RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks lost 11 players off the 2013 team that had a total of 64 years of NFL experience. But cornerback Richard Sherman believes the 2014 team has the talent to more than make up for what it lost.

"I think a lot more guys will get more opportunities than they have had in the past," Sherman said. "They'll take advantage of those opportunities. They [the coaching staff] aren't letting the vets get as many opportunities [at training camp] because they want to see the young guys get out there and show what they can do. You just want to see more growth. You want to see guys take the next step, and I think they will this camp."

Sherman pointed out a couple of players in the Seattle secondary who are ready to step up for the losses of cornerbacks Walter Thurmond and Brandon Browner, along with safety Chris Maragos. One is second-year cornerback Tharold Simon.

"He is a great player," Sherman said of Simon. "He has a great knack for when to jump for the ball. He has great speed and great length [at 6-foot-3]. He's just learning the position and he is still a little bit raw, but he has tremendous talent and I think he will be a great corner when it's all set and done."

Sherman also expects big things this season from Jeremy Lane, who is expected to start as the nickelback.

"Jeremy is incredibly instinctive," Sherman said. "He's quick, he plays fast and he's aggressive. He is more aggressive than his size [6-foot, 190] would indicate. He is kind of like Earl [Thomas] in that sense with his competitiveness. He is just over competitive. In walk-through he won't give up a pass. He has all the makings of a great corner."