Author: Rob Staton (Page 1 of 414)

The main topic on the blog for the last few days has been the possibility of the Seahawks taking Emeka Egbuka in the first round. If you missed yesterday’s article, check it out here.

One of the fears of such a pick is that they wouldn’t have appropriately addressed the offensive line. I wanted to look at a way that can still be achieved.

Let’s imagine a first round like the one below. Note, I am reflecting on how the league is viewing the defensive tackle position in this draft, where we could see many going in the first two days (and in some cases, earlier than people think):

#1 Tennessee — Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
#2 Cleveland — Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
#3 NY Giants — Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
#4 New England — Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
#5 Jacksonville — Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
#6 Las Vegas — Armand Membou (T/G, Missouri)
#7 NY Jets — Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
#8 Carolina — Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
#9 New Orleans — Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
#10 Chicago — Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
#11 San Francisco — Will Campbell (T/G, LSU)
#12 Dallas — Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
#13 Miami — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
#14 Indianapolis — Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State)
#15 Atlanta — Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
#16 Arizona — Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
#17 Cincinnati — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
#18 Seattle — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
#19 Tampa Bay — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
#20 Denver — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
#21 Pittsburgh — Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
#22 NY Giants (v/LAC) — Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
#23 Green Bay — Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
#24 Minnesota — Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
#25 Houston — Kelvin Banks (T, Texas)
#26 LA Rams — Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
#27 Baltimore — Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
#28 Detroit — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
#29 Washington — Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
#30 Buffalo — Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
#31 Kansas City — Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
#32 Philadelphia — Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)

As you can see, Grey Zabel is off the board. I don’t think this is unrealistic. In this situation, the Seahawks might be forced to look elsewhere.

So what do they do?

#33 Cleveland — Tyler Shough (QB,Louisville)
#34 LA Chargers (v/NYG) — TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
#35 Tennessee — Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
#36 Jacksonville — Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
#37 Las Vegas — Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
#38 New England — Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
#39 Chicago (v/CAR) — Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
#40 New Orleans — Josh Conerly (T, Oregon)
#41 Seattle (v/CHI) — Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
#42 NY Jets — Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
#43 San Francisco — Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
#44 Dallas — Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
#45 Indianapolis — Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
#46 Atlanta — Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
#47 Arizona — Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU)
#48 Miami — Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
#49 Cincinnati — Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
#50 Chicago (v/SEA) — Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA)

In this scenario, the Seahawks trade up from #50, giving the Bears #50 & #92 in exchange for #41 & #148. It allows them to move up and select Donovan Jackson.

I don’t think this is unrealistic. Such a scenario would allow them to take a non-offensive lineman at #18, which might be their preference based on a ‘best player available’ approach.

Selecting Egbuka at #18 would be less about the position he plays and more about the person. Egbuka is the quintessential Seahawks pick. He was ‘the man’ at Ohio State who everyone looked up to. His maturity, leadership and competitive drive is top-level. He is a great scheme fit and his reliability on and off the field will replace the void left by Tyler Lockett. He’s also productive, physical, a winner and his testing creates a perfectly high ceiling and floor. Some believe he can be Amon-Ra St. Brown at the next level.

Look at it this way. Lockett had a 10-year career in Seattle. If the Seahawks had used a top-20 pick on him, nobody would’ve complained — irrespective of needs elsewhere. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility the Seahawks look at Egbuka and see someone capable of having an equally long and productive career, with the ability to help shape the mentality of the roster for years.

Then they make an aggressive move to add a plug-and-play starter at left guard. Jackson is well liked within the league and would give the Seahawks an impact lineman at a position of serious need. This kind of plan would enable them to add two highly regarded prospects who can contribute immediately. You can easily argue it would be worth swapping a late third for a fifth rounder to make this move. Chicago might be a willing trade partner because they don’t own a fourth round pick.

If you wanted to, you might be able to move back from #52 to gain extra stock. Or you can just pick again in round two. Having four day two picks creates an opportunity to be aggressive. I wouldn’t just assume it’d be for an offensive lineman either. I could also imagine them making a similar move to try and get Elijah Arroyo if he lasted into range.

I’m not going to spend the next three weeks just talking about Egbuka at #18. I do think, however, it’s an angle that warrants serious thought. I think it’s justifiable too — especially if you can still come away with a guard such as Jackson.

The more you think about it, the more it makes sense right? Get the top player on your board at #18. Then go and get the lineman you want in the range you’re comfortable taking them.

Earlier this week I was invited on the Hawkzone Rundown podcast. If you missed it, check it out here:

Ever since the DK Metcalf trade I’ve been pushing back on mock drafts pairing the Seahawks with a receiver.

They won’t do that! It’s lazy! Have they not heard what they’ve said about the kind of team they want to build!?

Some of that remains true. I do think there’s minimal thought going into those mocks. ‘Replace Metcalf’ will be the prevailing thought. That isn’t going to be their mentality and they’ll only take a receiver if the value matches up.

However, I need to course-correct on my initial stance on a receiver at #18. From conversations I’ve had with people who, let’s just say, ‘know their stuff’, in the last few days — clearly there’s a receiver many of us have been underestimating.

Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka is loved within league circles.

The general perception online seems to be that he’s a fairly unspectacular #2. Speaking to people in the league in the last few days, I can tell you the feeling in the NFL is very different.

One source told me he was ‘the guy‘ at Ohio State. The person everyone looked up to, who best exemplified the competitive spirit that helped the Buckeyes win a National Championship. That’s on a roster that included Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau, Will Howard, Tyleik Williams, Lathan Ransom, Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson and future high picks like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. He’s the one people came to for advice. He set the tone.

His interviews have gone down a storm and he is seen as a gritty, mature presence who already commands himself like a league veteran.

Physically he has far more upside than people realise. He ran a forty in the 4.4’s and jumped a 38-inch vertical. I’m told he won most of the 1v1 basketball games at Ohio State.

People in the league feel he is a good combination of decent ceiling and high floor, someone who can be a reliable production machine at the next level and add a lot to your locker room. It speaks to his physical demeanour that he’s committed to blocking duties and excels.

I was told he’ll be a first round pick.

The player comp? Potentially, Amon-Ra St. Brown. Others have suggested Chris Godwin. Some think that while he isn’t quite as good coming into the league as former Ohio State team-mates Marvin Harrison Jr and Garrett Wilson, he is superior to Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

This is all information worth taking on board. Adding another receiver isn’t Seattle’s greatest need. That’s the offensive line, obviously. But Egbuka ticks so many boxes for the Seahawks. Character, reliability, physical upside, production. He’s their type of guy.

They’ve also put a lot of emphasis on ‘wanting to be here’ after DK Metcalf effectively forced his way off the team. Geno Smith seemingly wanted out too due to his huge salary demands. The Raiders have so far not been able to agree a deal with him either. It didn’t take the Seahawks long to re-assign their jersey numbers to Sam Darnold and Uchenna Nwosu.

Egbuka, originally from Steilacoom, is a self-confessed “huge Seahawks fan” who grew up following the team.

It’s possible he’ll be on a short-list of very viable targets at #18.

Daniel Jeremiah is clearly hearing similar things. He moved Egbuka up six spots in his latest top-50 board to 17th overall. If you put any faith in Jeremiah’s rankings, taking him at #18 will not be a reach.

This line chimes with what I heard:

“He’s earned rave reviews from NFL teams for the knowledge and leadership he’s shown when they meet with him.”

You might ask, do they need another receiver like this? I think it’s important to remember that the Seahawks are now running the Shanahan offense. Look at the receivers San Francisco have had in recent years. Brandon Aiyuk, Jacob Cowing, Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel. None of them are DK Metcalf type size/speed types. They have Jauan Jennings to offer some size but he ran a 4.72 forty at his combine.

The LA Rams meanwhile, who run the same system, excelled with Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua.

If the Seahawks are going down this route, they are far more likely to draft someone like Egbuka to pair with Smith-Njiba than try and find a direct Metcalf replacement. I would also suggest there’s likely to be a lot of emphasis placed on finding a dynamic receiving tight end — which is why I think Elijah Arroyo will be strongly on their radar.

The other thing to consider is just how respected and valued Tyler Lockett was in Seattle. They loved his reliability and attitude. I think it’s totally plausible they’ll see some of him in Egbuka in terms of the personality, professionalism and ability to make critical plays in big moments.

Cooper Kupp is a short-term signing and might only last a year. Nothing about his addition stops them from drafting Egbuka if that’s the direction they want to take.

It was interesting last week that Tony Pauline passed on thoughts within the league that Egbuka would go in the middle part of round one, with a run on receivers starting with the Seahawks at #18.

Again, I appreciate Tony passes on a lot of rumours and some clearly some don’t hit. I will remind people, though, that he correctly said a year ago that Byron Murphy was the guy they wanted (but they didn’t think he’d last) and he was also the first person to say, in an interview with SDB, that there were concerns over Troy Fautanu’s knee. Nobody else had that before Tony. It kept him out for his entire rookie season. It was spot-on information.

It doesn’t mean Tony will be right about this. Yet it’s something else to consider when weighing up whether Egbuka will go earlier than expected and that the Seahawks might be the ones to take him.

Clearly he’s not the only option. I’ve written similar things about Malaki Starks’ combination of talent, maturity and character. He feels like a strong alternative. Ditto Grey Zabel. I can well imagine them having interest in Colston Loveland (but don’t expect there’s any chance he will last to #18). Jahdae Barron and Donovan Ezeiruakun also feel like Seahawks and they’re clearly at least intrigued by Nick Emmanwori — who comes across well when he speaks.

Just don’t be surprised if they take Egbuka in round one. He’s like a lot of their recent first round picks. They would then have to address the O-line on day two but good options exist and they have four picks.

It’s also worth saying that they might be forced to look at other areas at #18. There’s no guarantee Zabel lasts to the Seahawks. His tape is very good. His character is excellent. His testing shows an athlete as explosive as Tristan Wirfs and as nimble as Nate Solder. He is worthy of a top-20 pick. It’s possible the Dolphins, Colts, Cardinals and Bengals take him off the board.

I don’t think any other O-liner at #18 necessarily fits what they’re looking for in terms of physical upside, character and scheme (as much as I like Tyler Booker). They might be forced to look at other positions. Seeking value though, rather than forcing anything, will be the order of the day.

For more on Egbuka and other things I’ve heard about the NFL draft, check out the video below:

We’ve talked a lot recently about potential non-O-line options for the Seahawks at #18. Whether people want to embrace it or not, the Seahawks have operated with a firm ‘stick to the board’ plan in recent drafts. That likely isn’t going to change in 2025.

We’ve discussed Malaki Starks, Emeka Egbuka and Tyler Shough recently — three players with the character and physical tools to potentially interest Seattle. We know Nick Emmanwori is having an official-30 visit. Matthew Golden, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Jaxson Dart and others also shouldn’t just be ruled out completely.

Today though I want to discuss the possibility of a firm assault on the interior O-line, which is also a possibility.

Clearly the Seahawks like the offensive linemen in this draft. They kept out of a bad veteran market with the view the rookies would provide greater potential to produce a great line in the future.

I don’t think it’s out of the question that two of their first three picks go on offensive linemen.

I know someone will respond noting that the team has spoken about having belief in the guys already on the roster. Let’s be clear — they have to say this. The players on the roster have effectively become Seattle’s draft hedge. You can’t predict a draft perfectly and they have to speak about faith in the existing group because they might need those guys.

This doesn’t mean they aren’t fully aware of the need for rapid and emphatic improvement.

There might be a fresh starts for a player like Christian Haynes. I don’t think though, in any way, shape or form, he is being handed a starting job. I doubt they will invest much belief in Anthony Bradford being an option. Sataoa Laumea was a sixth round pick. The truth is he might not even be on the roster next season.

There is no commitment to former fifth rounder Olu Oluwatimi or UDFA Jalen Sundell. This doesn’t mean they’re not-for-long in Seattle — it just means there’s nothing to lock their roster spots in place or feel like the Seahawks have to avoid certain decisions in the upcoming draft.

If they can upgrade any of the interior spots next month, they will do.

They’re also probably well aware that Philadelphia’s talented O-line features two players drafted a year apart with the 37th pick (Landon Dickerson) and 51st pick (Cam Jurgens). The Seahawks need that kind of double-dip.

They have the stock this year to binge on the O-line if they want to and still address other areas. In part, I think this is one of the reasons why they acquired the stock they did. To address the offensive line issue and then other areas too.

I’m increasingly convinced there’s going to be a big ring around the name of Grey Zabel as a legit option at #18. Having already jumped a 36.5 inch vertical at the combine (third best by a lineman since 2003) he’s now added an elite short shuttle. You can watch it here. I’ve tried to time it but the angle is difficult to see when he crosses the finish line. However, I’d estimate his run is in the 4.3’s and is probably a 4.40 at worst.

That puts him in the same company as former first round picks like Nate Solder (4.34), Jordan Gross (4.34), Nick Mangold (4.36), Robert Gallery (4.38) and if you want to extend this to the 33rd pick, Eric Steinbach (4.37).

Zabel has a 3.23 TEF score and he’s a 100.8 in weighted TEF (I will post the data for all linemen soon). He’s the ideal combination of explosive traits and agility and has the profile of a first round prospect with the chance to develop into a top pro.

We’re talking about a player with top level upside for an offensive lineman with excellent tape, an aggressive playing style and clear evidence of performing at a high level in a zone-blocking system. He is a legit top-22 pick in this draft, will not be a reach at #18 and the only concern now has to be that he even lasts to #18 at all.

Character-wise he’s also a great fit. Here’s what Bob McGinn’s sources say about Zabel:

“He’s what you would expect from North Dakota State: tough, physical, friggin’ blue-collar brawler. Very smart. Instincts and reactions are very good. Played pretty good on the move. Good bender. At the Senior Bowl, the practices were better than the game. Real-deal interview. Loved the interview.”

If he’s there at #18, I’m guessing he’ll be the pick. Either to play guard or center. I prefer him at guard but others think center. Zabel has an opportunity to quickly emerge as one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL.

If he isn’t there at #18 (and get ready for this being more of a possibility than some people realise) I don’t think they’ll simply pivot to the next lineman. That’s when other positions can come into play.

Zabel would fill one position. Then you’d move on to #50 and #52. Again, I don’t think the Seahawks will be thinking about Oluwatimi or Haynes when they’re on the clock. If their board has a lineman providing good value in those spots and if they believe they can become a long term starter, they’ll be on the radar.

I put out this tweet after the combine:

How would #Seahawks fans feel if the team drafted Grey Zabel and Tate Ratledge with their first two picks and signed the experienced Ryan Kelly to play center?

— Rob Staton (@robstaton) March 2, 2025

Obviously they didn’t sign Ryan Kelly in the end. Could they still take Ratledge at #50 or #52 and insert him at right guard?

He has the physical profile to justify it. He scored a 3.10 in TEF with an excellent testing session at the combine. He ran a 7.38 three-cone — the 11th best time by an offensive lineman since 2003. In terms of pure upside and physical potential he’s another top-tier prospect.

His tape is aggressive and physical. Bob McGinn’s scouting sources note this about Ratledge:

“High football intelligence, son of a coach. He was important to them from a locker-room perspective and the mentality that he is as a true talent. Even when he was banged up this year he was such an important part of that offensive line. He does have a real nasty streak.”

On tape there’s not a ton of great evidence of him excelling as a zone-blocker. Despite his athleticism he was used as more of a phone-booth guy at Georgia. That might be more to do with their scheme given his excellent athletic traits, including a 4.97 forty yard dash. It’s worth noting though, as is his recent injury history (he missed most of the 2024 season).

Both Zabel and Ratledge have the feel of Eagles-style linemen. If you draft them you’re getting toughness. You’re getting an edge. You’re getting elite-level athletes for the position. With the greatest respect to Christian Haynes, he simply doesn’t have Ratledge’s physical profile and body type.

You will win a lot of football games with players like Zabel and Ratledge in the trenches. This is the way Seattle can revamp their line and set things up for years to come, establishing the identity they crave.

I’d even go a step further. I’d be prepared to draft another lineman. If they want to put Zabel at center, go and get Chase Lundt to play guard. If you had Lundt, Zabel and Ratledge as your interior — that would have the potential to be the most physically violent trio in the NFL. Charles Grant is another strong option. If you want to use Zabel at guard, I’d even be open-minded on using all three of your first picks on the line. That could mean drafting Jared Wilson or Marcus Mbow to play center.

Don’t say this is too much. Do you want to fix the line or not? All of the players listed above are better than anything currently on the roster. Even if you used #18, #50 and #52 on the line — you’d still have two third round picks, a fourth rounder and two fifth’s. You have flexibility.

What is perhaps more likely is one center pick early, one guard pick early and then another addition later on. This is why I’m not panicking about free agency. The options in this draft are so intriguing, there is a chance to build the line of fans’ dreams. I do think, if possible, they’re going to lean into this to try and create something special.

There really was no need for silly tweets about ‘adjunct’ failures if the Seahawks didn’t sign Teven Jenkins or Mekhi Becton. They were never going to be the answer. The players in this draft can be.

A lot of mocks have the Seahawks taking a receiver at #18.

I’m not sold. I’ll explain why, then discuss why it might happen anyway.

The first reason why I’m not convinced is the way the Seahawks say they want to build their team. They’ve talked about being aggressive, physical and trenches-focused. It makes you think they’re more likely to adopt Jim Harbaugh’s ‘over my dead body’ approach to picking receivers before linemen.

Like the Chargers last year, taking a receiver on day two seems to make more sense. Let’s not forget, they’ve already invested a high pick on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Do they really need two?

The second reason involves the players being discussed. I think Matthew Golden is WR1 but he isn’t a home-run pick. I suspect he will be off the board before #18 because the Cowboys seem hell-bent on drafting a receiver in round one and Golden is the best available.

I don’t think Tetairoa McMillan is worth #18 in the slightest. There’s also an issue of personality fit.

For the last few years we’ve talked about the Seahawks doubling down on character. It’s why they were never going to draft Jalen Carter, despite his talent. It’s why they’ve focused on people like Devon Witherspoon, Byron Murphy, Boye Mafe, Derick Hall and Smith-Njigba. Character and reliability is a big part of their process.

Here are quotes from anonymous scouting sources, per Bob McGinn, about McMillian:

“He was in protection mode this year. There’s stuff on film this year that’s just gross. The lack of competitiveness is just disturbing at times. Very undisciplined route runner. Big-play potential but too many times it didn’t happen. Not overly physical for a big guy but he’s got natural ball skills. His feet are awesome for a 6-4 dude. He’s a real smooth operator. He’s slippery in run-after-the-catch and he’s got pretty good speed. It’s just, which guy are you going to get? He’s a really immature kid. He’s a poster child for this NIL shit. They kiss his ass to get him to stay and then they do what they want.”

You don’t have to take this as gospel but it’s not exactly the description of a player the Seahawks have taken early in recent drafts. Based on what John Schneider said on Seattle Sports yesterday, I can’t imagine this kind of review — if accurate — is going to have him rushing to pick McMillan.

Golden gets a far more positive review:

“He is a great kid and he could rise because of who he is.”

Out of the two, Golden is more likely to be on Seattle’s radar if they believe in the player and the person. Like I said though, I don’t think he’ll be available.

It all just seems a little bit lazy to me. The Seahawks traded away DK Metcalf, therefore they’ll use their top pick on a pass-catcher.

If they trade down first, I think it’s more likely. Moving down the board for extra day-two stock would be appealing. Recently Todd McShay pitched a trade with the Giants moving up to #19, giving the Buccs the 65th pick and a 2026 third rounder in return.

I think that would be an attractive move for Seattle too. The Giants have potentially set themselves up to attack a plan like this. By signing Russell Wilson, they are at least somewhat covered. They can take Travis Hunter (or Abdul Carter) at #3. They can then try to trade up from #34 to get a quarterback, possibly Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart, jumping the Steelers at #21.

Deion Sanders, who once touted the possibility of picking his son’s eventual NFL destination, today said he’s happy for Shedeur to go to ‘any of the teams needing a quarterback’. That’s the biggest hint yet that Shedeur is not going to be taken in the top-three picks.

If the Seahawks were to move down to #34, while gaining pick #65, this could bring a receiver into play. They might prefer to target Mason Taylor or Elijah Arroyo at tight end instead — but there is a receiver I do think they’ll like.

Emeka Egbuka is exactly the type of character they want. He’s been a consistent target for Ohio State. He grew up a huge Seahawks fan and adding players ‘who want to be here’ seems to be a focus for Seattle at the moment.

There was a question mark about his athletic testing. He ran in the 4.4’s at his pro-day and jumped a 38-inch vertical. That answered any of those questions.

Nobody expects Egbuka to be a big-time X-factor in the NFL. I do think you’re going to get a lot of consistent production though — particularly on third downs and key moments. He’s also physical and gritty with a high football IQ. Egbuka might be a receiver but he’s tough. The kind of tough Seattle seems to want. We’ve seen these types of player excel in San Francisco and LA. He could be a long-term replacement for Cooper Kupp, acting initially as the #3 receiver.

You might say, ‘why would they want another player who operates in a similar way to Smith-Njigba?’ I suppose you could say the signing of Kupp is evidence they don’t mind having multiple versions of this type of player. They have plenty of picks to add some deep speed later on and might feel they already have it in Marquez Valdez-Scantling.

Whether people like Seattle’s approach or not — this is the type of player they’ve drafted in recent years.

Could they take him even without a trade-down? There are two things to consider.

Firstly, it’s the BPA approach. Egbuka is 26th on Todd McShay’s big board ahead of Zabel (#33) and Malaki Starks (#34),

Lance Zierlein gave Egbuka a 6.37 grade. That’s better than Zabel (6.34), Kenneth Grant (6.36), Jihaad Campbell (6.34), Starks (6.34), Omarion Hampton (6.33) and Shedeur Sanders (6.30).

Based on my own rankings, I think he is the second best receiver in the draft behind Golden and worthy of being considered between the 16th and 23rd best player in the draft. You can view my horizontal board here.

It’s not that unrealistic to imagine the Seahawks have Egbuka ahead of some other popular alternatives. It’s not necessarily what I would do — but as with the Tyler Shough article yesterday, I wouldn’t rule anything out.

Secondly, there’s this from Tony Pauline today:

“People at the (Ohio State) pro-day believe that the run on receivers will begin with the Seattle Seahawks, who own the 18th selection and run through the 26th pick owned by the Los Angeles Rams.”

Pauline also noted that Egbuka’s pro-day showing cemented a first round placing, “likely in the middle part of the first frame.”

A lot of people like to criticise Tony. I’ve known him for a long time and consider him a friend. I think it’s important to note a couple of things. He’s an information gatherer from a variety of sources. He passes on rumours and sometimes speaks a little bit too matter-of-factly about what are essentially rumblings. If you’re willing to accept that’s what it is, you can have fun with it. Over the years some of those rumours have been true. He has been right on several stories, including some big ones. Just a year ago he said Byron Murphy was the guy the Seahawks wanted but they didn’t think he’d last.

He’s also had some whiffs. He famously passed on info from a source who thought the Seahawks were going to draft Trevor Penning and Desmond Ridder in 2022.

The point I’m making is this. Take all of this with a pinch of salt. Just don’t assume it’s all wrong. There may well be a feeling within the league — rightly or wrongly — that the Seahawks will take a receiver at #18. Plenty of people are mocking it.

Again, I’m not convinced they will. However, if you’d asked me a year ago whether I thought they’d take a cornerback at #16 I’d have also said ‘no’. Yet if Murphy hadn’t been available, we’ve since discovered the chances are Quinyon Mitchell or Terrion Arnold would’ve been Seattle’s choice.

If they did use their top pick on Golden or Egbuka, how would they fix the offensive line? I’m going to keep stressing this — there are plenty of options throughout this draft. It’s not Grey Zabel or bust. They might not see a big difference in grade between Zabel and others. Tate Ratledge, Donovan Jackson, Charles Grant or Marcus Mbow in round two, for example. Dylan Fairchild or Wyatt Milum in the middle rounds. The excellently violent Chase Lundt who is a personal favourite. Logan Brown or Jack Nelson. Or later round options such as Bryce Cabeldue and Connor Colby. All of these players graded well in zone.

I also wouldn’t completely rule out Tyler Booker, purely for the fact he’s plug-and-play, safe as houses, physically brilliant and carries A+ character marks. It might not be at #18. They might trade down first. But I don’t think he’s totally out of the equation, especially since the 49ers drafted Aaron Banks for the same scheme and Green Bay just paid him $19.25m a year to play for Matt LaFleur.

I think Zabel or Booker would be a very good top pick. If they decide to go in a different direction, they can still address their offensive line. The options are there and they have plenty of stock to work with.

We know the Seahawks are bringing in Tyler Shough for an official-30 visit. Now, here’s a nugget from Tony Pauline following the Louisville pro-day this week:

“Some believe he could end up in round one, an opinion I do not share, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks whispered around league circles as interested.”

I’m not convinced the Seahawks will use #18 on a quarterback. However, I wouldn’t rule it out. Not in the slightest. I don’t think anyone should be that surprised if it happens either.

Let’s look at Shough. He’s tall, athletic, has a good arm and big hands. He’s shown a lot of grit and character to fight to be relevant in the draft. He was told a year ago he was basically finished in football. He’s not accepted that, he’s dragged his way towards a pro-career and now he’ll be, at worst, a second round pick.

Todd McShay highlighted this throw earlier in the week:

Just finished Dart’s “Vs. Pressure” tape (There’s some Josh Allen-lite stuff in there, man!). But now I’m on to Tyler Shough’s cut up. This throw stood out early. pic.twitter.com/h2dy4xetsx

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 25, 2025

That is an arm John Schneider can get behind. He’s always looked for physical tools — whether it was with Russell Wilson, the apparent interest in Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, and even the less successful acquisitions in Drew Lock and Charlie Whitehurst.

There are no physical limitations with Shough’s arm. He can get the ball downfield with accuracy and timing and he can deliver ‘wow’ throws from different arm angles. He’s fearless both in the pocket and sometimes, recklessly, as a runner.

He threw a +13 ‘big time throw’ versus ‘turnover worthy play’ differential last season — the exact same number as Cam Ward.

In terms of traits — Shough is 6-5, 219lbs and he has 10-inch hands. He ran a 4.63 forty and jumped a 32-inch vertical and a 9-9 broad. Along with his arm talent, this is a high-quality athlete for the position. He’s not the most creative, elusive player when it comes to extending plays. Nor is he a difference maker as a runner. He’s not a cement-footed plodder either and with this profile, there’s a degree of athletic upside on offer.

We know the Seahawks are placing a huge emphasis on character in recent drafts. Shough is pretty much everything they are looking for. They want a player who is absolutely determined to make a success of himself. Who refuses to be beaten down. Someone who has battled adversity and come through the other side. When you listen to his interviews there’s no BS with Shough. He is extremely likeable, humble and honest — with a competitive fire in his belly.

Why did he run and throw at the combine? His answer was, ‘Why the heck not? I wasn’t supposed to be here. I’m going to go and compete’.

I would highly recommend watching this interview to get a feel for why teams will really take to him as a person.

Think about how uptight everyone is at the combine? To the point that a lot of players don’t do anything now through fear of damaging their stock. Here’s Shough’s reaction to merely beating his first run in the forty:

Tyler Shough runs a 4.64u on his second try and is FIRED UP 🗣️

📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Z0qqr2dq9J

— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2025

There is zero entitlement here, zero arrogance. He’s making things happen.

At his pro-day he spoke after the workout saying: “I feel like I add value, whatever the situation I’m going to be in. Whether it’s a backup role or a starter, I feel like I’m ready to go and compete.”

Todd McShay put it well on his Ringer show today (watch the full episode here):

 
I get the sense that the whole NFL has been surprised by his draft process which has — unquestionably — been the best among any player at any position. Nobody has done more to elevate his stock.

Schneider made a point of saying after the combine that there were QB’s they were surprised by and needed to do more work on. I was convinced he was talking about Shough. His throwing session in Indianapolis was excellent. His interviews with the media were among the best, so it was probably the same with teams.

He came into the 2024 college season probably not on a lot of radars. He’s made teams do the extra work, including the Seahawks. Thus, the official visit.

Again, this doesn’t mean they will draft Shough at #18. It’s possible they like him a lot, really respect everything he’s achieved and simply accept they’re probably not going to be the ones to take him. There are two things to consider though:

1. Sam Darnold’s contract

It’s been a weird day with OverTheCap and Spotrac posting conflicting information on Darnold’s deal in Seattle. If OverTheCap are correct, the Seahawks can easily get out of the contract after this season. If they designated him as a post-June 1st cut they could save $26.5m in cap space in 2026. The dead hit to trade him to someone else or cut him before June would be $25.6m but that’s not the end of the world given how much money they have to play with.

Essentially, all the Darnold signing has done is cover them for 2025. They won’t go into the draft desperately needing to select a quarterback. Neither will they start the season with a totally inadequate, replacement-level starter. They’ve created a situation where the worst case scenario is they fall-in behind Darnold this year. However, they aren’t financially committed to him. If they want to draft a quarterback and either create a competition or set someone up to potentially start in 2026, there is no financial constraint stopping them from doing this.

2. John Schneider won’t be waiting for perfection

There’s an inaccurate assessment of Schneider that he never drafts a quarterback because he’s waiting for the perfect player who may never come. This ignores just how many ‘shots’ he’s taken over the years. The Whitehurst trade was expensive. They signed Tarvaris Jackson and then Matt Flynn (at great cost).

Once they drafted Russell Wilson, in the same year they signed Flynn, they didn’t need to keep turning over stones because they had a franchise passer. Since Wilson, they’ve re-signed Geno Smith, added Drew Lock, traded for Sam Howell and now signed Sam Darnold. This is not inaction. This is a GM who is being extremely active to find the next long-term solution.

He probably doesn’t need to see the next Mahomes, Allen or Wilson in the draft to be prepared to take a shot. This is a GM, after all, who reportedly wanted to draft Andy Dalton in 2011.

If he likes Shough, believes he can start in the NFL and doesn’t have anyone with a significantly higher grade at #18, I don’t think it’s out of this world that the Seahawks could take him. This is a quarterback league. If you find one you like, who lasts to a range where you can actually pick them for a change, you don’t turn that opportunity down.

What’s the alternative? Keep waiting for the next brilliant passer? Then what? Hope you can trade the crown jewels for that player? Hope someone else drops to day two and, as with Wilson, you’re the one who has the foresight to act? That’s not easy to do once, let alone twice.

Is #18 a reach for Shough? Here’s something to note. Todd McShay has him ranked 32nd on his big board. That’s one place above Grey Zabel. You don’t have to take McShay’s word as gospel — but at least based on his evaluation, drafting Shough in round one is no more of a reach than drafting Zabel.

There are concerns with Shough. He’s an older player (25) with an injury history. None of the injuries are long-term concerns though, they were all freak accidents without longer term consequences. His age isn’t ideal but it’s also not a reason to avoid drafting someone. If you think he’s a franchise quarterback, you don’t pass because he might only have a 10-year career instead of a 12-year career.

I do think at some point they’re going to draft a quarterback next month. It might be later on. They might invest their high picks in other positions. That would certainly create a more structured camp situation — with the pieces in place to help Darnold and everyone knowing who the starter is. If you draft a quarterback at #18 the conversation about when that player takes over starts immediately.

Maybe that would bring the best out of Darnold? Maybe their hope is he starts this year, excels and they end up in a similar situation to Minnesota — having to decide whether to stick with Darnold or trade him and go with the rookie? I can think of worse dilemmas.

I can definitely see why the Seahawks might have a lot of time for Shough and why they might decide to take the plunge in round one. I can also imagine a scenario where he’s liked but not quite enough to make a top-20 pick. There’ll be plenty of players the Seahawks admire but not enough to draft in round one.

Schneider has been waiting patiently for the opportunity to draft a quarterback though. When he finds his guy, he’s going to do it. He’s going to draft him. In a month we’ll find out whether Shough, Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers or any of these other 2025 quarterbacks are that individual. I suspect we’ll see a young signal caller on the roster by May, it might just be a question of ‘who?’

If you missed my latest show on Puck Sports earlier, please check it out below:

Brock Huard made an interesting observation on Seattle Sports this morning:

“I was told very early, this is going to be in the image of Mike Macdonald. This free agent is going to be in the image of Mike Macdonald, this draft class is going to be in the image of Mike Macdonald. And you know what he wants? Baltimore tough. You know what he wants? Baltimore physical. You know what he wants? Baltimore bully.”

Most people will enjoy reading these words. The Seahawks need a greater physical edge to be the team they say they want to be. As Macdonald puts it, a team ‘nobody wants to play’.

I had the philosophy described by Brock above in mind when I wrote my latest mock draft yesterday. The players paired with Seattle were tough, physical and they play with violence.

I wanted to refine things today. These are the players I think best encapsulate a bullying, physical style…

Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell just hits differently. His tackles are jarring and forceful. He is the most impactful tackler in this class. When you also consider his size and closing speed he has immense physical talent. The labrum surgery could keep him on the board longer than he otherwise would be. Any team who takes him will benefit from his presence if he makes a full recovery.

The three offensive linemen I’d consider the most violent are Tyler Booker, Grey Zabel and Chase Lundt. Armand Membou would be squarely in the mix but he’s unlikely to be in range. Marcus Mbow wouldn’t be far behind.

Booker is a dominating tone-setter up front who loves nothing more than punishing opponents. It’s a well-worn debate over whether he’s a scheme-fit for zone-blocking but his playing style fits the mentality Seattle is looking for. Zabel is a stone-cold finisher and loves to bury opponents. His sheer number of pancakes and finished blocks is impressive. He’s usurped though by Lundt which is no mean feat. I haven’t seen a more violent offensive lineman in this draft. If you want someone who is going to sprint at full speed to the second level, reach up and connect on a block in space and absolutely level someone, Lundt is your man.

Here’s the video I posted earlier in the week as evidence (he’s the right tackle):

 
Meanwhile, if the Seahawks want to provide a physical disposition to the center position combined with athleticism and finishing, Purdue’s Mbow could be an option at the end of round two.

At tight end, Elijah Arroyo plays with the greatest edge. There’s a nasty streak to his game to go with the gliding, effortless ability to find space. He can box-out with his body and he competes for everything. The other tight end to mention is Jackson Hawes. He’s a no-nonsense block-first, think-later type who wants to help establish dominance at the line of scrimmage, acting like an extra lineman.

The most aggressive defensive player I’ve watched is Ty Robinson by far. Every snap is treated like his last. He doesn’t take no for an answer when he’s engaged at the point of attack and he plays relentlessly through the whistle. He embraces run defending with a passion and he combines explosive power, size and quickness to punish anyone who gets in his way. When I interviewed him there was a glint in his eye when I told him he looked like a classic, old-school AFC North defender. If there’s anyone who encapsulates the kind of bullying physicality Seattle craves it is Nebraska’s Robinson.

Not far behind is South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight. He was consistently the player who set the tone for their excellent defense. He continuously made plays on the field and always seemed to be flying to the ball-carrier and delivering a jarring tackle. His attitude and intensity fit the bill.

There are three defensive backs to mention. Jonas Sanker has a pop to his tackling, flies downfield in run support and he seems to enjoy doing it. Andrew Mukuba similarly just levels people despite a lack of ideal size. Upton Stout is also undersized but his run defense is excellent and there are examples of some big hits versus the run.

The running back class is loaded with tough, physical runners — led at the top by Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton. Everyone knows about Cam Skattebo. His ability to break tackles and finish runs like his life depended on it is unique. I’m just not sure he has the lateral quickness to be truly effective at the next level. Bhayshul Tuten, Ja’Quinden Jackson and Tahj Brooks finish a lot of their runs. Kyle Monangai has a few mini-Beast Mode efforts. There are others I could mention too in a deep group of very talented runners.

Aside from the physical toughness of the players named here, I think there are several obvious character/profile fits — including Malaki Starks, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Jack Bech, Jahdae Barron, Kelvin Banks Jr and potentially Nick Emmanwori.

I think there’s a good chance some of these players end up in Seattle. We could easily see one or all of Zabel, Mbow and Lundt (such is the offensive line need). We could see Arroyo at #50 (would they even trade up for him?). I think if I was going to put money on any player ending up with the Seahawks (an unwise move before anyone does it) I’d pick Robinson.

Round one

#1 Tennessee — Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
I don’t think any quarterback in this draft is worth the #1 pick. All power to Tennessee if they go in this direction but they keep cycling through young quarterbacks and nothing is changing because the roster isn’t good enough.

#2 Cleveland — Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
Despite chatter last week that Shedeur Sanders could be the #2 pick, part of me wonders if that was planted to try and provoke the Giants into trading into the top-two. Carter and Myles Garrett together would be something to witness.

#3 NY Giants — Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
The Giants probably won’t have a ton of faith in Sanders being the answer to their prayers. Yet the GM and Head Coach are in a self-inflicted nightmare where they have no choice but to take a quarterback and hope for the best.

#4 New England — Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
There are three legitimate ‘blue chip’ players. Abdul Carter, Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter. The Pats take Hunter.

#5 Jacksonville — Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
With an offensive-minded Head Coach and a young GM, I think the Jaguars will opt for excitement with this pick. Warren can be Trevor Lawrence’s best friend on the field.

#6 Las Vegas — Armand Membou (T, Missouri)
It’ll be seriously tempting to take Ashton Jeanty but this is a loaded running back class. Therefore, they take Membou to complete their offensive line and wait on the runners.

#7 NY Jets — Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
The Jets would love Tyler Warren to fall to them but if he doesn’t, I think they’ll just pivot to Loveland. He can be the dynamic X-factor they need at the position. Some teams will have Loveland graded ahead of Warren.

#8 Carolina — Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
Carolina needs to rebuild its defensive front. Walker could be a permanent EDGE and a poor-man’s Micah Parsons.

#9 New Orleans — Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
The Saints let the board come to them in this scenario. Graham’s tape is really good but non-ideal measurables and a lack of testing could sink his stock a little.

#10 Chicago — Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
The Bears will rejoice if Jeanty falls here. It’d be another critical piece in Ben Johnson’s overhaul on offense. Pound-for-pound he’s the best talent in the draft.

#11 San Francisco — Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
They need pass rushers and speed on the back end. Barron’s ability to play anywhere in the secondary, his toughness and elite character will appeal to teams.

#12 Dallas — Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
They seem to be gearing up to take a receiver here. The Cowboys have had a very odd off-season so far.

#13 Miami — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
As predicted, the draft pundits are now starting to reflect on his stock and push him back up the boards. He is a fantastic talent to play deep safety with A+ character. Teams will love his mental makeup.

#14 Indianapolis — Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
The labrum injury is a concern but provided teams are comfortable with the situation, Campbell is one of the 10 best players in this draft and should still go early. He’s a crunching tackler and can rush the edge.

#15 Atlanta — Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
Williams’ stock is really difficult to work out. He had injury issues in college, he was inconsistent but he also showed flashes of quality.

#16 Arizona — Will Campbell (T/G, LSU)
I struggle with Campbell. His tape wasn’t very good in 2024, he doesn’t play with enough aggression, he has short arms and he’s too upright to play guard. Still, everyone seems to think he’s better than I do, so I guess he’ll go in the top-20.

#17 Cincinnati — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
The concerning character rumblings from his time at Virginia are out there but the Bengals frequently turn a blind eye to such flags.

#18 Seattle — Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State)
The Seahawks want someone who can run to the second level and hammer people. That’s what Zabel does. A perfect scheme fit and they’ll possibly see him as a guard or center.

#19 Tampa Bay — Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
The more you watch of Hairston the more you like. He has a ton of talent. He’s so smooth in transition, he’s long limbed and he can take the ball away.

#20 Denver — Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
The Broncos regularly get tagged with a running back here. They might actually prefer TreVeyon Henderson because of his pass-catching and pass-pro ability.

#21 Pittsburgh — Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
Aaron Rodgers would only be a short-term fix. They have to set up a longer-term vision. Would they trade into the top-15 to make sure they get their guy? Maybe.

#22 LA Chargers — Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
The injury issues (and therefore lack of testing) could really hamper Johnson. He’s talented but he might fall.

#23 Green Bay — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Just a great combination of production, agility and character.

#24 Minnesota — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
I think Emmanwori’s testing — which everyone knew about before the combine — is being counted twice in some mocks. I think he goes in this range.

#25 Cleveland (v/HOU) — Tyler Shough (QB,Louisville)
The Browns fear the Rams at #26 and therefore do a deal with an obliging Texans (who fleeced them over DeShaun Watson) to move up and get a guy who would be expected to start right away.

#26 LA Rams — TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
With Shough off the board and the top cornerbacks gone too, the Rams pivot to a dynamic ball-carrier who can provide the X-factor qualities they currently lack in the backfield.

#27 Baltimore — Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
This feels like an excellent plug-and-play fit for the Ravens, not to mention his playing style suits the AFC North to a tee.

#28 Detroit — Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
The physical profile is enticing, the total lack of any production in college is not. Plenty of players like this don’t succeed.

#29 New England (v/WAS) — Kelvin Banks (T/G, Texas)
The Patriots trade up from #38 to claim a tackle to help protect Drake Maye.

#30 Buffalo — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
I just don’t think there’s anything that exciting about McMillan — a 4.5 runner who admits he hasn’t got a good vertical jump in him.

#31 Kansas City — Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
Grant’s testing wasn’t quite as impressive as his ranking on Bruce Feldman’s ‘freaks list’ indicated. But the Michigan guys always get pumped up on that list.

#32 Philadelphia — James Pearce Jr (EDGE, Tennessee)
The character concerns are well known but if there’s one team that has shown it can manage players like this it’s the Eagles.

Round two

#33 Houston (v/CLE) — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
Trading down and reuniting CJ Stroud with Egbuka could be a perfect situation for the Texans.

#34 NY Giants — Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
They have to fix their offensive line.

#35 Tennessee — Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
They have hardly any weapons and need more at receiver.

#36 Jacksonville — Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
In an alternative mock I suppose they could go for Mason Graham and then Mason Taylor rather than Warren and Harmon.

#37 Las Vegas — Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
After passing on the running back position at #6 they get a player who had a tremendous combine.

#38 Washington (v/NE) — Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
The Commanders need another receiver even after adding Deebo Samuel. Noel is such a dynamic talent and feels very much like a top-45 pick.

#39 Chicago (v/CAR) — Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
He can be Ben Johnson’s Chicago answer to Sam LaPorta.

#40 New Orleans — Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
The Saints need to bring in another outside threat at receiver.

#41 Chicago — Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU)
He led the NCAA for pressures during the regular season. Swinson has outstanding potential.

#42 New York Jets — Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
He has a ton of upside and can be even better if he slims down a little.

#43 San Francisco — Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
There are a few character concerns with Nolen but the 49ers take a shot here.

#44 Dallas — Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
There’s been talk the Cowboys could look at Ewers and it’d go along with a slightly barmy off-season in Dallas.

#45 Indianapolis — Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
The Colts need a playmaking tight end.

#46 Atlanta — Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
The lack of speed he showed at his pro-day might be a concern for some teams.

#47 Arizona — Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
He lacks twitch and agility but he’s built like a terminator.

#48 Miami — Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
Concerns about his maturity are an issue but the Dolphins are said to be expecting Terron Armstead to retire.

#49 Cincinnati — Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
He’s the type of lineman Cincy tends to like a lot.

#50 Seattle — Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
I think they’d love one of the two second round tight ends Taylor or Arroyo to fall here but if not, Bech would be an outstanding consolation. He could remind John Schneider of Jordy Nelson.

#51 Denver — Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
Running in the 4.5’s won’t help his stock but Sean Payton might be able to turn him into Michael Thomas, who also fell after running in that range.

#52 Seattle (v/PIT) — Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
He fills the void left by Roy Robertson-Harris. Robinson ticks every box for the Seahawks. He’s an absolute warrior against the run, his seven sacks were second most by interior defenders in 2024, he produced a brilliant testing profile and his character is A+.

#53 Tampa Bay — Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
They say they’re after ball-hawks and Watts collected interceptions for Notre Dame.

#54 Green Bay — Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
Needs at the position could push Amos into the top-45.

#55 LA Chargers — Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA)
Jim Harbaugh will love ‘The Mayor’.

#56 Buffalo (v/MIN) — Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
He might be a one-year wonder but what a season he had in 2024.

#57 Carolina (v/LAR) — Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
If the Panthers use Jalon Walker as a linebacker who reduces down, they could draft another EDGE defender.

#58 Houston — Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
He had a fantastic Senior Bowl and he’s explosive and powerful but it would’ve been nice to see twitchier speed and agility.

#59 Baltimore — Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)
Mukuba is a fearless player who fits the Baltimore mentality.

#60 Detroit — Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
Knight just feels like a Lion.

#61 Washington — Josh Conerly (T, Oregon)
I struggle to work out what Conerly is but filling in for Sam Cosmi might be his best bet.

#62 Buffalo — Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
He has a lot of talent but the injury recovery keep him on the board.

#63 Kansas City — Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
As with Morrison, he would’ve gone earlier but for the injury.

#64 Philadelphia — TJ Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
His lack of lower body bulk is a concern but he’s quick and can disrupt.

Notes on the options for Seattle’s first three picks

#18 — I don’t think this is a reach for Grey Zabel. His tape is excellent and his testing profile compares to Tristan Wirfs (#13 overall, 2020). The Seahawks could see him as an option at guard or center. There’s a chance the Colts (#14), Cardinals (#16) and Bengals (#17) take him. If that’s the case, in this mock draft I think they’d pivot to another position with cornerback Maxwell Hairston and EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku two players who perfectly fit Seattle’s character and physical profile desires. I don’t think the Seahawks will force anything at #18 and will feel comfortable knowing there’s O-line depth in this draft. If Malaki Starks lasts to #18, he would be a big-time option too. But Zabel is the pick that makes the most sense if he’s available.

#50 — I suspect the Seahawks would like it if one of the second-tier tight ends lasted to this pick (Mason Taylor and Elijah Arroyo). There are some medical concerns around Arroyo though. If they’re both gone, I think Jack Bech would be an outstanding selection. His body control, ball-tracking, ability to compete for the ball in the air, versatility to run a full route tree and make clutch and big plays is exactly what they need. He might remind John Schneider of Jordy Nelson, a favourite of his from Green Bay. If Bradyn Swinson lasts to #50 he would be another excellent option. I also think if Quinn Ewers is available with either of Seattle’s two second round picks, there’s a chance Schneider will take him.

#52 — If more than one of the players mentioned for pick #50 are available, they also cross over to this selection. However, draft media is seriously sleeping on Ty Robinson in general but in particular he makes a ton of sense for the Seahawks. They need to add another defensive lineman and he has experience playing right across the line for Nebraska. He’s a tremendous run defender, he can rush the passer (seven sacks in 2024) and he carries a relentless spirit. His character is outstanding and I’ve personally interviewed him so know he ticks that particular box that is very important to the Seahawks. He also ran a 4.83 forty and a 4.50 shuttle. People might scratch their head if they take him here but they’ll love it when they see him play. If they don’t get Grey Zabel at #18, keep an eye on William & Mary’s Charles Grant or Purdue’s Marcus Mbow in this range.

Seattle’s remaining picks

R3 — Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
I think the Seahawks will draft a quarterback at some point. Leonard requires some technical development as a passer but he’s a difference-maker with his legs and his character and attitude is appealing.

R3 — Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia)
A safety who plays with intensity and force. He can fly around the field and deliver crushing blows. He’s the kind of defensive back Seattle lacks at the moment. He can be an ideal replacement for Rayshawn Jenkins.

R4 — Chase Lundt (G, UConn)
Perhaps a must-have pick for a team focusing on zone-blocking. Lundt is an outstanding scheme fit and he plays with speed and violence. The Seahawks could theoretically slot him in at left guard and use Grey Zabel at center. If they did, they’d have a very aggressive interior line, which I’m sure we’d all love to see. Perhaps the most violent interior duo in the league — they’d at least rival Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens for that honour.

R5 — Chandler Martin (LB, Memphis)
An all-action, thumping linebacker who reads-and-reacts well and feels like the kind of player the Seahawks will show interest in. They need more depth at this position.

R5 — Nazir Stackhouse (DT, Georgia)
A classic space-eater and block-absorber but the combine showed a player in good shape with a well proportioned frame. There’s potential here for Stackhouse to emerge as a really decent early-down defender.

R7 — Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
Undersized and in need of some work and development but Longerbeam has good speed and he’s well known for his leadership and strong character.

R7 — Josh Williams (RB, LSU)
Wore the respected #18 jersey at LSU as a player of great character. He did an underrated job for the Tigers and there’s talent to harness here.