Seahawks Draft Blog

The Seahawks have pumped resources into their defensive front. You can easily argue it’s time to focus on the offensive side of the ball. It’s Seattle’s biggest need. They need to invest in their O-line.

There are a couple of things to consider though:

1. The 2025 draft class is deep on the offensive line, so you have options

2. The Seahawks didn’t have an edge rusher who ranked in the top-20 for sacks, pressures or pass-rush win percentage in 2024

There’s no doubt that Mike Macdonald could further elevate Boye Mafe and Derrick Hall next season. Perhaps Uchenna Nwosu returns and stays healthy in 2025? Yet the one thing the Seahawks really lack is a destructive player rushing from the edge. If one is available at #18 it has to at least be a consideration.

There are appealing offensive linemen who are likely to go in the first round. I’ll do a similar piece for the O-line tomorrow. While upgrades are needed, the change in offensive coordinator should help. I don’t think Ryan Grubb did a good enough job helping his line, particularly with a predictable running game often telegraphing their intentions with the way they used the shotgun.

They might also look at the draft board and see better first round value and impact on the defensive line. The Seahawks don’t have a true game-wrecker aside from Leonard Williams. Byron Murphy should take a step in year two but while his all-round game is promising, I’m not sure he’ll ever be a dominant interior penetrator.

Dre’Mont Jones and Nwosu could be cap-casualties given their lack of production (Jones) and availability (Nwosu) — so adding an inside/out rusher or another edge could be appealing, especially given what’s available in this draft. Plus, Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are both free agents so don’t rule out a defensive tackle if the talent value is there.

Jordan Burch, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart and Jared Ivey all have size and versatility. Burch, Williams and Stewart in particular have outstanding physical upside — the kind that can be harnessed into difference making talent.

Although a player like Stewart looks like a frustrating nearly-man on tape — it’s worth remembering that Danielle Hunter — with 99.5 career NFL sacks — only recorded 30 pressures and four sacks as a senior at LSU. He had obscene physical tools that were harnessed through good coaching and development in Minnesota. The Seahawks might have the ideal Head Coach to work on a raw, high-upside talent. You see major flashes on tape from Stewart. Can he be developed? If not him, Williams or Burch could be strong alternatives. I’m a big fan of Burch’s upside in particular.

The Seahawks not only paid Dre’Mont Jones but they gave him every chance to succeed in 2024. It didn’t happen — but they seem to want to incorporate that type of player into the scheme.

If they want more in the interior, TJ Sanders and Walter Nolen are pure pass-rushers who’ve shown an ability to wreck games. Kenneth Grant always left me wanting more on tape but there’s no doubting his athletic upside. You wish he brought it more often, with more motor, but his ability to run across the line at speed, at his size, plus his combination of quickness and strength, could easily tempt a team to believe he’s the real deal. Ty Robinson is a name to watch at the Senior Bowl too.

Then off the edge, we’ll see where James Pearce goes. He was once touted as a potential #1 overall pick but he didn’t take a jump in 2024. Mike Green had a 17-sack season for Marshall, while Princely Umanmielen — when he wants to turn it on — can be massively disruptive with great length and speed. LSU’s Braden Swinson is one of the more underrated players in the class and don’t forget about Josaiah Stewart — a player loved by Mike Macdonald’s mentor Wink Martindale.

Here are how the top names ranked for pressure win-percentage this season:

EDGE

Josaiah Stewart — 27.1%
Princely Umanmielen — 22.8%
James Pearce — 22.7%
Abdul Carter — 22.6%
Bradyn Swinson — 22.1%
Ashton Gillotte — 20.9%
Mike Green — 20.1%
Donovan Ezeiruaku — 18.1%
Jack Sawyer — 17.9%
Nic Scourton — 17.3%
Kyle Kennard — 13.1%
JT Tuimoloau — 12.3%
Landon Jackson — 11.5%

Inside/Out

Jared Ivey — 16.8%
Jordan Burch — 15.7%
Darius Alexander — 12.8%
Shemar Stewart — 12.4%
Mykel Williams — 11%

Defensive tackle

Derrick Harmon — 17.6%
Rylie Mills — 14.3%
Mason Graham — 13.8%
TJ Sanders — 12.6%
Walter Nolen — 10.9%
Ty Robinson — 10.4%
Kenneth Grant — 9.4%

And here’s how they ranked for pressures:

EDGE

Abdul Carter — 66
Jack Sawyer — 64
Bradyn Swinson — 60
Donovan Ezeiruaku — 60
Mike Green — 59
Ashton Gillotte — 57
Princely Umanmielen — 55
James Pearce — 55
JT Tuimoloau — 51
Kyle Kennard — 39
Josaiah Stewart — 37 (missed time)
Nic Scourton — 36
Landon Jackson — 35

Inside/Out

Jared Ivey — 40
Shemar Stewart — 39
Darius Alexander — 37
Jordan Burch — 32
Mykel Williams — 26 (missed time)

Defensive tackle

Derrick Harmon — 55
Ty Robinson — 42
Walter Nolen — 35
Mason Graham — 34
Rylie Mills — 34
TJ Sanders — 33
Kenneth Grant — 27

Here are some key comparisons based on players’ final seasons in college. I’ve included the players listed above so you can compare. This is why, by the way, there’s a good chance Abdul Carter will be the #1 overall pick:

Pressures

Abdul Carter — 66
Nick Bosa — 66
Brian Burns — 66
Will Anderson — 65
Jack Sawyer — 64
Jared Verse — 62
Bradyn Swinson — 60
Donovan Ezeiruaku — 60
Bradley Chubb — 59
Mike Green — 59
T.J. Watt — — 57
Maxx Crosby — 57
Josh Hines-Allen — 57
Ashton Gillotte — 57
Quinnen Williams — 56
Princely Umanmielen — 55
James Pearce — 55
Derrick Harmon — 55
Zach Allen — 54
Nik Bonitto — 52
JT Tuimoloau — 51
Chris Jones — 49
Montez Sweat — 48
Calijah Kancey — 47
Byron Murphy — 45
Will McDonald — 45
Ty Robinson — 42
Nnamdi Madubuike — 41
Jared Ivey — 40
Christian Barmore — 39
Shemar Stewart — 39
Kyle Kennard — 39
Josaiah Stewart — 37 (missed time)
Darius Alexander — 37
Nic Scourton — 36
Walter Nolen — 35
Landon Jackson — 35
Mason Graham — 34
Rylie Mills — 34
Jeffrey Simmons — 34
Dexter Lawrence — 33
TJ Sanders — 33
Jordan Burch — 32
Jalen Carter — 32 (missed time)
Braden Fiske — 28
Kenneth Grant — 27
Mykel Williams — 26 (missed time)

Pass-rush win percentage

Josaiah Stewart — 27.1%
Nick Bosa — 26.5%
Nik Bonitto — 23.8%
Princely Umanmielen — 22.8%
James Pearce — 22.7%
Abdul Carter — 22.6%
Bradyn Swinson — 22.1%
Jared Verse — 21.8%
Ashton Gillotte — 20.9%
Mike Green — 20.1%
Byron Murphy — 19.6%
Calijah Kancey — 19.6%
T.J. Watt — 18.1%
Donovan Ezeiruaku — 18.1%
Jack Sawyer — 17.9%
Quinnen Williams — 17.6%
Derrick Harmon — 17.6%
Brian Burns — 17.5%
Nic Scourton — 17.3%
Will McDonald — 17.2%
Christian Barmore — 16.9%
Jared Ivey — 16.8%
Chris Jones — 16.7%
Will Anderson — 16.4%
Bradley Chubb — 16.2%
Montez Sweat — 16.1%
Jordan Burch — 15.7%
Maxx Crosby — 15.5%
Jalen Carter — 15.5%
Jeffrey Simmons — 15.5%
Zach Allen — 15.5%
Josh Hines-Allen — 15.3%
Rylie Mills — 14.3%
Mason Graham — 13.8%
Kyle Kennard — 13.1%
Dexter Lawrence — 13%
Darius Alexander — 12.8%
TJ Sanders — 12.6%
Shemar Stewart — 12.4%
JT Tuimoloau — 12.3%
Nnamdi Madubuike — 11.8%
Landon Jackson — 11.5%
Mykel Williams — 11%
Walter Nolen — 10.9%
Ty Robinson — 10.4%
Kenneth Grant — 9.4%
Braden Fiske — 8.9%

Of course, there are plenty of players with strong college statistics over the last few years who amounted to nothing in the NFL that are not included on the list above. It’s a good comparison though, to at least see how certain big names in the draft shape up to established stars when they entered the league. It highlights why I think someone like Bradyn Swinson deserves more attention. It suggests I need to reassess Derrick Harmon (although there are, seemingly, people in the league who agree with my day two assessment). I also think it speaks to Jordan Burch’s potential, as a 290lbs athletic freak rushing the edge.

The 2025 draft class is littered with high-potential players. You might be able to get Rylie Mills in round three — a player who led college football interior defenders for sacks (eight) and was third for pass-rush win percentage. The Seahawks need a player like him who can move across the line with high-upside physical skills and quickness. Ty Robinson is another excellent talent.

So while our focus is understandably on the offensive line — this is a draft where defensive linemen are particularly appealing and productive. Adding another defensive end or EDGE, or even another defensive tackle, could end up being a focus within the first three rounds. They might be comfortable waiting until pick #50 for an offensive lineman. That could be an area where someone like Wyatt Millum lasts. His lack of great footwork means he probably has to kick inside — but his aggression could make him a fantastic left guard. This could also be an area where Armand Membou, Dylan Fairchild and forgotten man Jack Nelson go.

Either way, this has got the makings of another trenches draft. Boye Mafe ranking 35th (47) and Derrick Hall 36th (45) for pressures isn’t going to cut it for a starring role. They need a top-20 outside rusher here. Jared Verse led the NFL for pressures as a rookie.

This should be a first round consideration for Seattle — even if the main priority for the off-season is to finally fix the offensive line.

Here’s my latest with Puck — if you can, please leave a comment in the video on YouTube and give it a like…

Source says Lions OL coach Hank Fraley is scheduled to interview in-person today with the Seahawks for their offensive coordinator position. This will be the second interview for Fraley with the Seahawks.

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) January 21, 2025

My initial reaction to this news is it’s a positive for the Seahawks. Hank Fraley is likely to be a man in demand. It would make logical sense for him to pair with Ben Johnson in Chicago, without any play-calling pressure. Yet if that was such an obvious sure-thing, then he probably wouldn’t be travelling to the Pacific North West for an in-person interview.

There’s not actually anything suggesting Johnson has earmarked Fraley for the Bears. There are reports suggesting Dennis Allen and Darren Rizzi will be appointed as defensive and special teams coordinator respectively. Some people have suggested Fraley as a possibility — but nothing more.

Again though, it’d make a ton of sense for Johnson to pursue this. He’d get an ideal person to lead a much needed O-line revamp in Chicago. Therefore, the Seahawks have at least made a strong enough pitch to warrant a meeting in Seattle.

I’m quite open-minded about any of the three candidates who’ve reportedly had in-person meetings. Klint Kubiak has been around a lot of good coaches and had a strong start in New Orleans before injuries derailed their season. If Grant Udinski can convince the Seahawks to appoint a 28-year-old as their offensive coordinator, he must be something special. Fraley has a strong offensive line background and comes across as a good communicator during interviews.

There are also some concerns with all three. Will Kubiak insist on running a zone blocking scheme that even Sean McVay has effectively abandoned? Is Udinski truly ready to be the Head Coach of an offense? Being a great and popular offensive line coach won’t necessarily make Fraley a brilliant coordinator.

Whoever gets the job — and a decision is probably coming in the next 24 hours — it’ll be an intriguing hire. Given the Ryan Grubb experience, it’s likely to be someone who meshes well philosophically, schematically and perhaps even personality-wise with Mike Macdonald. They’ve got to get this right.

Meanwhile, there’s increasing chatter about Pete Carroll potentially being Plan B in Las Vegas, after Johnson’s decision to go to Chicago. We’ve talked about this a lot over the last two weeks but this is a move that also carries a lot of intrigue for me.

Carroll is big on familiarity. We saw that in his coaching hires in Seattle. He was the major mover to bring back Bobby Wagner, while we regularly saw old returning favourites — Bruce Irvin, Luke Willson, Marshawn Lynch, Frank Clark and others.

The Raiders are an expansion franchise at this point, similar to where the Seahawks were in 2010. Coincidentally, they also own the #6 overall pick in the draft — just like Seattle 15 years ago. They need some foundational pieces to be more competitive, while building something to be more sustainable and long term.

Pete Carroll was Geno Smith’s biggest backer in Seattle. I think John Schneider brought Drew Lock in via the Russell Wilson trade with the intention of seeing him compete fully to start. Instead, Carroll clearly always leaned towards Smith. A year ago it felt like Schneider was perfectly open-minded about moving Smith if the right opportunity emerged. It didn’t. Maybe it will this year?

Would Carroll’s Raiders make an offer to the Seahawks to acquire Smith? Giving Carroll his own bridge quarterback and someone he trusts and knows?

If he takes the job in Las Vegas, I think there’s a distinct possibility that could happen. The Raiders are also better placed to reward him with a new contract. They have the second most cap space available this year ($86m) and a league-leading $158m next year.

The Seahawks would obviously need a player to pivot to. However, as we’ve mentioned, two of the coordinator candidates they’ve talked with in person have history with Sam Darnold. I also think we’re in a different NFL environment these days. World class talent at quarterback is worth paying a fortune for. Otherwise, I think we might see teams focus on value, development and opportunity.

For anyone saying ‘will Schneider trade Smith with no obvious better options out there’ — he did just that when he dealt Russell Wilson. Nobody looked at a Smith/Lock competition as a good situation in 2022. That’s what the Seahawks ended up with, though, and they made it work. Of all the GM’s in the league, I think Schneider is the most prepared to make a bold move. Especially if a decent trade offer came in from the Raiders — such as a day two pick in this draft.

Ben Johnson has opted to be the next Head Coach of the Chicago Bears. It’s the big domino to fall in the coaching cycle for 2025. He’s reportedly attempting to emulate Dan Campbell by building a loaded staff, including hiring Dennis Allen to be his defensive coordinator.

The Seahawks landed a good, young Head Coach themselves a year ago in Mike Macdonald. However, this is why Johnson was the guy I wanted in Seattle. Now there’s no danger of Chicago losing their offensive mastermind to another team. There’s typically a good, defensive-minded former Head Coach available to pair with him. Allen is not likely to get a third try as the leader of a team. Thus, even if he succeeds in Chicago, he’s not likely to be poached.

Meanwhile, the offensive coordinator options to pair with a defensive mind like Macdonald are extremely thin. There are hardly any suitably experienced candidates. Two of the names hotly linked to the Seahawks have never called plays before and one of them is 28-years-old.

Macdonald’s long-term success in Seattle will be predicated on not only finding the right man to run his offense — but also being able to replace that individual if/when he is poached to be a Head Coach somewhere else. John Harbaugh is on his seventh offensive coordinator in Baltimore. None have lasted longer than his first hire, Cam Cameron, who was around for five seasons. That means he’s had six different coordinators between 2012 and 2024.

I’m not complaining about Seattle’s choice of Macdonald. By all accounts it seems Johnson wasn’t ready or interested in leaving the Lions 12 months ago. I’ve no idea whether he’ll succeed in Chicago either. However, his offense in Detroit was exciting and massively productive. If he builds a good staff, he’ll be in a strong position. He has a former #1 overall pick at quarterback to work with, operating on a rookie contract. I’m a little bit envious of the Bears. There will be excitement and anticipation within that fanbase today, the kind of which I don’t think we’ve had in Seattle for some time.

This appointment could directly impact the Seahawks. Who does Ben Johnson appoint as his offensive coordinator? It would make sense to give Hank Fraley the job if he wants it. The Bears need an O-line overhaul. It would be a promotion for Fraley without the pressure of play-calling duties. Perhaps Johnson could offer some shared responsibility on play-calling? It’s also possible the Lions themselves could promote Fraley — although his name wasn’t mentioned by Adam Schefter as an option earlier — lending to the thought that he may depart.

There’s been no word today on the Seahawks arranging an in-person meeting with Fraley, which may also suggest he’s looking elsewhere with a destination like Chicago already on the cards.

Hiring Fraley wouldn’t be a slam dunk appointment though. The thought is nice because of his O-line background. He comes across as a great communicator during interviews. Yet it was reported by Albert Breer that he acknowledged he would need to find a passing game coordinator to work with. If he joins Johnson, there’s no need for that. If the Seahawks want him and convince to come to Seattle, he’ll be a gamble of sorts. Calling plays is important.

Johnson going to Chicago also has implications for Las Vegas. Tom Brady reportedly made a big pitch to bring him to the Raiders. What’s Plan B? Could it be Pete Carroll? If it is, would he be minded to contact the Seahawks about a possible reunion with Geno Smith? Carroll was a big supporter of Smith’s, more so (it always seemed) than John Schneider.

It also means Lance Newmark is less likely to be Las Vegas’ next GM. Interestingly today he interviewed with the Jets. Newmark spent a long time in Detroit before going to Washington this year. Connecting the dots, it seems like New York is honing in on a Newmark and Aaron Glenn combo. That could push the Saints towards Mike McCarthy — which in turn makes it less likely that Klint Kubiak would remain in New Orleans.

If it comes down to Kubiak and Grant Udinski, that would be an interesting decision. Kubiak is more experienced, has a strong background with his dad and Kyle Shanahan, plus he has connections in the league. Rick Dennison and John Benton could join him in Seattle. Both are very experienced individuals when it comes to working with offensive linemen.

Udinski is the wild card. He might have to work with the existing staff in Seattle because presumably, he doesn’t have a book of contacts considering his inexperience. If they go in that direction they clearly believe he has something special to offer. The unknown would be exciting for fans because you would be dreaming of the next Sean McVay. In reality, though, there’s an equal chance he’d be the next Ryan Grubb — a NFL coordinator novice when perhaps experience was required.

I like the search the Seahawks have conducted at offensive coordinator and the names connected. But the Bears appointing Johnson — and the momentum that will follow him to Chicago — doesn’t half remind you that the Seahawks are stuck in a difficult position. They’re about to appoint a coordinator on hope rather than expectation. They don’t have a long-term, dynamic, bright future at quarterback. They’ve got to fix the offensive line.

Seattle’s situation is far beyond anything like the NFL’s bottom-dwellers. They’re not in a particularly exciting position, though. There’s not a lot to get the juices flowing for the future. They consistently live on the fringes of the last playoff spot in the NFC. All but three teams have made it to the NFC Championship game since Seattle’s last appearance during the 2014 season — and one of those three teams are the Bears, carrying the NFL’s optimism and hype for today at least.

Other teams like the Eagles have done a better job transitioning from different eras, with teams closer to home (the Rams) moving on from their legendary stars with unbelievable skill in the draft. The Commanders, in one off-season, have achieved more than the Seahawks in several years of resetting.

Like I said a few weeks ago, the franchise needs a jolt. Drafting a couple of offensive linemen and running things back just with a new offensive coordinator isn’t likely, alone, to shift the Seahawks into a position where they can end their run of not playing on Championship weekend.

Join us at 9:30am (PT) for some Seahawks and draft debate…

For the purpose of this piece, I’m going to assume Kansas City doesn’t allow Trey Smith to reach the open market. If they do, the Seahawks should find a way to pursue him aggressively. About 20 teams, if not more, will have a similar thought process though.

There are two other names that I think are realistic…

Drew Dalman (C, Atlanta)

The two coaches who’ve had second interviews to be the offensive coordinator both come from the Shanahan/McVay tree. Although Sean McVay has adjusted his blocking scheme and gone ‘big’ on the offensive line, he’s struggled to find a center who fits what they want to do.

If the Lions win on Saturday it’s very likely the Seahawks won’t wait on Hank Fraley and will pick from the available candidates in order to name a coordinator quickly. If it’s Klint Kubiak or Grant Udinski, they might lean more towards the O-line personnel used by San Francisco and Minnesota.

Dalman would be a good fit at center for both teams. He’s 6-3 and 305lbs. He ran a superb 4.51 short shuttle at his pro-day, while delivering impressive explosive testing numbers (33-inch vertical, 9-1 broad jump). He’s translated these traits into a strong NFL career. He received a 78.8 PFF grade for the 2024 season (#4 among centers) and his run blocking grade was a 79.8 (#5 among centers). The year prior, he had a 90.0 run-blocking grade (82.3 overall).

The Seahawks have been crying out for consistency at center. They change starters every year. Another band-aid or low-level competition for Olu Oluwatimi won’t cut the mustard. They need to get someone in the building who can start for a few years. They can’t keep chopping and changing up front.

The draft is thin at the position. Jake Majors is superb and could be the answer but he’ll go early. Jared Wilson is athletic and has promise. Seth McLaughlin would’ve been a brilliant pick but he picked up an achilles injury towards the end of the season. You can’t bank on a player being available who can start quickly.

Ryan Kelly could be a short-term fix but he’s nearing the end. Bradley Bozeman can do a job for a year or two but no more. I like Josh Myers in Green Bay and don’t think we’ve seen the best of him. However, Dalman would be a good scheme fit, he’s only 26-years-old, he’s a quality run-blocker and he’d be worth investing in.

Creed Humphrey re-set the center market with an $18m a year deal. The next highest paid player is Frank Ragnow on $13.5m. You might be able to get him in the Ragnow range. If he plays as well as he has in Atlanta, it’d be worth it. A first-year cap-hit of around $8-10m would be manageable.

Sam Darnold (QB, Minnesota)

The more I think about it, the more I think the Seahawks might make a move here. There’s been a shift among those ‘in the know’ which has put a question mark over Geno Smith’s future. If he really is looking for a commitment from the team — meaning a big salary and term — it might lead to a divorce.

It’ll come down to Smith’s willingness to compromise. How prepared, in his age 35 season, is he to go ‘year to year’? How prepared is he to give the Seahawks some relief in terms of cap space?

There’s also the possibility of his former Head Coach, Pete Carroll, getting the Raiders job. Adam Schefter poured cold water on the idea Ben Johnson was destined for Las Vegas yesterday. Could Carroll be a Plan B? If so, he’ll need a quarterback in Vegas. He was a big fan of Smith, so would he pursue him?

It very much felt like they dangled Smith as a trade-chip a year ago, with Schefter noting his contract ‘provided value to the Seahawks, or any other team that wanted to reach out to see if he was available via trade’. Perhaps he’ll have a market this time?

The Seahawks can afford to go to the combine and assess the lay of the land. That’ll be the point to get around the table with Smith’s representatives and see what’s going to happen. They’ll know, by that point, what Darnold’s market is. They’ll know if there’s a trade market for Smith.

A lot of fans won’t like it and will say Darnold is no better than Smith. I tend to agree. I think there’s a similar level of ability there. Here’s the thing though — Darnold’s seven years younger. For a team with no obvious pathway to find a future at the position in the draft, this would be a shot to try and find something a bit more long term. If John Schneider doesn’t see Smith as anything more than a one or two year solution, it’s not unrealistic he’ll pivot to someone younger.

We’ve noted in the past that Schneider attended Darnold’s pro-day in 2018, just as he attended Josh Allen’s. That hasn’t been mentioned much over the years, presumably because Darnold’s career until 2024 was considered a flop. Don’t be surprised if that nugget crops up between now and March.

The two current finalists we know about for the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator job have both worked with Darnold in the last two seasons. There’d be familiarity.

There’s also the cost factor to consider. If he’s available for a contract similar to Baker Mayfield’s, his cap-hit in 2025 would be around $7-9m (Mayfield’s is $6.9m this year). The Seahawks could move Smith to save $31.5m, use $7m of that saving to pay Darnold for next season, and have $24.5m to spend. They’d be swapping a $44.5m cap hit at quarterback for a $20.5m total cost ($13.5m in dead money for Smith plus Darnold’s cap-hit).

They can easily sustain higher cap-hits for Darnold in 2026 and 2027. They currently have a projected $147m and $248m to spend in each season respectively.

Under Schneider we’ve already seen the Seahawks move off Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson. There’s no reason to think they wouldn’t move off Geno Smith.

Darnold might not be ‘the guy’ to get you to a Super Bowl. He has just helped his team to a 14-win season though. He’s just had a 35-touchdown campaign. Smith has not achieved this. So if you’re going to pay a mid-range bridge to buy yourself time while you try and find the next great QB in the draft — why wouldn’t it be someone younger with a connection to your prospective next OC, with a financial saving in 2025 thrown into the mix?

Other thoughts

As we get close to free agency we’ll do more work on what they may or may not do. There are some interesting potential reclamation projects. I always saw Alabama left tackle Jedrick Wills as a guard. Cleveland drafted him to play tackle and it hasn’t suited him. He could end up being Seattle’s answer to Mekhi Becton in Philadelphia (another free agent I’d also consider signing).

There are some interesting defenders set to reach free agency too. I’d be intrigued to see what Mike Macdonald could do with a Jevon Holland or Andre Cisco. Talanoa Hufanga has had injury problems but when healthy, he’s a quality player. He was a big blog favourite back in the day (second round grade).

The defensive line options carry some intrigue — Milton Williams, DJ Jones, BJ Hill and Dayo Odeyingbo for example. Tight end Tommy Tremble can also do a lot of what Seattle needs at the position.

This is the first entry in my 2025 draft interview series. Regulars will know I’ve spent a fair bit of time praising UNLV receiver Ricky White III this season, so it was a pleasure to have a conversation with him.

Please like the video and leave a comment if you can — the more traction these interviews get, the more scope there is to get players involved.

Klint Kubiak in the driving seat

The Seahawks appear close to naming the current Saints offensive coordinator to replace Ryan Grubb. He’s reportedly taking a second in-person interview tomorrow. I discussed in a piece earlier this week why it might be trending towards Kubiak becoming their main target.

There has since been talk of a possible in-person interview with Hank Fraley too. The problem is, if the Lions win this weekend — that won’t be possible for another week or even two weeks. How prepared are the Seahawks to wait if the Lions start winning in the playoffs? They’d run the danger of missing out on Kubiak and there’s always a chance Fraley could have a change of heart.

Nothing about the hiring process in the NFL is ideal. My guess is if Kubiak and Mike Macdonald really hit off on Friday, he’ll get the job. They’ll know after the meeting how much they want to wait a few days to see if the Lions lose to the Commanders.

I like the candidates the Seahawks identified for this role. There wasn’t a ‘home-run’ hire. They’ve had to look around. My only hope is that if Kubiak is appointed, he’ll be prepared to embrace some of the adjustments Sean McVay has made to his blocking scheme. He’s abandoned a lot of the zone/perimeter based system in favour of size and power. I want the Seahawks to be big, aggressive and play downhill in the running game. I want to go after big-bodied finishers, not look for smaller finesse blockers.

The good news is — who was New Orleans’ first round pick last year? Taliese Fuaga, a 6-6, 324lbs violent beast of an offensive lineman. He’s the opposite of finesse. That’s an encouraging sign.

Quinn Ewers turns pro

I’ve always hated people judging a player’s decision to turn pro or not. Now we have this horrible spectacle of $6-8m offers being made to keep quarterbacks in college and people slamming them for turning down the money. It’s ugly.

Ewers has been criticised for not transferring somewhere else and guaranteeing a big pay cheque. Good for him, I say. Apparently he wants to be remembered as a Texas Longhorn, not someone who finished somewhere else. He’s clearly motivated by something other than money, which is a good sign. I’m not sure going somewhere else to play would’ve tremendously boosted his stock anyway.

There’s a lot of online dislike for Ewers which I think goes a bit over the top. He does have natural talent. His whip-like release remains attractive. His deep throw against Alabama last season is one of the three best throws I’ve seen in college football, alongside passes completely by Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray.

His 2024 season started very well and he looked on top form. However, injuries derailed him. An oblique and then an ankle problem took away significant velocity in his arm and his mobility evaporated. He became indecisive and flustered in the pocket. He struggled, with only flashes of quality breaking out game-to-game. He failed to play consistently well for a full four quarters in pretty much any contest post-injury.

I don’t think he’s shown he belongs as a starter in the NFL. He lacks great size and doesn’t have a major physical trait to make up for it. However, the arm talent is clear. It’s not a cannon — but his ability to flick the wrist and the ball just fizzes out does warrant a comparison to Aaron Rodgers’ delivery. He doesn’t have Rodgers’ elusiveness though, or his ability to throw ‘wow’ passes downfield on the run.

Ewers was once a major recruiting talent, viewed as a generational High School prospect up there with the likes of Jadeveon Clowney. He received higher grades than Caleb Williams. He might’ve failed to live up to the hype in college but teams in the NFL have been tracking him for some time.

I think he can be effective in a Kyle Shanahan type scheme. One that requires the quarterback to be a facilitator rather than a one-man show. The Seahawks might be about to appoint a Shananan-tree coach in Klint Kubiak to run their offense.

I’m not making any bold prediction here. The Seahawks might’ve been put off Ewers with the way he played. John Schneider witnessed a tough outing against Georgia in person during the regular season.

However, there is growing pressure on Schneider to draft a quarterback. I don’t think it’s beyond the realms of possibility he looks at Ewers on day two of the draft and brings him in as a developmental project.

A final quick note — both Todd McShay and Rick Spielman said this week there’s growing buzz within the NFL for Jaxson Dart. That’s something to keep in mind as we prepare for the Senior Bowl, where Dart will participate.

Later on I’m going to be recording my first prospect interview in the 2025 version of my draft series. I’ll be speaking to UNLV receiver Ricky White III. Check it out on Friday. Earlier today I also appeared on a UK-based Seahawks podcast called the 12-Talk Podcast. We went over a number of topics. Check it out below:

Today I had a great conversation with Puck Sports discussing the future of the Seahawks offense. Please do check it out, like the video and check out the comments because they’re always great fun!

The Seahawks have requested an interview with Minnesota’s 28-year-old assistant quarterbacks coach. It’s an interesting name to watch as the search for Ryan Grubb’s replacement continues. Video thoughts below…