Seattle Seahawks 2025 NFL Draft Recap

By Niko Abian

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks main priority was to sign players that could meet its need for a solid offensive line. (Photo courtesy of Caleb Woods/Unsplash)

In Head Coach Mike Macdonald’s first full offseason with the Seattle Seahawks, the team experienced much more change than anticipated; the Seahawks added two top 100 picks by trading starting quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and Star Wide Receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburg Steelers. The Seahawks attempted to replace the departing players in free agency by adding wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Marques Valdes-Scantling as well as quarterback Sam Darnold. The Seahawks also replaced offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb with Saints OC Klint Kubiak. Kubiak's new scheme will be built around the wide zone running scheme and requires players who fit specific roles in the new offense.

Round 1 Pick 18: Grey Zabel G North Dakota State University (NDSU): In this year's draft, the Seahawks addressed their most obvious position of need with its first selection by drafting offensive tackle Grey Zabel. While Zabel played as a offensive tackle for NDSU he is expected to slide inside to play guard for the Seahawks. Zabel’s quick first step makes him a strong fit for new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s wide zone running scheme. Seahawks General Manager John Schnieder said that Zabel was the first interior lineman on the team’s draft board. The arrival of Zabel will likely lead to a competition between previous draft picks, Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes and Sautoa Loamea, for the opposite guard spot.

Round 2 Pick 35: Nick Emmanwori S University of South Carolina: The Seahawks traded up almost 20 picks to take athletic safety Nick Emmanwori. Despite the Seahawks having two starting safeties in Julian Love and Coby Bryant, the Seahawks needed to bring in reinforcements at the position. Head Coach Mike Macdonald frequently uses three safeties at the same time and the Seahawks released both K’Von Wallace, and Rayshawn Jenkins earlier this offseason. 

At 6 ’3 and 220 lbs, Emmanwori is best suited to playing near the line of scrimmage. He was coached at South Carolina by defensive backs coach Torrian Gray who worked with legendary Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor when Chancellor attended Virginia Tech. “Coach Gray used to tell me all the time that we have a lot of similarities, he used to compare our games a lot”  Emmanwori told Seahawks reporters on April 25.Chancellor sent Emmanwori a message during the first round of the draft despite never meeting each other .

Round 2 Pick 50: Elijah Arroyo TE University of Miami: The team  used its second selection in the second round to address the tight end position. Similar to the selection of Emmanwori, on paper, the Seahawks are not in desperate need of a new tight end. But with the introduction of Klint Kubiak’s scheme, the Seahawks anticipate using multiple tight ends more often. Arroyo is well-regarded as a pass catcher and his agility and movement skills have been highlighted as strengths. While he is not known for his blocking ability, the Seahawks hope that Arroyo will form a partnership with the more physical tight end AJ Barner who was drafted by the Seahawks just last year.

Round 3 Pick 92: Jalen Milroe QB University of Alabama : The most exciting selection by the Seahawks is surely Jalen Milroe. The quarterback was one of the most high profile prospects in the draft class after starting for two years at Bama. Milroe led Alabama to the College Football Playoff in 2023 before losing in the semi finals to eventual champions Michigan. Milroe possesses exceptional athleticism for the quarterback position, and will be one of the most threatening rushing quarterbacks in the NFL. While he will almost certainly backup Sam Darnold next season, don’t be surprised to see Milroe feature in certain plays that feature his blazing speed and strong arm. Milroe has a lot to work on before being a starting caliber quarterback, and will need to hone his technique if he wants to be accurate enough for the NFL.

Round 5 Pick 142: Rylie Mills DL University of Notre Dame: Rylie Mills was a player who’s draft stock was lowered because of injury. The defensive lineman tore his ACL last season, and will likely be unavailable for most of his rookie year. Although Mills was announced as a defensive end, he often played on the interior of Notre Dame’s defense, and is listed as 6’5 and 295 lbs. Expect Mills to play a similar role to that of Roy Robertson Harris, as an oversized edge player brought in to stop the run. Mike Macdonald also said he would compete for pass rush snaps.

Round 5 Pick 166: Tory Horton WR Colorado State University. : Horton, like Mills, was a player that fell because of injury. Horton had 1,000 yard receiving seasons in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, Horton sustained a knee injury that ultimately ended his season after requiring surgery. Horton was still recovering from the surgery during the pre-draft process but he was able to showcase his 4.41 second 40 yard dash at the combine. In addition to losing Metcalf, the Seahawks also moved on from veteran receiver Tyler Lockett this offseason. Similar to Lockett, Horton  is an adept punt returner, and may be the Seahawks return man next season.

Round 6 Pick 175: Robbie Ouzts FB University of Alabama: Despite being listed as a tight end in college, Ouzts was announced as a fullback. He often played in the backfield for Alabama. The Seahawks hope that Ouzts can be a blocking weapon for Kubiak’s offense and help Milroe shine in his cameos.

Round 6 Pick 192: Bryce Cabeldue G University of Kansas: The Seahawks continued to acquire interior offensive line options by selecting Cabeldue from Kansas. Seahawks General Manager John Schneider noted the excitement of John Benton, the Seahawks new Offensive Line coach, with this selection. 

Round 7 Pick 223: Damien Martinez RB University of Miami: The Seahawks chose to get involved in the well-regarded running back class by selecting Martinez. Sports analyst Lance Zierlein described Martinez for NFL.com, “Productive three-year starter with an impressive blend of power, dexterity and decisiveness. First and foremost, Martinez is truly a ‘big back’ who proves he can find yards after contact on most carries.”

Round 7 Pick 234: Mason Richman OL University of Michigan: The Seahawks added even more offensive line help with Richman who will be given tackle opportunities.

Round 7 Pick 238: Ricky White III WR University of Las Vegas: White’s special teams ability should secure himself a roster spot. He blocked 4 punts and was named Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year in his final college season at Las Vegas.