Tag: Seahawks defense

Seahawks double down on defense in ESPN’s 2-round 2025 NFL mock draft

Seahawks double down on defense in ESPN’s 2-round 2025 NFL mock draft

Most 2025 NFL mock drafts have the Seattle Seahawks addressing the offensive line early. That’s the baseline expectation, considering the Seahawks have massive needs across the interior of their O-line, and arguably at right guard as well. Despite that, ESPN’s Matt Miller took a different approach via his recent two-round mock draft.

With the No. 18 overall selection, Miller has the Seahawks drafting University of Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.

“Seattle fans would rather the team address the trenches in Round 1, but general manager John Schneider has shown in the past that he values the linebacker position more than others (i.e., the Jordyn Brooks pick in 2020),” Miller wrote. “So while there’s a strong case for Alabama guard Tyler Booker here if Seattle goes all-in on running the ball in 2025, I’m looking more at how Campbell’s three-down impact could fill a massive hole.

Additionally, Campbell would also bring value as a pass rusher on third down, with five sacks in 2024. He is the closest thing coach Mike Macdonald can get to what he had with Roquan Smith in Baltimore.”

Miller brings up an interesting point that Schneider values linebackers. Ernest Jones IV is currently slated for free agency, and Pro Football Focus recently projected him to sign with an NFC West rival. Elsewhere, Macdonald’s defense runs through its linebackers when at its best, as proven by Roquan Smith’s form in Baltimore when Macdonald was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator.

In the second round, Miller has the Seahawks drafting Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins at No. 50 overall.

“It’s tempting to pick a quarterback-in-waiting here, but the value isn’t right,” Miller continued. “Instead, the Seahawks take another Texas defensive tackle to join Byron Murphy II, Seattle’s first-round pick in 2024. Collins is a true nose tackle at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds who can shut down interior rush lanes.”

As Miller noted, Collins would be reuniting with last year’s first-round pick Byron Murphy II. Would the Seahawks utilize another premium selection on an interior defensive linemen though? Schneider could get better value here.

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Ernest Jones IV named Seahawks’ player team “can’t afford to lose” this offseason

Ernest Jones IV named Seahawks’ player team “can’t afford to lose” this offseason

Displeased with their off-ball linebackers, the Seattle Seahawks acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in October. Jones was a complete game-changer for Mike Macdonald’s struggling run defense, elevating that unit to new heights. A standout talent on a weekly basis, Jones accumulated 94 tackles in 10 appearances while undeniably upgrading the position.

Jones performed on an expiring contract, hence why he was available at the trade deadline. Re-signing him should be a big-time offseason priority for general manager John Schneider. He’s a Macdonald linebacker through and through.

Unsurprisingly, Pro Football Focus recently named Jones the one free agent the Seahawks can’t afford to lose this offseason.

“The Seahawks traded for Jones mid-season to improve their run defense,” Dalton Wasserman recently wrote. “After arriving from Tennessee in Week 8, Jones earned a solid 72.9 PFF run-defense grade, providing stability alongside rookie Tyrice Knight. Still just 25 years old, Jones could continue to build a solid rapport with Knight as the Seahawks develop their young defense.”

Schneider should make a valiant effort to re-sign Jones this offseason. Linebackers are the beating heart of Macdonald’s defense, further proven by his stint as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Jones should return to Seattle in 2025 via a multi-year extension.

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Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight named team’s breakout candidate for 2025 season

Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight named team’s breakout candidate for 2025 season

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was displeased with the play from his off-ball linebackers when he made sweeping midseason changes. Opening week starters Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker were cast aside in October. The Seahawks acquired Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans at the trade deadline. Jones immediately revamped Macdonald’s defense. The other part of that equation was rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight.

A fourth-round selection out of UTEP, Knight performed beyond his years. Showcasing an advanced skill set, Knight defended both sideline-to-sideline, and between the tackles. The 2024 rookie pleased Macdonald.

Given his rookie season form, it’s no surprise that Pro Football Focus has named him Seattle’s breakout player for the 2025 campaign.

“Seattle did an about-face with its inside linebacker room during the middle of the season, paving the way for Knight,” Bradley Locker wrote in a recent article. “The UTEP product performed soundly when given the opportunity, with a 79.6 PFF tackling grade and a 73.3 PFF pass-rushing grade. Moreover, Knight garnered a 70.0 PFF overall mark in six of his 12 games played. With Ernest Jones’ contract situation uncertain, Mike Macdonald may very well rely on Knight in the middle of his defense in 2025.”

Knight recorded 88 total tackles. He also added 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups to his defensive totals. With Jones IV potentially heading for free agency, Knight is the only starting linebacker guaranteed to return to the Seahawks in 2025. That makes him an applicable breakout candidate.

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Analyzing Seahawks’ pending 2025 free agents on defense

Analyzing Seahawks’ pending 2025 free agents on defense

The Seattle Seahawks have just 10 unrestricted free agents currently scheduled to reach the open market in March. General manager John Schneider has 16 total contracts to address, including restricted (2) and exclusive rights (4) free agents. Of those 16, the following are defensive players.

Ernest Jones IV | LB

Jones was a complete game-changer for Seattle’s struggling run defense after arriving from the Tennessee Titans in a pre-deadline trade. A Mike Macdonald linebacker through and through, Jones racked up 94 tackles in 10 appearances while helping the defense replace underperforming players at the position. Re-signing him should be a big-time priority for Schneider.

Josh Jobe (restricted) | CB 

Jobe was arguably the biggest surprise performer of Seattle’s 2024 season. Initially joining the practice squad, the former undrafted free agent earned a starting gig at cornerback opposite Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon following an injury to Tre Brown. Jove accumulated five pass breakups and an interception in 10 games. His restricted free agency status should make it rather easy for Schneider to retain his services.

Jarran Reed | DT

The aging Reed offered Seattle’s defensive line a versatile skill-set up the middle. A true three-down defender, Reed totaled 4.5 sacks while being a veteran member of Macdonald’s first-year defense. The Seahawks should consider bringing him back on a short-term, team-friendly deal.

Tre Brown | CB

Brown eventually lost his starting job following an ankle injury. Recurring injuries and inconsistent performances have prevented Brown from routinely reaching his potential in Seattle. It’s probably best for both parties to go their separate ways, as the former Oklahoma cover-man would benefit from a change of scenery.

K’Von Wallace | S

Rayshawn Jenkins, Coby Bryant, and Julian Love are all under contract through next season. Jenkins qualifies as a potential cap casualty, however. If the Seahawks part ways with the veteran starter, perhaps Schneider will possess interest in bringing K’Von Wallace back as a third safety and core special teamer.

Johnathan Hankins | DT

A past-his-prime defender with a run-stopping skill set, Johnathan Hankins offered the Seahawks some quality reps, particularly on early downs. Hankins still gains backfield penetration, so perhaps a reunion will come to fruition. He’d play a rotational role behind Seattle’s more versatile defensive tackles.

Artie Burns | CB

Recurring injuries keep preventing Burns from getting into a rhythm with the Seahawks. His versatile performances have been intriguing, but availability has been a routine issue. Perhaps Burns will return on a veteran minimum contract that allows him to compete for a roster spot throughout the preseason.

Trevis Gipson | EDGE

The Seahawks are incredibly deep at EDGE. Gipson was acquired to provide depth following Uchenna Nwosu’s injury, but he rarely saw the field. Macdonald will continue rolling with Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, and Dre’Mont Jones as his preferred outside linebackers.

John Ross (ERFA) | LB

Onujiogu has suffered significant injuries two campaigns in a row. He’s essentially a practice squad or training camp body until proven otherwise. Onujiogu must remain healthy enough to compete for a special teams role.

Joshua Onujiogu (ERFA) | LB

Macdonald is familiar with Ross through their shared tenure together at Michigan. He was a special teams contributor for coordinator Jay Harbaugh this season. Ross’ familiarity with Macdonald and special teams could make him a returning asset.

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3 Seahawks who failed to meet financial expectations in 2024

3 Seahawks who failed to meet financial expectations in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks spent $253.3 million towards the salary cap in 2024, according to Spotrac. That ranked 13th in the league. General manager John Schneider also carried a 14th-highest $53.3 million in dead cap charges. With Seattle’s campaign officially in the book, we’ve identified three players who failed to meet financial expectations.

Tyler Lockett

Veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett carried the franchise’s second-largest cap hit in 2024 at $18,895 million, trailing just Geno Smith’s ($26.4 million). Lockett is a legend, but he did not meet those expectations, finishing third on offense in receiving yards (600) and receptions (49). With his scheduled cap hit rising to an unmanageable $30.8 million in 2025, a mutual parting of the ways is likely.

Uchenna Nwosu

Schneider managed to keep Uchenna Nwosu’s cap hit at a manageable $7.8 million, but recurring injuries prevented him from even reaching that ceiling, with him recording just one sack in six appearances. Luckily for the Seahawks, Nwosu doesn’t possess any guaranteed money remaining on his contract moving forward. He qualifies as a likely cap casualty, with Schneider saving nearly $15 million versus the 2025 cap by releasing the oft-injured pass rusher.

George Fant

The Seahawks signed offensive tackle George Fant to a two-year contract worth $9.1 million. The idea was for Fant to provide insurance at right tackle for Abe Lucas’ injury. The veteran swing tackle ended up getting injured himself, playing just 30 snaps. He’s a surefire release this offseason to save $3.8 million.

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3 Seahawks who deserve more playing time in 2025

3 Seahawks who deserve more playing time in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks received contributions from unlikely sources as the 2024 regular-season campaign progressed forward. Whether it was veterans taking advantage of opportunities due to injury, or rookies that proved they belonged in the lineup, various Seahawks players earned a right to be on the field for head coach Mike Macdonald. We’ve identified three of those talents in particular that deserve more playing time from the get-go in 2025.

Josh Jobe

Josh Jobe didn’t play his first snap at cornerback until Week 7. The former undrafted free agent out of Alabama quickly played his way into Macdonald’s lineup, forcing a healthy Tre Brown to the bench. Brown is now slated for unrestricted free agency and is unlikely to return. Jobe should open training camp as a starter at cornerback opposite Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon. First, he must be retained as a restricted free agent.

Tyrice Knight

Dissatisfied with the play he was receiving from his off-ball linebackers, Macdonald swapped out initial starters Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker for Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight. A fourth-round rookie, Knight concluded the season with an impressive 88 total tackles despite making his full-time debut in Week 11. A bigger sophomore season is on the horizon.

Coby Bryant

Versatile safety Coby Bryant was arguably Seattle’s biggest revelation in 2024. Taking advantage of a midseason injury to Rayshawn Jenkins, The former Cincinnati standout recorded multiple interceptions down the stretch en route to becoming an every-down defender. Bryant, Jenkins, and Julian Love all remain under contract through next season.

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3 changes Seahawks must make this offseason to avoid missing playoffs in 2025

3 changes Seahawks must make this offseason to avoid missing playoffs in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks were the only 10-win franchise in the league to miss the postseason in 2024. General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald aren’t interested in participation medals, however. Together, they’re focused on improving the Seahawks this offseason to ensure a disappointing repeat doesn’t occur in 2025.

The NFC West will be difficult again in 2025. The division-winning Los Angeles Rams just upset the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs, and both the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals should improve. With all that in mind, we’ve identified three must-achieves if the Seahawks are to avoid falling short again.

Field a more balanced offense

The Seahawks’ offense ranked seventh in passing attempts (593) and 29th in rushing attempts (383) in 2024. The lack of a well-balanced offense is partially why Macdonald dismissed offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this offseason. Seattle needs to be more efficient on offense in 2025.

Run the football effectively

Naturally, the Seahawks were ineffective at running the football. Despite having high-end backs like Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in the fold, the offense finished 28th in rushing yards per game (95.7) and 28th in total ground yards (1,627). The next offensive coordinator must upgrade the Seahawks’ down-to-down rushing efficiency.

Fewer turnovers

Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw the second-most interceptions (15) this past season, trailing just Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins (16) for the league lead. Again, a more well-balanced offense would help Smith (and the entire offense) limit the turnovers in 2025. The Seahawks need to be a protect-the-ball offense next season.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald will continue calling defensive plays next season

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald will continue calling defensive plays next season

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is spending the early portion of the offseason reflecting on his debut season. Macdonald has already overseen one big-time staff change, relieving offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb of his duties. The Seahawks are now searching for their next offensive play caller.

A similar change won’t be occurring on the defensive side of the ball. Macdonald, who joined Seattle after serving as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive play caller, plans to continue calling plays next season, he recently told reporters. Macdonald rightfully maintains faith in his ability to oversee Seattle’s defense, with assistance from his coordinator Aden Durde.

Seattle’s defense was quite effective under Macdonald’s leadership this season. The Seahawks concluded the campaign allowing an 12th-best 21.6 points per contest. They ranked 11th-best against the pass (211.9/game) and a more middling 16th versus the run (120.8/game). Macdonald’s run defense improved once Ernest Jones IV was acquired at off-ball linebacker.

Like it was in Baltimore, Macdonald’s defense was especially effective rushing the passer. The Seahawks tied for eighth-best in sacks (45) throughout 2024, applying consistent pressure on opposing backfields. There’s no reason for Macdonald to forfeit play-calling duties next season. He’ll continue to oversee a stellar defense in 2025.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on defense in Week 18

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on defense in Week 18

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense took the field one final time in 2024, helping the team defeat the Los Angeles Rams 30-25 in Sunday’s Week 18 finale. Mike Macdonald’s unit forced Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo into one turnover, and sacked him three times. Pro Football Focus was especially impressed with the following Seahawks, their three highest-graded players on defense from Sunday.

Artie Burns | 90.2

Veteran defensive back Artie Burns returned after a multi-month absence to earn a elite defensive grade from PFF. Burns totaled two quarterback pressures as a blitzer, and also only allowed two receptions on four receiving targets for 22 yards. The versatile, experienced defender also had a pass breakup.

Ernest Jones IV | 77.9

Off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV was his usual dominant self. Jones’ 77.9 overall defensive grade was his second-highest with the Seahawks this season. The versatile ‘backer accumulated nine tackles, two stops, and two pressures. He’ll now eye a contract extension in the offseason.

Devon Witherspoon | 75.7

Devon Witherspoon was everywhere, playing his usual do-it-all role for Macdonald’s stingy defense. The former No. 5 overall selection matched a season-high eight tackles and also broke up two passes. Witherspoon is the heartbeat of the Seahawks defense, and helped Seattle reach 10 victories for the first time since 2020.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV offers encouraging update on contract negotiations

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV offers encouraging update on contract negotiations

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their 2024 campaign by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 30-25 on Sunday. The 10-win Seahawks unfortunately missed the postseason despite capturing double-digit victories for the first time since 2020. Following the game, several players offered updates regarding their future in the locker room. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV was one of them.

The Seahawks acquired Jones in a midseason trade with the Tennessee Titans involving draft capital and Jerome Baker. Jones immediately established himself in Mike Macdonald’s defense, helping captain the front seven to improvement. The only issue is that he played on an expiring contract.

Discussions over a long-term contract extension to keep Jones in Seattle are expected to take place. We received a concerning midweek update that indicated general manager John Schneider and Jones’ agent had paused negotiations. The veteran linebacker commented on that speculation, claiming he’s confident something will get done.

“We’re going to get it done,” Jones said. I’m gonna be a Seahawk. I firmly believe that. I definitely think we get it done. It’s the process of it, the prices of it. I’m just playing the process out. We just gotta get there. That’s it. That’s all it is.”

Jones totaled 138 tackles this campaign while splitting time with the Seahawks and Titans. The Seahawks should possess interest in retaining him for the foreseeable future. Jones should remain in Seattle through 2025 and beyond.

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