If you missed my pre-draft live stream earlier, check it out here:
— The growing buzz that Grey Zabel might not last to Seattle’s pick feels legit. So what if he doesn’t make it to #18? Perhaps they pivot to Donovan Jackson or Tyler Booker to fill the gaping void at left guard? They are plug-in-and-play types. Would they consider Josh Conerly Jr for that role? He fits the bill athletically with a strong vertical jump and a good 10-yard split. However, it’d feel a bit like they’d drafted Charles Cross again. I graded both players in round two. They both had smaller builds, they were athletic but lacked strength and power. I’m not sure I want two versions of Cross on the left side for 3rd and 1 or the red zone. Conerly for me is best served sticking at left tackle.
— At other positions, they could look at Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden, Donovan Ezeiruaku or Malaki Starks — three players who fit everything they look for in a player and person. There’s also Kenneth Grant, who seems to be admired by all of the ex-Michigan coaches. I’m just not sure about using the #16 and #18 picks on defensive tackles in back-to-back years, to have them rotate with Leonard Williams (who also cost a second rounder) and Jarran Reed. That’s a bit much for me, especially in a deep defensive tackle draft.
— A note on Malaki Starks, who is beloved at Georgia. When I spoke to my best source in the league and asked him to give me the names of some players he liked, the first answer was Starks. Here’s what Bob McGinn’s scouting sources said about him:
“Everybody loves him (at Georgia). They think he’s a slam dunk. Can play nickel, safety and, corner, in a pinch. Leader, instinctive, athletic. Everybody stands on the table when they talk about him. Top 20.”
“Kirby Smart loves, loves Malaki Starks. Real great reputation.”
“I still think he’s one of the most valuable defensive players in this draft because he can play safety and/or down as a sub defender. He’s still the best safety. Hell of an athlete, great kid. He’ll know everything there is to know about your defense.”
“It’s hard to find these guys. I don’t really have any negatives. He could be a little more consistent with his tackling technique from a breakdown standpoint but he didn’t miss many. It’s splitting hairs on him. Outstanding young man. Starter since Day 1. Went to (SEC) Media Day for them. A+ across the board. And someone may get crazy and decide they want to try him at corner for a little bit. He’s got the corner movement. I’d rather keep him where he is.”
— Who are some wildcard options? If they stay at #18 or move down, keep an eye on Shavon Revel Jr. He would’ve been a first round pick if it wasn’t for his knee injury. He has a terrific understanding of defensive concepts. He’s a swearer during interviews and there’s a clear fire in his belly. On tape he looks the part — physical, fast and talented. He looks like a Mike Macdonald defender. JT Tuimoloau could be a target after running a 4.37 shuttle and don’t count out the two excellent tight ends — Elijah Arroyo and Mason Taylor.
— Could they take a quarterback at #18? Adam Schefter has really messed with my mind this week with his big old hint about the Seahawks drafting a quarterback, potentially in the first two rounds. What if John Schneider has fallen for Jaxson Dart and plans to take him at #18? Remember how good the data was for Dart in this article? He’s athletic, aggressive and he has an arm. These are things Schneider tends to like. It’s worth not ruling out.
— One of the reasons I projected Mason Graham to the Jets at #7 is because of a CBS podcast appearance by Rick Spielman last year. He frequently talked about Graham potentially being the best player in the 2025 draft. Spielman now works for the Jets. He doesn’t have final say or anything but I’m guessing that opinion has been voiced and heard.
— Why might the Seahawks be a good trade target for teams like the Giants if they want to move back into round one? Teams are putting a lot of value on day two picks this year. The Falcons (five total picks) and Vikings (four total picks) might want to add to their stash. However, if teams don’t want to give away second, third and fourth round selections — there’s not much they can do. With the Seahawks already having 10 picks this year, including five in the top-100, they can afford to do a deal for 2026 stock. If their grading chart has similar players available at #18 and #40 — and they can get a 2026 second rounder in a trade — that is appealing. Sure, they might lose out on certain players by doing it. You’d still have 10 picks to address your issues. If the Giants don’t want to give up #65 this year to trade up, the Seahawks might be the ideal trade partner.
— Based on Jeremiah’s mock where the Seahawks do trade down, who would I consider taking at #34? Elijah Arroyo, Mason Taylor, Luther Burden, Tate Ratledge, Jared Wilson, Shavon Revel, Benjamin Morrison, Bradyn Swinson and if Schneider is eyeing a quarterback, that’d be an option too. I’m not a big fan of his but I know people who like Jonah Savaiinaea in the late first or early second round range. Depending on the medicals, Will Johnson is an option too.
— Character really matters to the Seahawks. Here are some players I think are unlikely to be drafted by Seattle as a consequence, based on reported concerns: James Pearce Jr, Mike Green, Walter Nolen, Nick Emmanwori, Josh Simmons, Maxwell Hairston and Shemar Stewart. Fit also matters and I don’t think Shedeur Sanders is a fit for Schneider and Macdonald.
— The following players reportedly have injury flags: Jihaad Campbell, Will Johnson and Derrick Harmon. These players are also still recovering from pre-existing injuries: Colston Loveland, Josh Simmons, Abdul Carter, Shavon Revel, Benjamin Morrison, Kevin Winston Jr.
The plan for today is an open thread throughout round one. When (if?) the Seahawks make a pick at #18 I will post an instant reaction video to my YouTube channel and post it on here too. As soon as round one finishes, I will be doing a live stream with Robbie Williams. When that concludes, I’ll be writing an article for the blog.
Here’s a reminder of my final mock draft. Shout-out to Sea Mode for the graphics:
