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:

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.