My final mock draft is being finalised and will be published today. In the meantime, check out my latest Puck Sports show discussing what the Seahawks might do in the draft:
Well, we have been saying for a while that the Seahawks will draft a quarterback this year. Check the video out for the details. Few written thoughts below too:
I’ve had a chance to reflect on this a little and perhaps the idea here is it could be Jalen Milroe. Firstly, there’s been a bit of chatter about why he was invited to the draft. It would make sense for someone like Adam Schefter to dig around to find out more information and maybe he’s discovered, one way or another, that the Seahawks have a keen interest.
Secondly, Mike Macdonald was in Baltimore when the Ravens traded up from #52 to #32 to acquire Lamar Jackson. I’m not suggesting the Seahawks will make that kind of jump up. They might not need to trade up at all. However, Macdonald saw how the Ravens developed Milroe after selecting him to initially sit behind Joe Flacco. His dynamic athleticism and physical tools were harnessed to create a NFL MVP level player. There’s no guarantee Milroe will ever reach anywhere near those heights — but he is a similarly dynamic physical talent. As the defensive coordinator in Baltimore, Macdonald will know how Jackson’s running ability tested opponents week-to-week.
We also know John Schneider values tools and mobility. Milroe ticks both of those boxes. Between them, they may have decided this is a guy they want to bring in to try and develop. That it’s worth rolling the dice on his upside.
Some other things to consider. Milroe is from a military background and handles his business in a serious and professional way. That will likely appeal to Macdonald. He’s also well liked and considered to be of strong character. This is something the Seahawks put a lot of emphasis on.
As soon as Klint Kubiak was hired, people speculated about the Seahawks potentially adding Taysom Hill when he recovers from injury because of the fondness Kubiak had for Hill. Milroe could initially feature in that kind of role as he develops as a passer.
The Seahawks brought him in for an official visit, as they did Tyler Shough. That is worth noting. Plus, I just get the sense the Seahawks and Schneider are ready to take shots at the position. Part of their motivation to move on from Geno Smith was his desire for commitment. I think the team preferred a more open relationship because they want to try and find a long-term solution.
These are just some thoughts. I can still well imagine them equally showing interest in Shough. Just because he’s older likely won’t dissuade them, especially if their intention is to push Darnold from the off. How far will Jaxson Dart fall? After all this time, has the hunch about interest in Quinn Ewers been accurate? Would they take him earlier than some are suggesting?
Either way I’m convinced that Adam Schefter knows something and is subtly informing his audience that the Seahawks are probably going to draft a quarterback in the first two rounds.
The Seahawks say they want to be tough and physical up front, win in the trenches and be a team nobody wants to play against.
If they get the opportunity, they should put that into action this week.
I say ‘if they get the opportunity’ because it’s never as simple as having a desire to do something. It doesn’t matter how much you want a great offensive line, an elite edge rusher or a franchise quarterback. The players have to be there.
It’s possible on Thursday the options aren’t there. Plenty of tuned-in media types are reporting a potential run on offensive lineman. Grey Zabel, the player most tipped to be Seattle’s pick at #18, has been connected to the Dolphins at #13 and even the Cowboys at #12. The Cardinals at #16 are also a team to watch.
If he joins Will Campbell, Armand Membou and Kelvin Banks Jr in leaving the board before pick #18, the Seahawks could face a dilemma. They’d have to decide whether they want to go O-line anyway and take someone like Donovan Jackson or Tyler Booker. Or they could pivot to another position, which might be the better move in that scenario. There are really good high-character, highly talented players at other positions.
You also have to be ready for players who drop unexpectedly and for non-medical or character reasons. It happened a year ago with Byron Murphy. Could it happen with Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland this year? I highly doubt it but it would be a situation you probably couldn’t pass up.
There are two prevailing thoughts I have:
— After not signing a single interior offensive lineman in free agency, I have to believe they’ve had a plan. All along, I think they knew there were going to be options at #18 that they really liked. They know they have to fix the O-line and to be so restrained during free agency suggests they knew reinforcement were coming in the draft.
— If Zabel lasts to #18 he could and probably should be Seattle’s choice. He has excellent tape showing clearly his fit in a zone blocking scheme. He can pull with ease, he reaches up to the second level comfortably, his combo-blocking is good, he subtly shifts defenders to open running lanes and he targets second-level defenders well when on the move. His PFF zone-blocking grade was an 84.8.
He has the exact same explosive testing score (TEF) as Creed Humphrey (3.25). He’s a shade below Cam Jurgens, Zach Tom and Frank Ragnow — all players who have excelled in the pro’s.
From a character stand point he’s considered an A+. He can help set the tone in Seattle and create a new O-line identity.
When the Seahawks pass on players like this, people tend to complain. A lot. Taking Zabel and just feeling good about it would be a step in the right direction. He can operate at left guard as a rookie and fill the gaping hole left by Laken Tomlinson (who needed upgrading anyway).
If Zabel isn’t available, to develop the thought of the Seahawks having a plan, perhaps this is a solution? I put a lot of faith in explosive traits translating to success at the next level. Look at the list in this article. Almost all of the top O-liners in the league have explosive testing results.
Donovan Jackson’s TEF score of 3.19 is highly impressive and only a notch below Zabel. Given Seattle’s need to fix the O-line, I do think they should just consider pulling the trigger on Jackson if ‘Plan A’ isn’t available. I would also consider Tyler Booker still, given his 4.65 short shuttle offsets some of the weirdness about his appalling testing everywhere else. But he’s not explosive. Zabel and Jackson are.
There are also a bunch of tackles who could be moved inside to guard.
If the O-liners are coming off the board quickly in round one, I’m not sure you can afford to wait this out. This isn’t reaching for need. So many of these players are going to be grouped together closely. It’s possible Zabel, Jackson and others are going to carry grades similar to players taken at #14 and #40.
I wouldn’t stop there.
At #50 and #52 I would seriously consider drafting Tate Ratledge or Jared Wilson if they are available. I tweeted immediately after the combine that it’d be quite a thing to have Zabel and Ratledge at guard. That would revolutionise your line. You’d be bigger, tougher, more explosive, more athletic and the attitude of the entire unit would jolt into life. With Abe Lucas at right tackle too, you’d have a legit tough-guy approach up front. It would feel positively Eagles-esque.
Wilson could be an alternative. His testing profile is so reminiscent of Erik McCoy’s you’d be foolish not to consider bringing him in, given how well McCoy played for Klint Kubiak and John Benton in New Orleans.
Two high O-line picks. A statement of intent. You want to be tough and physical up front? This would be it.
With the other pick in round two I would consider being aggressive. Can you move up from #50 to the 30’s to land one of the top-four tight ends (Elijah Arroyo or Mason Taylor)? Do you move up for a defensive lineman — tackle or edge — to further bolster the other side of your line?
You’ve got to come away with a bolstered offensive front, at least one dynamic target needs to be added to the offense (tight end or receiver), they should take advantage of the deep D-line class and use depth at other positions to fill out their roster. For example, there’s enough safety depth in this class to feel like you can find a Tyrice Knight-type starter later on.
It all starts in round one with a move up front though. If Zabel’s there, take him. And then seriously consider one more high pick — Ratledge or Wilson — to make the O-line a focal point of your roster.
Here is my final Horizontal Board ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. I have scouted, reviewed, discussed and revised 308 players in total, with work starting last summer.
Click the image below to enlarge:
What the board shows
You can see I have only eight ‘legit’ round one grades (would go in round one any year) and 31 grades in the second tier. This emphasises the point a lot of people have made about this class. Once you get to about pick #8-11 — the grading difference to the player at #35 is going to be minimal. As such, we might see teams lean on need and/or focus on premium positions once we get out of the top-10.
This is also important when you consider trading up. For example, can the Seahawks move up a few spots from #18 to get to one of the few legit first round talents? Alternatively, if their board was anything like mine, can they go from #50 to an area around #35-38 where they can secure a player in the second tier?
I have 56 players graded in the first two rounds. This doesn’t include any quarterbacks. Therefore, the chances are the Seahawks can get reasonable value with their selections. As noted though, it’s whether they can get even more value with a little bit of aggression in the trade market.
In total I have 131 players graded in the first three rounds. This highlights why so many people are saying picks in the rounds 2-4 range are valuable. A note of caution though — I don’t take players off my board for character or medical reasons. Teams do. We might be talking about 20-30 players who don’t pass medicals or have character red flags. For example, I wouldn’t draft the likes of Mike Green, Walter Nolen or James Pearce Jr. There are legit injury concerns surrounding Jihaad Campbell’s labrum surgery, while others — such as Kevin Winston Jr — haven’t played much football due to injury.
Here’s the breakdown in grading:
Legit R1 grades — 8
R1/2 — 31
R2 — 17
R2/3 — 27
R3 — 47
Day three — 119
Late round — 46
Total players on the board — 308
Positional breakdowns
Quarterbacks
This isn’t a group where you rush to take anyone early. It’s another class of second or third rounders at best that will likely get bumped up. That said, there’s going to be a middle class. There are going to be players between #50-100 where you can justify bringing them in and seeing if you can develop them. We haven’t had that for a while. I do think the Seahawks will likely draft a quarterback this year but I wouldn’t expect it to be a high pick. I wouldn’t draft any of these QB’s in round one.
I think Will Howard will go earlier than people expect. His analytics are aligned with going early, he was nearly flawless in the college football playoffs and I think some teams will fall for his pro-readiness, application and above-average physical tools. I think he could easily go in round two.
There are no obvious future franchise quarterbacks this year.
Running backs
It’s undoubtedly a deep class but I don’t think it’s as good at the top-end as people have made out. Ashton Jeanty might be the pound-for-pound most talented player in the draft. Omarion Hampton is a justifiable top-40 pick. After that, I’m not sure there’s much to get excited about. This is more about value, where players can be taken in the middle or later rounds and legitimately contribute to your roster. I don’t think it’s a star-studded group.
There’s a chance the Seahawks will take someone later on but truth be told, they can perhaps wait until the very end of the draft or even UDFA. They’ve invested in the position and I’m not sure anyone here is going to knock their guys down the depth chart.
Wide receivers
There isn’t anyone I’d draft in the top-10. I think Emeka Egbuka is the best in the draft with the potential to be Amon-Ra St. Brown or Chris Godwin at the next level. He is regarded as having elite character and being ‘the man’ at Ohio State, despite playing on a loaded roster. I would imagine he is in contention at #18. Matthew Golden could also be on Seattle’s radar but I’m underwhelmed by Tetairoa McMillan.
Round two might be limited to Jack Bech and Jayden Higgins (I really like Bech and think he could be a good alternative to the top tight ends if you want a chess-piece target). The middle round options are attractive, with the likes of Kyle Williams, Tory Horton, Tai Felton and others potentially providing value. There’s also a decent collection of day three picks.
The Seahawks do need to add a pass-catching weapon in this draft. Whether it’s a receiving tight end or a wide receiver, they need more.
Tight ends
You have two excellent prospects at the top end in Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. They are different players but I think you can funnel your passing game through both players. They need to improve their blocking but it won’t be down to a lack of effort. In this draft class, which is significantly light on blue-chippers, I think they both deserve to be taken in the first ten picks.
The #3 and #4 tight ends also carry a lot of appeal. I think Elijah Arroyo and Mason Taylor could find a home in the late first round. Arroyo has dynamic receiving qualities and can be a true mismatch weapon. He can be one of the better players to come out of this class in my opinion. Taylor is more conventional in his approach but he’s smooth, consistent and extremely solid.
There is some depth at the position and I’m sure you can make a case for a Terrance Ferguson in round three but I think the Seahawks would be better served targeting the top-four if they can, with trading up an option. If not, add to the group on day three where there’s depth to be had.
It is worth noting that over the years tight ends who excel in agility testing and the 10-yard split tend to have good careers. Many of this class didn’t test. The following did and worked their way into the ideal category for profile: Jalin Conyers, Harold Fannin Jr, Thomas Fidone, Mason Taylor.
Offensive tackles
I don’t think this is a good offensive tackle class. For that reason, we might see players come off the board quickly to avoid missing out — with teams using the D-line depth to their advantage on day two.
Josh Simmons is the best left tackle prospect but he has injury and character concerns. Armand Membou’s maturity has been questioned by multiple people recently, although his explosive testing results speak to his upside. I was not excited by Kelvin Banks Jr or Will Campbell. We might see the surprisingly athletic Aireontae Ersery go in round one. Josh Conerly Jr could also land in the first frame if there’s a rush, although you have to battle with some great moments on tape and some clear examples of a lack of size and playing strength putting him at a disadvantage.
The Seahawks might draft a college tackle to kick inside to guard but I think they’re fairly content with their two starters.
Guards
This is also not a deep group and speaks to an underwhelming O-line class in general — and why the best options might go quickly so teams avoid missing out.
Grey Zabel’s testing profile is comparable to Creed Humphrey and Frank Ragnow. He is worth taking a chance on in the top-20 to see if he can provide a solution to Seattle’s annual interior O-line woes. The big question for the Seahawks is whether he’ll be available. There are teams ahead of them at #18 who might pull off a surprise and take him. If that happens, they might be forced to pivot to other positions.
I am a big admirer of Tyler Booker. I like alpha O-liners with size who finish. However, he presents a weird challenge for teams. His testing profile in terms of explosive traits is awful and his foot-speed is also poor. Yet he ran a 4.65 short shuttle at 325lbs and also moved well during combine during drills and at his pro-day. None of this really makes sense — but there’s a 50/50 chance he goes before Seattle’s pick due to the character, size and movement positives we just raised.
Donovan Jackson and Tate Ratledge are both very solid second round options, although Ratledge’s injury-riddled 2024 season could push him into round three. After that you’re basically looking at Dylan Fairchild, Garrett Dellinger and a bunch of tackle converts. There are options here — but I don’t think the Seahawks will want to wait until rounds three or four to address this need. My guess is they’ll make two O-line picks in the first four rounds.
Centers
It’s a woeful center class where the options simply don’t exist. Jared Wilson compares physically to Erik McCoy and deserves to go in the same range (48th overall). After that you’ve got a bunch of players who tested physically for a day three grading. Some players, such as Jake Majors, played well enough to warrant consideration in that range with a shot to start at the next level. But this isn’t a center class that will have teams eyeing multiple starters.
The Seahawks had Wilson in for an official visit and he makes a ton of sense for them in round two if he’s available. He’s an ideal scheme fit with the physical profile to become a top-level starter. He might go earlier than people realise simply because of the lack of appealing alternatives.
Edge rushers
Abul Carter will be a top-five pick but my main interest is in Donovan Ezeiruaku and Bradyn Swinson. They both led the NCAA during the regular season with 66 pressures. Swinson in particular has shown he can win with power and speed and I think he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. I would personally be very excited if they were able to land Swinson on day two.
Two of the better talents — James Pearce Jr and Mike Green — carry huge character flags and are unlikely to be drafted by Seattle. A name to keep an eye on for round three could be Josaiah Stewart. He lacks ideal size and his recent testing session was underwhelming. However, he’s said to be loved by Wink Martindale at Michigan and he led college football in pass-rush win percentage last season. He’s a warrior who could be the heir-apparent to Uchenna Nwosu.
JT Tuimoloau is another name to monitor. He ran a 4.37 short shuttle at his pro-day which was better than expected. He’s a powerful run defender with good length. Some teams may feel they can get more out of him as a pass-rusher, although he performed well in the playoffs. He could go in the top-40.
The Seahawks need another pass-rusher and will likely try to add one in the first three rounds. This could be a position where they aggressively pursue a particular target, potentially with a trade-up in round two.
Defensive ends
This is a group full of gambles. How good is Mykel Williams? You’ll have to bet on the upside and it’s impossible to know if he’ll become more consistent and stay healthy at the next level. Shemar Stewart has a physical profile comparable to Jadeveon Clowney but he’s a nearly man with plenty of issues on tape. For every player like this who works out, there are many more who amount to nothing.
Jordan Burch might be a similar pick at a better value, while Landon Jackson will not provide much flash but he’ll give you a hell of an effort every week. I think Nic Scourton is overrated but LSU’s Sai’vion Jones is slightly underrated.
The signing of Demarcus Lawrence lessens the need to draft a player for this role. If they do take a bigger end early, it’ll be because the grading is so good that they can’t turn the option down.
Defensive tackles
It was put to me recently that in a few years time we’ll be impressed with how many defensive tackles from this draft class are starting in the league. It’s said to be the strength of the draft. However, I don’t think there’s a truly great player who deserves to go very early. I think we have a bunch of very solid players who can play for a long time.
Walter Nolen is the big question mark. He has the talent to go in the top-10 but might not go in the first round at all due to major character question marks. I’ve spoken to people who think he is an outstanding talent. In many ways he resembles a Diet Coke version of Jalen Carter. The Seahawks are not going to dabble here and will focus on reliability.
They’ll have good intel on Kenneth Grant, who could emerge as a Dexter Lawrence type player with the right guidance (Mason Graham won’t be an option because he’ll go too early). Tyleik Williams, Alfred Collins and Derrick Harmon could all go in the top-40.
Keep an eye on Ty Robinson for the Seahawks on day two — plus they will almost certainly look to add a nose tackle at some point. There’s a good chance they will attempt to replace both Johnathan Hankins and Roy Robertson-Harris in the draft, given how strong the class is at this position.
They moved up in the 2016 draft for Jarran Reed, one of their better decisions over the years. Is there another defensive lineman they really want this year? Would they be prepared to pull off a similar trade from #50? Perhaps.
Linebackers
This has turned out to be a reasonable linebacker crop. Jalon Walker leads the group and it’s worth noting that the peerless Brady Henderson said on Seattle Sports on Friday that he could be a potential trade-up target for the Seahawks if he lasts into range. His versatility and ability to pressure from anywhere would be an exceptional fit for Mike Macdonald, plus his character marks are through the roof. Some believe he’s better than Abdul Carter. Mike Mayock has voiced that opinion publicly.
Jihaad Campbell could’ve been a top-10 pick but for his labrum tear. It’s one of the big unknowns as to how that will impact his stock. On tape he is forceful, violent and impactful. If he can’t play as a rookie though he could last deep into round one.
Carson Schwesinger is getting a lot of late first round buzz. Could he be a target for the Rams or Commanders? You’ve then got a handful of day two players and a whole bunch of potential contributors on day three. There are several high-character, all-out linebackers who, if nothing else, can be a good special teamers. Players like Jackson Woodard, Jeffrey Bassa, Chandler Martin, Nick Martin, Cody Simon and Shemar James. There are others.
The Seahawks have no depth at the position and given its importance to the defense, I’m pretty sure they’ll draft a linebacker. It’s just a question of how early they do it.
Cornerbacks
You’ve got a cluster of players who will go early and then decent depth reaching into day three. I’ll be stunned if the Seahawks aren’t able to draft at least one cornerback they really like from this class.
This could be an option at #18 given how willing they were to draft Quinyon Mitchell or Terrion Arnold a year ago. Will Johnson’s apparent fall could present an opportunity, depending on how they view his medicals and lack of good testing. Shavon Revel also attended for a recent visit and if he passed a physical as he recovers from a knee injury, he’s exactly the type of player you can imagine Macdonald liking.
There are a lot of options here.
Safeties
I really like Malaki Starks and see him as a first round talent. I can imagine he will be an option at #18. I’m less excited for Nick Emmanwori despite his testing profile. For me he’s the kind of player I let someone else draft and if it works out, good for them. Character concerns have been raised and I just didn’t see enough violence on tape for his size.
I like Billy Bowman Jr a lot as someone who can almost be Earl Thomas-lite. He’s quick, he gets his hands on a lot of footballs and he packs a punch. He’s going to go at 100mph every game. I’d be prepared to take him at any point on day two.
Jonas Sanker, Andrew Mukuba, Lathan Ransom, Kitan Crawford, Maxen Hook, Marques Sigle and others all provide various combinations of speed, physicality and reliability. The Seahawks should have no problem finding a safety they like in this class and they will likely draft one.
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I’ll be doing a live stream with Jeff Simmons at 2pm PT today:
Here’s what I’m thinking this weekend about Seattle’s 2025 draft, with the usual disclaimer that I reserve the right to change my view before Thursday…
— There was a reason for Seattle’s patience in free agency when it came to the offensive line. I think they’ve always had a high degree of confidence they can address the issue in the draft. It’s possible that very early in the process they identified players they’d be willing to take at #18 to fill the current gaping void at left guard. In a draft where some people think the grading difference between the 11th pick and the 40th pick is minimal, they might be preparing to fix the one area most fans want them to address.
— Grey Zabel ticks all of the right the boxes. As we detailed recently, almost all of the top offensive linemen in the NFL are explosive testers. Zabel’s physical profile is comparable to Creed Humphrey and Frank Ragnow in that regard. He also grades well in zone and has excellent character reviews. Arguably, he gives the Seahawks the best chance to execute their scheme, fill a big need and he has the upside to become a plus starter.
— What if he isn’t available though? This is the big question. Regulars know I spoke to a great source recently who held the opinion that Zabel wouldn’t be a good use of a first round pick. However, Mike Mayock recently mocked him to the Dolphins at #13. Albert Breer said this week that when you speak to teams about Zabel, people tend to get a twinkle in their eye. That’s how well liked he is. It’s entirely possible he comes off the board at #13 (Miami), #14 (Indianapolis), #16 (Arizona) or #17 (Cincinnati).
— If Zabel is the main target and he’s not available, do they pivot to the next lineman or a different position? I still think Tyler Booker’s 4.65 short shuttle should qualify him for the zone scheme, even if he isn’t the perfect fit. Listening to Kalen DeBoer on Brock & Salk this week, he was asked if Jihaad Campbell was an ‘alpha’. DeBoer said, “Book’s an alpha.” That says it all. He wasn’t even being asked about Booker. The Seahawks need an alpha.
— It’s not just about Booker though. Perhaps they’d take one of the tackles and kick them inside? Todd McShay recently said he thinks Josh Conerly Jr, Josh Simmons and Aireontae Ersery will likely all go in round one. I suspect Simmons might not be the guy due to character and Ersery isn’t exactly known for his relentless motor. There’s also a chance Kelvin Banks Jr and maybe even Armand Membou last into range. Albert Breer has joined Todd McShay in noting some immaturity in Membou’s character (“is he going to be the kind of pro you want him to be? Is he going to be the hardest working person in the building?”) so you wonder if they’d even go there. Yet it stands to reason that the Seahawks have multiple O-line targets to feel comfortable not needing to press the issue in free agency.
— It’s also still very possible they go pure best player available and as we’ve said for a while, the likes of Emeka Egbuka, Malaki Starks, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Matthew Golden and Will Johnson would fit the bill there. All fit the character profile of a potential Seahawk.
— If they do ultimately take Zabel at #18, or another offensive lineman, what happens next is where things could get interesting. They have the stock to easily move back into the first round if they wanted, or the high second. In 2018 the Ravens traded up from #52 to #32 to select Lamar Jackson. It cost a fourth rounder and a future second rounder — which has the value of a third rounder. If the Seahawks really wanted to, they can potentially use a third and fourth rounder this year to get back into the first round. Moving up in the second would obviously be cheaper.
— I’m still intrigued by the idea of coming away with Zabel and Tate Ratledge — setting up the kind of highly athletic, explosive, physical interior O-line the Eagles typically boast. That would be an emphatic addressing of a problem area. They might be more inclined to retain some faith in Christian Haynes and go for a center, such as Jared Wilson, who can be their answer to Erik McCoy. There are other good scheme fits set to be available later on too. I’ve always been pretty comfortable that this unit would be improved, one way or another.
— I still think a quarterback pick is likely at some stage. With so many picks and a middle class of QB’s for the first time in a long time, it’s always felt likely they would invest in a player this year. Plus I love a bit of internet sleuthing and this was a good find.
— When all’s said and done, it might be that we’ve come full circle. After weeks of debate and discussion this could end up being a trenches-focused draft, with other needs addressed too, to solidify the kind of team Mike Macdonald wants to be.
Why Will Johnson could be an option
I didn’t realise teams could do medical checks during official visits. They can. It perhaps explains why the Seahawks hosted a last minute meeting with Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. It’s also possible this was planned long ago and the timing is a coincidence. But what if it isn’t?
It’s at least worth considering that they have intel that Johnson lasts to #18. This has been a popular thing to mock recently, with Johnson lasting into the late teens or early 20’s. It may have been assumed he wouldn’t make it to Seattle’s pick. Johnson was once expected to go in the top-10.
This could’ve prompted the Seahawks to hastily arrange a quick visit to do their own medical checks, with the idea that if they want to take him they’ll need all of the information available. I’d suggest this at least hints at a genuine interest in Johnson and provided his medicals get the all clear, he could be the guy they take.
A year ago they were seemingly prepared to draft Quinyon Mitchell at #16 if Byron Murphy wasn’t available. Johnson is a different player. He isn’t running a 4.33 like Mitchell did. However, Devon Witherspoon wasn’t known for his speed and they took him fifth overall. He ran a 4.45 at an indoor facility at a personal pro-day. Typically in that environment you can add 0.10 seconds to the time. He and Johnson might be similar athletes, truth be told.
There’s another comparison to make. Twelve months before the Seahawks took Jaxon Smith-Njigba at #20, the expectation was he’d be a top-10 pick. An injury-plagued season and a non-elite 4.52 forty at his pro-day (again, tack on extra time for the environment) made him available. The Seahawks saw an opportunity they couldn’t pass. The grade had Smith-Njigba as a value pick.
History could be about to repeat. Johnson’s NFL.com grade from Lance Zierlein is a 6.50. That feels reasonable. A lot of the other players we’ve discussed for the Seahawks are going to grade in the high 6.3’s or the low 6.4’s. If they’re committed to ‘best player available’ — and the evidence shows they are — Johnson could be selected 18th overall provided his medicals were successfully cleared.
Why I’m still interested in Tyler Booker
Among the many, many thoughts racing through my mind with seven days to go is the lack of left guards on the roster and the feeling the Seahawks perhaps know who will fill the void. It’s possible one of the reasons they were so disciplined during free agency is the knowledge their guy is coming at #18.
Tony Pauline told us earlier this week that the people he speaks to expect Grey Zabel to be Seattle’s pick (he also added in a new article today that they also like Ty Robinson a lot, something we’ve been discussing). Separately, Mike Mayock paired the Seahawks with Tyler Booker after giving Zabel to the Dolphins at #13.
Are they just going to take one of these two? Much in the way Jim Harbaugh basically spelt out ‘this is who we are’ before last year’s Chargers draft, then promptly passed on Malik Nabers to select Joe Alt.
Maybe so. And if we’re being honest, that’s what most people expected six weeks ago. We might just be going full circle here. The Seahawks entered the off-season with an O-line priority. This isn’t a draft filled with can’t miss players. You have one top guard and one top guard convert expected to go in round one. Are they just going to take one of them, get it done with, address the need and move on their merry way?
I wouldn’t have any opposition to it, even though I think there are a collection of worthy options at #18 including multiple cornerbacks plus Emeke Egbuka and Malaki Starks, who may end up being better players in terms of production and performance.
I also can’t quit Alabama’s Booker. Everything about his testing profile makes you think he won’t be the pick. Here’s the thing though. Will Fries ran a 1.81 10-yard split at 309lbs and they wanted to give him big money in free agency. That isn’t a good time. Only six players in this draft class recorded a slower time.
Fries’ appeal came in his explosive testing and short shuttle (4.51). Yet if ‘foot speed’ and ‘get-off’ are the key aspects, that isn’t anything to do with vertical and broad jumps. The shuttle, including quick changes of direction, would give some indication there.
Booker isn’t explosive. He’s one of the least explosive linemen to enter the league in recent memory. That isn’t a good thing. Yet his short shuttle of 4.65 at 326lbs is highly impressive. It does speak to movement skill and agility. It works nicely alongside his on-field work-out at the combine, where he moved well:
People keep saying he’s a typical Baltimore pick. Isn’t that what the Seahawks want? Mike Macdonald football? Don’t they need a big, physical presence up front? Don’t they need a plug-and-play starting guard who can lift the whole O-line? Don’t they need, as he’s often described, ‘the Will Anderson on offense’?
Is the player you see in the video above not capable of pulling? Reaching up to the second level? Doesn’t he match everything the Seahawks have sought in a character fit?
Here’s another video from his pro-day. He neither moves nor looks like a big slob who can’t shift around a football field. He carries the weight superbly on his frame, has minimal bad weight and he can move:
A warning, I’m going to bring Aaron Banks up again. But if a player of his profile can be drafted early and paid mega money by Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur, I need it explaining why the Seahawks can’t draft Booker.
At the end of the day, when you need a yard on 3rd and 1 you’re not likely stressing the need to pull or get to the open field. You’re still going to need to win 1v1 in those situations. This will need to be an area the Seahawks improve in 2025, especially in the red zone.
Like I said, I can’t quit him. They might ultimately see a much better fit in Zabel. They might prefer the options later on for the offensive line. But if they end up going with Booker, it’d be fine by me.
A proposition if they did take Booker at #18
Go up and get Elijah Arroyo in round two, if he even makes it out of round one. I think there’s an outside chance he sneaks into the first frame, with the Eagles a potential suitor. I would move way up to get him.
I still think there’s a chance the Seahawks will explore trying to get up to Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland in round one. If not, Arroyo and Mason Taylor feel like legit alternatives. These players can be X-factors at tight end. I think this is something Seattle craves.
Arroyo in particular might be the hardest to cover and game-plan for. I think he’s an excellent player. If the medicals check out, I think you could genuinely supercharge the offense with a good day-one starter at guard and a weapon like Arroyo.
Alternatively, I’d look to move up for a quality defensive lineman. I don’t think Kenneth Grant, Tyleik Williams, Alfred Collins or Derrick Harmon last to #50. If you want to add a top player in a strong positional class, you’ll need to move up.
Mike Mayock in the video below also discussed the possibility of the Seahawks trading up from #50:
However, with their reported interest in Ty Robinson, it could be indicative that they’re willing to take him at #52 to fill a D-line hole after losing two players who haven’t been replaced (Roy Robertson-Harris & Johnathan Hankins). Booker, moving up for Arroyo or Taylor, then Robinson, would be a reasonable trio.
I do like the idea of trading up though. The Seahawks have had success doing this for Jarran Reed, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett — less so for Darrell Taylor. The roster is in a position now where quality over quantity feels right.
A final point on cornerbacks
I think this graph is interesting:
A final look at career production vs. athleticism for the 2025 CB class.
All scores are relative to the 2015-2024 classes.
Targets:
🎯Jahdae Barron
🎯Jacob Parrish
🎯Maxwell HairstonSleepers:
💤Zah Frazier
💤Jordan Hancock
💤Tommi HillLower on:
🚩Trey Amos
🚩Denzel Burke pic.twitter.com/yMwc9M4jb1— Gridiron Grading (@GridironGrading) April 17, 2025
It highlights cornerback production and athleticism. It’s no surprise Jahdae Barron shines the most. However, there are some other names in the ‘target’ area. Zah Frazier, who recently visited the Seahawks, Jordan Hancock — who is underrated and I recently gave a third round grade to plus Shavon Revel — someone else who had a recent visit to Seattle and is highly talented. You’ve also got fierce tackler Upton Stout, the aforementioned Will Johnson and Tommi Hill in the region.
So whether it’s a high pick like Barron or Johnson or someone a little bit later on, the Seahawks should be able to add a good cornerback in this draft.
— I think the Seahawks will really like the top-four tight ends and will explore finding a way to come away with one of Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, Elijah Arroyo or Mason Taylor. They will need to be creative because Warren and Loveland probably won’t last to #18 and Arroyo and Taylor probably won’t last to #50.
— A lot of focus has been on how the Seahawks can spend a lot of picks with five in the top-92. I think it might be a case of them feeling like this is a great opportunity to be aggressive and make sure they add quality players they want, rather than just seeing who lasts to them. They had lots of picks to build a foundation in 2022 and 2023 and they’ve become a good not great team. Now, it might be about using their stock to trade up and pursue difference makers.
— I can’t shake the thought that the Seahawks could play a game tomorrow and would be able to field a player at every position except left guard. Have they known, all along, that they’ll be getting the player to fill that particular void at #18? Could it be Grey Zabel? Is Tyler Booker still an option despite his combine testing numbers? Yesterday Tony Pauline told us he’s hearing Zabel, while Mike Mayock, who had Zabel going 13th to Miami, mocked Booker to the Seahawks.
— In 15 drafts as Seattle’s GM, John Schneider has taken an offensive or defensive lineman nine times with his first selection. On five occasions, his first two picks were both trenches players. It’s not unrealistic that this happens again.
— If they don’t go trenches early, I still believe Emeka Egbuka and Malaki Starks are strong options. Both are highly talented, underrated players with outstanding character. They are the ideal combination of talent and professionalism. They are ‘Seahawks’ types, even if they ultimately don’t end up in Seattle. Donovan Ezeiruaku and Matthew Golden also fit that billing.
— A wildcard ‘shock everyone’ first round option could be the aforementioned Elijah Arroyo. Depending on the medicals, he’s as good a chance as anyone of being a good starter within this class.
— There are two very intriguing physical comparisons to note. Tate Ratledge has an almost identical explosive physical profile and size/frame to Will Fries. They also both played right guard. Ratledge recorded a far superior 10-yard split and 40-yard dash though. Could the Seahawks view him as a more athletic, cheaper alternative who will likely be available in round two? Then there’s Georgia team-mate Jared Wilson. His testing profile and measurables are identical to New Orleans’ starting center Erik McCoy, a player who excelled under Klint Kubiak last year. Just a couple of things to remember for next week.
— The Seahawks have seemingly done a lot of due diligence with their official-30 visits. I believe this is to try and create complete profiles on players with question marks. Let’s run through what I mean below, while acknowledging it’s completely possible any of these players can ‘wow’ the team during their trip and address any doubts…
— Nick Emmanwori is an excellent athlete but this article noted some character question marks. Getting to know him better, seeing how he fits in the building, trying to get a complete profile on Emmanwori would be a useful exercise if the Seahawks shared some of the concerns in that article, where he’s described as possessing some “football immaturity” and being “naturally contrarian to most everything.”
— Princely Umanmielen has flashes on tape but there are big questions about his consistency and effort. It goes without saying that this is a player you need to get to know, especially if he suddenly provides value if he falls into round three.
— Tetairoa McMillan felt like he coasted through his final year at Arizona, didn’t play anywhere close to his best football and a video emerged recently from a few years ago showing him talking about not watching tape. It’s a handy use of an official-30 visit to try and work out whether he’s someone who fits the culture you are harnessing.
— Shemar Stewart’s production doesn’t match his physical talent and not doing anything at pro-day or on-field workouts at the combine left a sour taste. He was well worth an official visit. A reminder — I went through all the players with similar physical tools to Stewart and then looked at who succeeded in the NFL. On average, the freaky athletes who excelled had 24 college sacks per player. Stewart had just 4.5. He’s a tantalising prospect but his college production suggests he might be more likely to end up like the number of physical dynamos who disappoint. You need all the info you can get on him to work out if he can deliver on his supreme athleticism.
— Mykel Williams feels like a bit of an enigma. Once considered a potential #1 overall pick this year, another season of injury and inconsistency tempered his stock. He could go in the top-10 still or he could last to the end of the first round. He’s tricky to work out and his testing numbers at pro-day didn’t blow the roof off. What is he at the next level?
— Did they get Jalen Milroe in to put him on the whiteboard and see how he handled the information thrown at him? It could be the same for Tyler Shough who also made an official visit. Klint Kubiak’s scheme puts a lot of responsibility on the center for protections. Did they test Jared Wilson out in that regard too? Can he handle these duties early in his career?
— It could be a particularly pivotal meeting for Milroe. Everyone appreciates he has unbelievable physical tools. He needs to convince teams he can do the basics well too. Pretty much the entire internet is unusually aligned on how to view his short/intermediate passing and processing. If coaches come away feeling like they can teach him their scheme and develop him over time, he could be the high pick everyone is suddenly projecting following his invite to the draft. I do think this is more due diligence on Seattle’s behalf and you’d imagine they at least gathered some intel from Alabama when they had Ryan Grubb and Scott Huff on staff during the season with their connections.
— One other note on Milroe — remember, recent quarterbacks who finished their final college seasons with a QBR of 80 or above have typically been drafted in the first round. Milroe achieved that mark in 2024. For more information click here.
— Shavon Revel Jr, Will Johnson, Chase Lundt, Dylan Fairchild and Jihaad Campbell all have existing injuries. They were likely brought in for medical evaluations. It’s possible they also wanted to check with Mykel Williams and Tyler Shough too.
— On the other visits I’m not sure what it means. Bryce Cabeldue, Mason Taylor and Ty Robinson are all seemingly high character, clean and productive and don’t play positions where they’d necessarily need a lot of schematic testing. Maybe they just really like this group and want to finalise their grades? They all fit.
— In a few years we will look back on this defensive tackle class and while it might not be littered with elite stars, we’re going to see a lot of these players ended up being very solid starters in the NFL. I wonder if this could lead to teams rushing to select offensive tackles in round one, knowing the depth at defensive tackle stretches deep into round two?
— Will Howard will go earlier than people think. That might be one of the surprises of the draft. I think some teams will really like him. He’s another quarterback who had a QBR of +80 in 2024.
— Players projected to go on day three that I think are interesting: Kurtis Rourke, Jarquez Hunter, Tahj Brooks, Kyle Monangai, Jackson Hawes, Jack Nelson, Bryce Cabeldue, Garrett Dellinger, Connor Colby, Drew Kendall, Eli Cox, Clay Webb, Nazir Stackhouse, Jay Toia, Jeffrey Bassa, Chandler Martin, Shemar James, Robert Longerbeam, Maxen Hook, Marques Sigle, Keondre Jackson, Jordan Hancock
There are two people who, more than anyone else, inspired this blog. One is Mike Sando for his work on the TNT back in the day. The other is Tony Pauline.
His relentless passion for the draft, tape study and player evaluation struck a chord with me and it’s been a pleasure to interview him every year for the last decade. Tony has become a friend as well as someone I enjoy talking draft with. Here’s our latest conversation below. Please check it out — as Tony reveals what his sources are telling him about the Seahawks at #18…
