Seattle Seahawks (Last Year: 10-7) 2025 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Sam Darnold, QB Drew Lock, WR Cooper Kupp, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, CB Shaq Griffin.
Early Draft Picks:
G/C Grey Zabel, S Nick Emmanwori, TE Elijah Arroyo. Seahawks Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Geno Smith, WR DK Metcalf, WR Tyler Lockett, OT George Fant, G Laken Tomlinson, DT Dre’Mont Jones, DT Roy Robertson-Harris, CB Tre Brown.
2025 Seattle Seahawks Offense:
The Seahawks had a very confusing offseason. It appeared as though they were considering a rebuilding process when they traded away Geno Smith and DK Metcalf for second-round selections. However, they went on to give Sam Darnold a $100 million contract and then paid Cooper Kupp a huge sum of money as well. The Seahawks obviously did not want a rebuild.
Darnold had an unexpectedly stellar 2024 campaign, albeit with a rough finish in the season finale versus the Lions and the playoff defeat against the Rams. It’s possible that Darnold could continue to play at a high level, but it’s more likely that he’ll regress. After all, Darnold won’t have Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson aiding him in Seattle. There’s Jaxson Smith-Njigba, who had a great second year, but that’s the only reliable weapon Darnold will have at his disposal. Kupp looked decrepit at the end of the season, so the Seahawks can’t count on him despite giving him a ridiculous contract. There’s also Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a few big games last year before Derek Carr got hurt. Seattle also used a second-round pick on athletic tight end Elijah Arroyo, who comes with some injury concerns. He could unseat Noah Fant, who has been a disappointment.
Another downgrade for Darnold is the offensive line. The Seahawks had the worst interior blocking in the NFC last year, which would explain why they used their first-round pick on Grey Zabel, who can play any position up front. However, he wasn’t nearly enough to fix all of the blocking flaws. Center Olu Oluwatimi isn’t very good, while right guard Christian Haynes was even worse last year. Haynes was at least a third-round rookie in 2024, so perhaps he’ll improve.
Excluding Zabel, Seattle’s only quality offensive lineman is left tackle Charles Cross. The former first-round pick is a stellar pass protector, so at least Darnold’s blind side will be secure. Right tackle is another problem area, however, as Abraham Lucas has severe issues remaining healthy. Lucas has played in only 13-of-34 possible games in the past two seasons, and he hasn’t even been that good when he’s been on the field.
While the offensive line is mostly in shambles, Darnold will at least be able to rely on his running backs. Kenneth Walker dealt with injuries as well last year, but he’s an excellent runner when healthy. Walker’s availability isn’t even that significant because Zach Charbonnet proved to be one of the best No. 2 runners in the NFL with some great performances last season.
2025 Seattle Seahawks Defense:
The Seahawks expected their defense to improve when they hired Mike Macdonald to be their new head coach. That’s exactly what happened, as they went from 30th in yards allowed in 2023 to 14th. This marked the first time the Seahawks were 15th or better in yards surrendered since 2017.
Aside from the improved defensive coaching, a big part of why the Seahawks were in the upper half of defense was because they were able to have Leonard Williams on their roster for a full season. They acquired Williams midway through the 2023 campaign, and he rewarded them with 11 sacks last year. He and Derick Hall, who recorded eight sacks, were able to generate quality pressure. The Seahawks signed former Cowboy DeMarcus Lawrence to work into that rotation, but Lawrence is past his prime and may not be able to contribute very much.
On the other end of the spectrum, Byron Murphy, chosen in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has loads of potential. He hasn’t shown much yet, but there’s a chance he could make a big leap this season. He’ll continue to start next to Jarran Reed, who is coming off a strong year.
Another young player was added to the secondary this offseason, with the Seahawks using a second-round choice on Nick Emmanwori. The extremely athletic safety should have been drafted in the opening frame, but slipped to Friday night. If he can live up to his natural talent, the Seahawks may have one of the top safety tandems in the NFL, with Emmanwori joining the stellar Julian Love.
The Seahawks won’t just be great at safety, as their cornerbacks are exceptional as well. Devon Witherspoon is one of the top players at his position, while Tariq Woolen is one of the better No. 2 corners in the league. There’s some question as to who will play the other cornerback spot, which is looking like the lone weakness in the secondary.
One weakness Seattle had last year that was somewhat resolved was at linebacker. The team struggled to stop the run, but that ended when the front office traded for Ernest Jones. While Jones isn’t very good in coverage, he’s terrific in run support. He and Tyrice Knight aren’t the best linebacker tandem, but they’re not liabilities either.
2025 Seattle Seahawks Schedule and Intangibles:
The Seahawks had a tremendous home-field advantage when they were great. The deafening noise at Qwest Field is why they were a ridiculous 49-12 as hosts over the past seven seasons prior to 2019. Oddly enough, the Seahawks have been far better on the road (20-13) than at home (15-20) in the past four seasons.
Jason Myers has been a great kicker over the years. He was superb once again in 2024, going 26-of-30, including 7-of-8 from 50-plus.
Michael Dickson finished second in net punting in 2022 and fourth in 2023. He was sixth in 2024.
Seattle has a fairly easy schedule. There are some tough non-divisional opponents like the Texans, Steelers, and Vikings, but there are more cupcakes than difficult foes.
2025 Seattle Seahawks Rookies:
Go here for the Seahawks Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2025 Seattle Seahawks Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
Quarterbacks |
 |
Offensive Line |
|
Secondary |
|
Running Backs |
|
Defensive Line |
|
Special Teams |
|
Receivers |
|
Linebackers |
|
Coaching |
|
Projection: 7-10 (4th in NFC West)
2024 Projection: 5-12. 2024 Actual Result: 10-7.
2023 Projection: 8-9. 2023 Actual Result: 9-8.
2022 Projection: 3-14. 2022 Actual Result: 9-8.
2021 Projection: 10-7. 2021 Actual Result: 7-10.
2020 Projection: 12-4. 2020 Actual Result: 12-4.
2019 Projection: 9-7. 2019 Actual Result: 11-5.
2018 Projection: 6-10. 2018 Actual Result: 10-6.
2017 Projection: 11-5. 2017 Actual Result: 9-7.
2016 Projection: 12-4. 2016 Actual Result: 10-5-1.
NFL Draft Team Grade: A+ Grade
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.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2026 NFL Mock Draft - June 10
NFL Power Rankings - May 16
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
