Tag: seahawks news

3 Guards the Seahawks could target at No. 18 overall in 2025 NFL Draft

3 Guards the Seahawks could target at No. 18 overall in 2025 NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks need to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, particularly across the interior. Veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson played poorly on an expiring contract and isn’t expected to return. Connor Williams abruptly retired midseason and sophomore blocker Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly inserted into the lineup at center. The right guard position was arguably worse of all, with three rookies and sophomores (Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Luamea, and Christian Haynes) all failing to maximize opportunities.

John Schneider must acquire a guard capable of playing high-level football right away this offseason. The Seahawks own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Guard should be their highest offseason priority. We’ve identified three interior blockers they could potentially target with that pick.

Will Campbell, LSU

Will Campbell played offensive tackle for the LSU Tigers, but many scouts and analysts are projecting him to play guard at the next level. The Seahawks are tasked with assessing his positional versatility throughout this process. If the conclusion is that Campbell is better positioned for success at the guard, the Seahawks should feel comfortable drafting him at 18.

Tyler Booker, Alabama

Tyler Booker may be the most natural first-round guard available. With no questions over his future position, Booker has been a highly effective phone-booth blocker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He overwhelms opponents with raw power and strength. Considering power has been an issue for the Seahawks’ guards in pass protection, this would represent a welcomed change of pace.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Kelvin Banks Jr. is another first-round prospect facing positional questions. The Texas Longhorns tackle may be a better fit to block on the interior due to questionable foot speed and balance issues. If Banks Jr. plays guard, he’d represent a better option than current in-house candidates Bradford and Laumea.

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Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner was outstanding for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The future Hall of Famer recorded 132 tackles en route to helping the Commanders shockingly qualify for the NFC Championship Game. Wagner is now scheduled to reach free agency for a fourth consecutive offseason.

Wagner played for the Seahawks from 2012 to 2021. He then joined the rival Los Angeles Rams for a season after being released from his contract in Seattle. Wagner reunited with the Seahawks in 2023 before joining the Commanders in 2024.

Pro Football Focus is projecting Wagner to rejoin the Rams via free agency. We’re not sure we can handle that again!

“The Rams are quite familiar with the mercenary linebacker, as they’ve seen him ball out for this defense in 2022, where Wagner earned an impressive 90.7 overall grade (at 32 years old),” Mason Cameron wrote. “Los Angeles finds itself in need of both help at linebacker – only have Omar Speights under contract next season – and veteran leadership to help develop this young and talented defense.”

The Rams could enter the market for a veteran off-ball linebacker after trading Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans last offseason. Of course, Jones eventually ended up in Seattle, where he’d help transform Mike Macdonald’s defense down the stretch. Jones and/or Wagner could be targets for the Rams via free agency. The Seahawks should attempt to prevent that from happening.

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OL guru believes former Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb mishandled Christian Haynes

OL guru believes former Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb mishandled Christian Haynes

The Seattle Seahawks drafted guard Christian Haynes with a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager John Schneider knew he needed reinforcements to upgrade the interior of his offensive line. Despite that, Haynes had a disappointing impact as a rookie.

Veteran Laken Tomlinson was signed in free agency to play left guard. Haynes found himself in a competition with sophomore blocker Anthony Bradford at right guard. Bradford ultimately won the job, but played poorly enough for Haynes to receive the occasional opportunity.

Then-offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb never fully committed to Haynes, however. Tomlinson and Bradford played extremely poorly at guard. Seattle’s lackluster offensive line ended up being their Achilles heel throughout the season. Grubb has since been fired and replaced by head coach Mike Macdonald with Klint Kubiak.

The Athletic’s Michael Shawn-Dugar recently spoke with acclaimed offensive line guru Michael-Shawn Dugar for a fantastic piece about Seattle’s offensive line. Thorn offered his thoughts on Haynes’ rookie season. Interestingly enough, he feels Grubb mishandled Haynes’ play time.

“I saw him get walked back a couple times from bull rushes, but not anything out of the ordinary from anybody else — on that line especially, but just across the league,” Thorn told Dugar. “A rookie coming in where he was drafted, I thought there were some positives, too. It was a lot more even with some promise as opposed to, ‘We whiffed, and he shouldn’t have gotten drafted.’ I didn’t see that.”

The Seahawks are entering the offseason with a desperate need to upgrade the offensive line. In-house solutions would be helpful. Haynes should receive a fresh opportunity under Kubiak.

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Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak will be compared to Grant Udinski

Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak will be compared to Grant Udinski

The Seattle Seahawks held a fairly thorough process when going through the motions of hiring a new offensive coordinator. Eventually, Mike Macdonald settled on Klint Kubiak. Kubiak was always considered a front-runner. One of those other front-runners got another job on Wednesday, when the Jacksonville Jaguars named Grant Udinski their new OC.

Both Kubiak and Udinski received two interviews apiece for the Seahawks’ opening. Kubiak, the first known candidate to emerge, was always considered the favorite. Others who received consideration included former Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, who has since joined Mike Vrabel’s staff with the New England Patriots, who also recently plucked an assistant from Seattle’s 2024 staff.

Udinski received more league-wide interest than Kubiak did. He was a candidate for multiple openings. Seattle and Kubiak always seemed like a likely pairing, though the Cleveland Browns did show a little interest before they hired Tommy Rees.

Macdonald’s decision to hire Kubiak will be compared to Jacksonville’s one to appoint Udinski. It’s worth noting direct comparisons may be difficult though. Kubiak will call plays in Seattle. Udinski probably won’t do that for the Jaguars, who hired an offensive-minded head coach and play caller in Liam Coen.

Macdonald has to nail this OC decision after whiffing on Ryan Grubb. How Jacksonville’s offense performs next year will offer a hint whether choosing Kubiak over Udinski was the correct decision or not.

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Seahawks offensive assistant joins Patriots’ coaching staff

Seahawks offensive assistant joins Patriots’ coaching staff

New Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has already made sweeping changes to Mike Macdonald’s coaching staff. Earlier this week, John Benton was hired to coach the offensive line, and Andrew Janocko was named quarterbacks coach. Some continuity was present through retaining Frisman Jackson as wide receivers coach. Wednesday brought another coaching departure on the offensive side of the ball.

Chuckie Keeton served as an offensive assistant on Ryan Grubb’s staff last season. Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots recently announced their 2025 coaching staff. Keeton appears as an offensive assistant, finalizing his departure from the Seahawks.

Keeton played quarterback at Utah State from 2011-15. He quickly began his coaching career, joining Oregon State as a GA in 2016. The 2024 campaign was Keeton’s first season in the NFL and Seattle. It’s highly unlikely he signed a one-year contract, so it’s more likely Kubiak has made the decision to not retain him.

Macdonald has handed the keys to the offense to Kubiak. He’s making borderline sweeping changes to the coaching staff. Keeton appears to be another Kubiak-driven departure.

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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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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks do not have many notable free agents this offseason. They’re only scheduled to possess 10 unrestricted free agents in total. The most important one is undeniably linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Jones arrived in Seattle midseason via a deadline day trade with the Tennessee Titans. He was outstanding for the Seahawks down the stretch, recording 94 tackles in 10 appearances. General manager John Schneider should possess a ton of interest in re-signing Jones to captain Mike Macdonald’s defense in 2025.

Pro Football Focus recently conducted an exercise that projects where the best free agent off-ball linebackers will sign this offseason. Unfortunately, they do not have Jones re-upping with the Seahawks. To make matters worse, they have Jones joining the Arizona Cardinals.

“Despite being traded twice in the last calendar year, Jones still maintains a solid grading profile, highlighted by his 86.2 run-defense grade with the Rams in 2023,” Mason Cameron wrote.

“At just 25 years old, Jones will certainly have his share of suitors in free agency, hoping to play on his upside. Jonathan Gannon’s defense needs more talent and a quality linebacker to pair with Mack Wilson Sr. Armed with the cap space to facilitate the deal and familiarity having faced off with Jones during his time in Los Angeles and Seattle, adding Jones to the mix could pay dividends.”

This would be extremely unfortunate. The Cardinals would represent the third NFC West franchise Jones has played for, joining the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. If Jones remains in the division in 2025, it should be via a multi-year extension with the Seahawks.

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Breaking down one of Klint Kubiak’s offensive concepts

Breaking down one of Klint Kubiak’s offensive concepts

New Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is busy installing his offense this season. Kubiak has already made notable changes to Mike Macdonald’s coaching staff, hiring Andrew Janocko at quarterbacks coach, and John Benton to coach the offensive line. Seattle’s offense will look drastically different in 2025 after moving on from previous OC Ryan Grubb, who recently joined Alabama.

Kubiak was the offensive play-caller for the New Orleans Saints last season. His unit dealt with various injuries, including serious ones to quarterback Derek Carr, and No. 1 wide receiver Chris Olave. Kubiak’s offense finished 25th in scoring (19.9/game), 23rd in passing (205.2), and 14th in rushing (114.9). Improving Seattle’s 28th-ranked run game will be a point of emphasis this offseason.

One of Kubiak’s best offensive concepts throughout 2024 was the Yankee Concept. A staple play broken down by Alexander Castro, Kubiak strategically places two tight ends on the EDGE. Checkdown routes are present for the running back and TE. Carr then rips this throw to Rashid Shaheed for a sizable gain.

Geno Smith possesses the arm strength required to complete explosive passing plays via this concept. It’s one example of the changes Kubiak will be making to Seattle’s offensive playbook. Expect the Yankee Concept to be featured throughout 2025.
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Seahawks add former Oregon blocker to offseason roster

Seahawks add former Oregon blocker to offseason roster

The Seattle Seahawks are adding an offensive lineman to their offseason roster. Former Oregon Ducks blocker Sala Aumavae-Laulu signed a futures/reserve contract with the team on Monday. Aumavae-Laulu possesses a few connections to the current staff that made him a fit.

Aumavae-Laulu was a sixth-round selection (No. 199 overall) of the Baltimore Ravens during the 2023 NFL Draft. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator during Aumavae-Laulu’s rookie season.

Aumavae-Laulu spent this past campaign with the Ravens as well. In total, he’s appeared in two regular-season contests. Aumavae-Laulu has spent the majority of his time with the Ravens developing on their practice squad.

Aumavae-Laulu was the first Oregon offensive player selected during the 2023 draft. As a senior in 2022, the Hilo, Hawaii native started all 13 games at right tackle. He’s also practiced as a guard, showcasing versatility in the NFL.

The Seahawks have the oft-injured Abe Lucas at right tackle. A plethora of offensive linemen are scheduled for free agency, including backup right tackle Stone Forsythe. Aumavae-Laulu will attempt to compete for a roster spot throughout training camp.

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Seahawks draft versatile OL in latest 2025 NFL mock draft

Seahawks draft versatile OL in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Seattle Seahawks are entering the offseason with massive needs across their offensive line. General manager John Schneider must identify and acquire multiple instant starters in free agency and the 2025 NFL draft, particularly at the interior positions. The Draft Network recently dropped a recent mock draft that achieves just that.

The Draft Network has the Seahawks drafting Will Campbell with the No. 18 overall selection in their latest first-round mock draft exercise.

“Will Campbell looked more like a guard on tape to me and didn’t quite meet his lofty expectations this past season,” TDN wrote. “The Seahawks desperately need starters at guard though, and Campbell could be plug-and-play for a struggling front.”

Last year’s starting left guard Laken Tomlinson is slated for free agency. Tomlinson underperformed and likely won’t be welcomed back by Schneider. At right guard, three young blockers struggled to varying degrees, with Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes, and Sataoa Luamea all failing to make the position their own. At center, the Seahawks dealt with Connor Williams’ abrupt midseason retirement.

Campbell played left tackle for LSU, but many NFL evaluators believe he’ll kick inside to guard. The Seahawks obviously have a franchise left tackle in Charles Cross. If Schneider and Co. view Campbell as an inside blocker, he should be shortlisted as a potential option at 18th overall.

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