Rob Staton breaks down the perfect prospect fits for the Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the latest HawksZone Rundown podcast, hosts Bryce Coutts and Ryan MacMillan were joined by Seahawks analyst and BBC Sport radio host Rob Staton from Seahawks Draft Blog for a deep dive into the Seahawks’ offseason. Staton praised GM John Schneider’s free agency strategy, saying, “I think they have done a very good job,” and highlighted how the team’s moves fit with head coach Mike Macdonald’s vision of building a tougher, more physical roster.
When it comes to John Schneider being on the “hot seat,” Rob Staton offers a different perspective from what Corbin Smith said earlier this month. He argues that unless the team completely crashes, Schneider’s job is secure.
Staton explains, “If they win just three games this year, sure, he’ll be on the hot seat. But there’s no way they’ll let him get rid of Pete Carroll and after 1 or 2 seasons later they get rid of the GM, that’s not how this organization operates.”
He also added that Schneider’s recent roster overhaul has been so significant that the idea of him being on the hot seat seems far-fetched.
“The only way it happens is if this season is a total disaster, but I just don’t see that happening.” He said. “It is wishful thinking.”
The trio also explored Staton’s 10 draft picks that would be ideal for Seattle, combining high-profile prospects with hidden gems that match the team’s culture. Check out what he had to say about North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel.
Rob Staton’s 10 draft prospects who’d be ideal targets for the Seahawks
Elijah Arroyo – TE, Miami
“He can run down the seam,” Staton said. “He can stretch the field, he can play in the slot if you want him to, he’s got incredibly soft hands, he knows how to box out. He’s a smooth operator. He and Mason Taylor are different players but they share similar traits.
“If you put Elijah Arroyo in this offense, he would fit like a glove. It would be Seattle’s best opportunity in a long time to have a tight end who is an X-factor, who is potentially your top receiving target or second behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”
Chase Lundt – OL, Connecticut
Grey Zabel – OL, North Dakota State
“He combo blocks very well,” Staton said. “He gets up to the second level very quickly and hammers people. I think he has the physical potential to be one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL.”
“You’re talking about a guy who’s as explosive as Tristan Wirfs with the agility of someone like Nate Solder. I just think with the tape looking as good as it does—North Dakota State have pumped enough NFL line talent into the league now to not worry too much about the level of which they’re playing.
“I think he’s a plug-and-play left guard. A lot of people seem to want him to play at center—I think that would diminish some of his ability because he’s gotta snap the ball and then he’s got to get on with it—I’d like to just get him on the move very quickly. Klint Kubiak came in, what’s the most important thing for your offensive line? It’s an elite center. If they think that he can do that job very well, with his testing, they might think he’s the elite center that they need.
Charles Grant – OL, William & Mary
Connor Colby – OL, Iowa
Josaiah Stewart – EDGE, Michigan
“It would be ideal if he was longer in the arms and in height,” Staton said. “However, Wink Martindale loves this guy. Wink Martindale, one of his proteges is Mike Macdonald.
“Josaiah Stewart led college football in pass rush win percentage last year. He was banged up so he didn’t play every game. That USC game was the best example of a pass rusher wrecking a game that I saw last season.”
Malaki Starks – S, Georgia
Emeka Egbuka – WR, Ohio State
Tori Horton – WR, Colorado State
Ty Robinson – DL, Nebraska
“If you want tough, physical, violent, aggressive defensive linemen. He’ll barge his way through with raw power. He has this little side to get into the backfield. He had seven sacks last season as a defensive lineman, which was the second most among interior DL in college football.
“They played him at the nose, 1-tech, 3-tech, 5-tech, moved him across that line. I think he’s probably more likely to be a 3- or 5-tech at the next level.”
The episode wrapped up with a mock draft, where Rob took the reins as GM, and he, Bryce, and Ryan evaluated potential picks and trade scenarios.
Show Topics (timestamps included)
- Intro (0:00): Introduction to the show and the topics that will be covered
- Rob Staton Introduction (1:40): Rob Staton Introduction
- Comments about Seahawks Off-Season Moves (2:30): Rob Gives his off-season breakdown and what his evaluation is
- Is John Schneider on the Hot Seat? (12:35): Rob discusses if John Schneider is really on the “hot seat”
- Rob’s 10 Prospects that fit Seattle (24:22): Rob’s 10 prospects that could be a great fit for the Seahawks
- Rob’s Mock Draft (1:09:00): Rob plays GM in this latest mock draft
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Bryce Coutts: @brycecoutts_HZR
Ryan MacMillan: @RMac1090
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