Seattle Seahawks (Last Year: 10-7)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Seahawks need to make sure that Sam Darnold has the talent around him to succeed. Their offensive line is one of the worst in the entire NFL, so multiple upgrades are needed in that area. They also need some receiving options after losing DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Seahawks tried to trade down from No. 18, but like most teams in the 3-24 range, they couldn’t do so because there was no interest from other teams to move up. This was a blessing in disguise, however, as it forced Seattle to improve its horrible offensive line. The front office did so by drafting Grey Zabel, who can play every position up front.
The Zabel selection was great, and yet it wasn’t even Seattle’s best pick of the weekend. That would be the Nick Emmanwori choice atop Round 2. There wouldn’t have been any complaints had, say, the Dolphins chosen Emmanwori at No. 13 overall. The incredibly athletic safety was a huge steal at No. 35.
The Seahawks had a great draft overall. There was one pick that was graded poorly at the end of the fifth round (Robbie Ouzts), but Seattle found numerous great values and filled positions of need. The team even obtained a potential future starting quarterback in Jalen Milroe, though he’s more of a long-term project. Still, the Seahawks had one of the better draft classes in 2025.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
18. Grey Zabel, OT/G/C, North Dakota State – A Grade
Like the Bengals, the Seahawks wanted to trade out. They couldn’t do so, but it’s probably for the best because it forced them to draft a talented offensive lineman to protect Sam Darnold. Grey Zabel was awesome at the Senior Bowl, and he can play every position. The Seahawks still need lots of help up front, but this was a nice start.
35. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina – A+ Grade
When I heard that the Seahawks traded up to No. 35, Nick Emmanwori’s name immediately popped into my head. This is such a great fit. Emmanwori is the type of defensive back the Seahawks love, and he fills a huge need. Plus, he’s arguably the best player available. If the Seahawks drafted Emmanwori at No. 18, I would have graded that favorably!
50. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami – A Grade
The Seahawks lost two receivers this offseason, but didn’t really find a replacement because Cooper Kupp is nearing the end of his career. They needed to find another pass-catcher for Sam Darnold. A tight end definitely qualifies, and Elijah Arroyo provides good value as a prospect who could have possibly gone at the end of the opening round.
92. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama – B Grade
Jalen Milroe over Shedeur Sanders is kind of insane. When Milroe was getting first-round buzz, I thought that would have been utterly awful. Milroe is a horrible passer right now, but he has upside and great mobility. He makes much more sense in the third round.
142. Rylie Mills, DE/DT, Notre Dame – C+ Grade
The Seahawks traded into this pick, but came away with an underwhelming selection. Rylie Mills has limitations for the NFL, and there are injury concerns on top of that. He had great production at Notre Dame, but there’s not much upside.
166. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State – A- Grade
The Seahawks lost two receivers this offseason and didn’t really bring in anyone. Cooper Kupp was signed, but he’s old and decrepit. Tory Horton is a tall and fast receiver who could have gone earlier than this. I like this pick.
175. Robbie Ouzts, TE, Alabama – D Grade
Robbie Ouzts is not someone I expected to be drafted. I don’t know if anyone had him drafted either. He’s a pure blocking tight end who offers almost nothing as a receiver.
192. Bryce Cabeldue, G, Kansas – A Grade
Bryce Cabeldue was a projected fourth- or fifth-round pick, so the Seahawks are getting good value with him. They’re also addressing an obvious need, given the troubles on the offensive line.
223. Damien Martinez, RB, Miami – B+ Grade
The Seahawks didn’t need a running back because they’re loaded at the position, but they couldn’t pass on this value. Damien Martinez easily could have gone in the fourth or fifth round.
234. Mason Richman, OT, Iowa – B- Grade
Mason Richman tested poorly in workouts and wasn’t expected to be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, I can at least appreciate the Seahawks adding to their offensive line.
238. Ricky White, WR, UNLV – B Grade
Ricky White was viewed as a late-round prospect, so it makes sense for the Seahawks to draft him. He’s a taller receiver, but his calling card was his great special teams play.
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