The 2025 offseason has brought a lot of change to the Seattle Seahawks, including an offensive overhaul. After hiring new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, the changes grew after moving on from veteran quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf. Now, after committing to quarterback Sam Darnold on a three-year deal, head coach Mike MacDonald looks to continue to build Seattle up in his image. Through the 2025 NFL Draft, Macdonald should feel good about the state of his team.
2025 NFL Draft Grades: Seattle Seahawks
First Round/18th overall pick: Grey Zabel, offensive guard, North Dakota State
While fans will miss Geno Smith, the Seahawks will address a major need, allowing Sam Darnold to stay protected. With a desire to bolster the interior of the offensive line, the Seahawks get arguably the best guard in the draft. A four-year starter at North Dakota State, Grey Zabel brings multi-positional versatility to Seattle. After playing left tackle this season while winning his second FCS national championship, Zabel showed he can be exceptional at both guard and center during Senior Bowl week. Getting a day one ready contributor on the offensive line, Seattle should be thrilled to get such a prospect.
Grade: A+
Second Round/35th overall pick: Nick Emmanwori, safety, South Carolina
Adding to their secondary, Mike MacDonald has found his version of former Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton to work with. Nick Emmanwori has been regarded as a top-tier safety in this class. A standout at South Carolina, Emmanwori had four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Expect Emmanwori to immediately contribute with his downhill speed and ability to even play at linebacker.
Grade: A-
Second Round/50th overall pick: Elijah Arroyo, tight end, Miami
With Noah Fant entering the final year of his contract, Seattle needed to find an answer at tight end. So, the Seahawks wind up with one of last year’s most productive tight ends in Elijah Arroyo. Arroyo saw limited time between 2022 and 2023 due to knee injuries. However, he capitalized on a big 2024 season with first overall pick Cam Ward at quarterback. The 6’5″, 250 lbs tight end averaged 16.9 yards per catch this season in Miami. Even if it was one season, Arroyo flashed major growth and should compete for a starting job early if healthy.
Grade: B+
Third Round/92nd overall pick: Jalen Milroe, quarterback, Alabama
Using the draft pick acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in the Geno Smith trade, the Seahawks take a quarterback with major upside. Despite an underwhelming two seasons at Alabama, Jalen Milroe flashed his abilities as a runner. While throwing 39 touchdowns to 17 interceptions over his two seasons, Milroe added an impressive 20 rushing touchdowns on the ground. With Sam Darnold signed for three seasons and Drew Lock added as a backup, Jalen Milroe can use this time to learn from offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to develop into a more complete quarterback. While a work in progress, things worked out well for the last third-round quarterback they drafted in 2012.
Grade: B-
Fifth Round/142nd overall pick: Rylie Mills, defensive tackle, Notre Dame
Needing some depth behind Leonard Williams at defensive tackle, the Seahawks add a player with major upside if he can recover from a torn ACL. Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills has positional versatility, playing both defensive end and tackle at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish lineman led the team in both sacks and tackles for loss before suffering a torn ACL in the team’s playoff game against Indiana. Although they will remain patient on bringing him back to the field, his recovery is ahead of schedule. If he’s healthy, expect him to find a role at either position in the trenches.
Grade: B
Fifth Round/166th overall pick: Tory Horton, wide receiver, Colorado State
After losing DK Metcalf, Seattle needed more depth at wide receiver behind Jaxson Smith-Njigba, outside of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Cooper Kupp. While missing a majority of 2024 due to a knee injury, Tory Horton impressed at Colorado State. Over his first two seasons at Colorado State, Horton caught 167 passes for over 2,267 yards, including 16 touchdowns. He offers an appealing size at 6’3″ and 196 lbs. Whether it’s as a primary wide receiver or as a punt returner, his 4.41 40-yard time will get him on the field.
Grade: B
Fifth Round/175th overall pick: Robbie Ouzts, tight end/fullback, Alabama
Providing Jalen Milroe with a fellow Crimson Tide teammate, the Seahawks hope Robbie Ouzts can contribute as a fullback. Ouzts’ run-blocking abilities will entice Kubiak to use him out of the backfield. If he can stay healthy, it will be another useful run blocker for Kenneth Walker to utilize in the run game.
Grade: C+
Sixth Round/192nd overall pick: Bryce Cabeldue, offensive guard, Kansas
After adding Grey Zabel in the first round, he won’t be the only college tackle converted guard in Seattle. Despite playing offensive tackle for a majority of his career at Kansas, Bryce Cabeldue is expected to move into the interior. For frequent Jayhawks viewers, Kansas fans will point out Cabeldue’s contributions to creating running lanes for star running back Devin Neal. If given the chance, Cabeldue can be a productive run blocker.
Grade: B
Seventh Round/223rd overall pick: Damien Martinez, running back, Miami
With a desire to continue to provide solid run blocking, Seattle needs a quality third running back behind Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. PAC 12 fans will recall when Damien Martinez rushed for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns while playing at Oregon State. After transferring to Miami this season, Martinez finished with his second consecutive 1,000-yard+ rushing season and a career high 10 rushing touchdowns. Expect Martinez to compete for the third running back job right away.
Grade: B+
Seventh Round/234th overall pick: Mason Richman, offensive tackle, Iowa
While Zabel and Cabeldue are a great start, general manager John Schneider decided to add a third college offensive tackle he plans to convert to guard. Mason Richman started over 50 games at left tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He should succeed in Seattle’s outside-zone run blocking scheme.
Grade: B
Seventh Round/238th overall pick: Ricky White III, wide receiver, UNLV
A three-year starter for the Running Rebels, Ricky White III led UNLV in receiving yards each season. White was also named Mountain Western Conference Special Teams Player of the Year after blocking four punts. Due to the depth of talent in the wide receiver room, White will have a hard time finding targets. As a result, honing his skills on special teams can allow him to make a more immediate impact right away.
Grade: B
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
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