be heavily considered. If Clemons collapses without a 3rd pass rusher waiting in the wings to replace him, our defense will be in big trouble. Basically this defense needs two ace pass rushers at all times, and right now we only have two- with one of them being in the twilight of his career.
#4: DT. If Seattle lets Jones and/or Branch walk this offseason without replacing them with an upgrade at the position, that might telegraph an intent to draft a DT decently early. Both have done a good job this season and shouldn't be allowed to walk without a good alternative available. I would be surprised if Seattle took a DT in round 1. Although Schneider seems to always surprise early in the draft.
#5: DB. I kind of cheated here and put DB. Seattle will need to fill the shoes of Trufant this offseason, and Sherman could miss a few games early next season. Jeron Johnson has been a solid player in big nickle situations but he's not a game changer. Seattle will probably add competition to his spot. This is not an early round priority unless value presents itself.