There are still plenty of talented options for the Seahawks if they don’t take an offensive lineman in Round 1.
Calm down. First of all, if you agreed to click and read the article even after reading the title, I thank you. Fans spent the day after the Seattle Seahawks’ last game of 2024 season until the start of free agency making a million plans about which and how many OLs the Seahawks could add to the group.
Forget the fact that the Seahawks “entered the fight” for Will Fries, there weren’t many rumors about other top names or bets. The only reinforcement in free agency was Josh Jones, a backup who received $1.8M last year and after playing as the sixth OL, John Schneider thought it was fair to pay 4M (which could reach 5M).
There were countless justifications given, but what really matters is that the area with the greatest problems on the team was, once again, ignored. This has led to an expectation that the team is confident that it will solve its problems with the 2025 draft class.
The Seahawks hold the No. 18 pick. Obviously, there is always the possibility that the team will move up, but let’s assume that won’t happen. If you’ve been following the Mocks and the news, there’s a good chance that in the 18th, the top talents in the class, such as Armand Membou, Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks, and even Josh Simmons, may have already heard their names called.
That would leave the Seahawks (probably) Grey Zabel from North Dakota State as the best name available for the offensive line. Understand, I really like the prospect (in fact, I’m writing his Draft Report at the same time), but let’s make some comparisons.
The first is Graham Barton. He was picked at No. 26 last year and was a better prospect than Zabel. Another point is the other options available. The talent gap between Zabel and names placed for day two, such as Marcus Mbow and Jonah Savaiinaea, is not that big (they may even be in different orders on other boards).
That way, the Seahawks could go for the BPA (Best Player Available) approach with the 18th pick (or a trade down, but John hasn’t been getting good contacts in the last few Drafts) and address the offensive line only on Day 2, where the team has FOUR picks after the DK Metcalf and Geno Smith trades.
Here are the options we could have available at 18:
(remember that this is all based on projections)
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks started all three of his seasons at Georgia and played all over the secondary, but his best season came as a FS in 2023. His instincts and fluidity in space make him an ideal deep safety, and he has five interceptions in that alignment in his first two seasons. He had to play out of position as a nickel last season, but looking at his 2022-23 safety highlights, it’s easy to see Starks being a high-level starter in the NFL. Julian Love needs a worthy partner on his side.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is a versatile player who could be a big piece on Mike Macdonald’s board. He’s a top-tier off-ball linebacker, but he has untapped pass-rush potential (five sacks in 2024) that could define his NFL career. Every NFL team is trying to find the next Micah Parsons, and there’s hope Campbell can be that as a 3-4 EDGE. Keep in mind though that Campbell is coming off torn labrum surgery.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland would provide an immediate upgrade as a natural pass catcher with soft hands, elite agility in space and speed to run free. He doesn’t have the ability to be an in-line blocker, but then again, neither does Noah Fant nor Juwan Johnson, who did received interest by Seattle, either.
He missed time with a shoulder injury and was in a sling at the combine in late February, but that won’t affect his early NFL career. Loveland was Michigan’s passing game last season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns despite anemic play from the QB.
Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
Barron was a mostly overlooked prospect entering the 2024 season, but he rose exponentially when he transitioned to outside cornerback. He had five interceptions and nine passes defended, and he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. That got him into Round 1, and he cemented that status with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
Barron can play inside or outside cornerback, and some teams even like him at safety (another position Seattle needs help at). I see him as a Trent McDuffie clone or even a second coming of Devon Witherspoon. Riq Woolen has been inconsistent the last two years, with a few injuries, and is entering the final year of his contract.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden was a deep threat for Texas, with an FBS-best 23 receptions for 20-plus yards. He also ran a 4.29 40 at the combine, the best of any offensive player. He’s a polished route runner with sure hands, top-level production, and top-notch athletic tools. While he’s not a very tall, could be Seattle’s answer at outside receiver. I can’t watch his tape without thinking of Doug Baldwin.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Ezeiruaku is a bit smaller than most EDGEs (6-3, 248 pounds), but he uses his 34-inch arms and first-step speed to get around and under the hands of OTs. He was extremely productive last season, with 80 tackles and 16.5 sacks, second-best in the FBS.
Ezeiruaku’s lack of height and power makes him a polarizing prospect, but the Seahawks could use him as a stand-up pass-rushing specialist early in his career as he gains strength and develops his game further.
Uchenna Nwosu, despite his pay cut, could start the year on the PUP list, Boye Mafe is in the final year of his contract, and Derick Hall has yet to fully establish himself. The team brought in DeMarcus Lawrence but the veteran is coming off a season of just 4 games, we don’t know how he will be.