Seattle Seahawks (Last Year: 9-8)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Seahawks don’t have a second-round pick, so I imagine they would want to trade down to accumulate more resources. They really need to address their defensive line once again, but the main issue is the interior of the offensive front, which lost three starters to free agency. The Seahawks also need to find a potential quarterback for the future.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Seattle didn’t end up trading down, but that’s understandable because a very talented player fell to them at No. 16. Byron Murphy was considered the best defensive player in this class by some, so he was a steal. The Seahawks have maintained a pedestrian defensive line for far too long, and Murphy will certainly improve that area.
While the Seahawks eschewed an offensive lineman at No. 16, and understandably so, given the circumstances, they spent three other picks addressing the interior blocking. Two of them, however, were late-round choices, so only Christian Haynes will likely contribute as a rookie. Haynes, like Murphy, was a tremendous value where he was chosen.
I liked most of what Seattle did otherwise. Only one pick was graded worse than B-, and that happened to be the team’s final selection. My only qualm is that one other early pick wasn’t used on improving the offensive line, but it’s not a surprise that a John Schneider class will be graded favorably.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
16. Byron Murphy, DT, Texas – A+ Grade
Another A+ defensive grade. You have to love the value. The Bears could have drafted Byron Murphy at No. 9, and there wouldn’t have been any complaints. The Vikings loved Murphy enough to take him at 11 if they didn’t need a quarterback so badly. Murphy is an immense talent, and the Seahawks are definitely upgrading their defensive line, which is something they’ve needed to do for a while.
81. Christian Haynes, G, Connecticut – A- Grade
No one should be surprised that the Seahawks are addressing the interior of the offensive line, given that they lost all three starters from last year. Christian Haynes fits the range here in the middle of the third round, and he fills a big need. There are some size limitations with him, but he’s a tough player.
118. Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP – B+ Grade
The Seahawks lost so many linebackers this offseason, so it’s not a surprise to see them address the position with this pick. Tyrice Knight was a very productive player out of UTEP,a and he’s considered by some as a mid-round sleeper.
121. A.J. Barner, TE, Michigan – B Grade
The Seahawks lost a couple of tight ends this offseason, as two of them inexplicably signed gargantuan contracts elsewhere. Here’s a cheap replacement. A.J. Barner makes sense as a fourth-round prospect as a solid Y-tight end prospect for the NFL.
136. Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn – A+ Grade
Is this the next great Seahawks cornerback to be chosen in the middle rounds? I love the value, as Nehemiah Pritchett easily could have gone in the third round, and maybe even the second. Pritchett can cover tall receivers well, so he fits here for the Seahawks.
179. Sataoa Laumea, OT/G, Utah – B+ Grade
Sataoa Laumea spent most of his time at tackle while playing for Utah, but he may have to move to guard in the NFL. This is fine for the Seahawks, who lost several interior blockers in free agency. We had Laumea in the fifth round, so this is a decent value.
192. D.J. James, CB, Auburn – B- Grade
D.J. James is known for a blown coverage against Alabama that resulted in a loss. He makes sense in this range though, so perhaps he can redeem himself in Seattle. The Seahawks do know what they’re doing with cornerbacks.
207. Mike Jerrell, OT, Findlay – C Grade
We didn’t have Mike Jerrell as a draftable prospect, and I heard zero buzz about him throughout the process. This could have been a UDFA signing.
235.
Season Summary:
The Seahawks barely missed out on the playoffs, yet they still felt the need to fire Pete Carroll. They’ll have to begin the rebuilding process, as they are nowhere near good enough to compete with the 49ers in the near future.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Defensive End: Seattle’s defense was a mess once again last year. It hurt that the team couldn’t generate much of an edge rush outside of Boye Mafe.
- Two Defensive Tackles: The interior of the defensive line must also be addressed. Two defensive tackles will be needed if Leonard Williams leaves via free agency. Re-signed Leonard Williams; signed Johnathan Hankins
- Two Linebackers: All of Seattle’s primary linebackers are set to hit free agency. Depending on who leaves, the Seahawks will need to find the appropriate replacements. Signed Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker
- Three Interior Offensive Linemen: Seattle’s interior offensive line is a mess. Damien Lewis and Evan Brown are set to hit free agency, while right guard was a huge weakness last year. Signed Nick Harris
- Quarterback: The Seahawks need to find a quarterback of the future to groom behind Geno Smith. Traded for Sam Howell
- Tight End: Seattle had a bunch of mediocre options at tight end last year. Now, Noah Fant is an impending free agent.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Seattle Seahawks Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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