The Seattle Seahawks had a disappointing year in 2023 and are looking to rebound. They still have oodles of talent on the roster but had some clear holes, especially on defense, to fill. Did they do enough to upgrade in the trenches to compete in 2024?
Seattle Seahawks 2024 NFL Draft Class
Draft picks
- Texas DT Byron Murphy II (No. 16 overall)
- Connecticut OG Christian Haynes (No. 81)
- UTEP LB Tyrice Knight (No. 118)
- Michigan TE AJ Barner (No. 121)
- Auburn DB Nehemiah Pritchett (No. 136)
- Utah OT Sataoa Laumea (No. 179)
- Auburn DB DJ James (No. 192)
- Findlay OT Michael Jerrell (No. 207)
The Seattle Seahawks focused on the offensive and defensive line in this draft. Half of the picks were on the line with their top pick, Byron Murphy, being one of the top players in the draft. (More on him in a minute). From there, they upgraded the offensive line and added some much-needed depth.
Best Pick Of The Class: DT Byron Murphy II
The Seattle Seahawks had to be jumping for joy when Byron Murphy fell to them at 16th overall. Some mock drafts had him in the top ten, but the run of quarterbacks caused all defensive players to fall. Murphy is a day one starter who can plug up holes on the line as well as collapse the pocket.
Seattle struggled last year in this area, so much so that they traded to get Leonard Williams. They were able to re-sign him this year, meaning that this team will pair Murphy and Williams together on the interior line. Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good, and the Seahawks got lucky in the first round.
Most Questionable Pick In The Draft: Lack Of Edge Rushers
This was a common theme for many teams in the draft, as the edge rusher class was very thin. However, the fact the Seattle Seahawks weren’t able to nab at least one developmental candidate is questionable. While the interior line looks strong, the lack of edge rushers might be a problem this season.
We’ve seen it time and time again in the NFL. If you can’t rush the passer, offenses will pick you apart. Interior pressure is great, but it is the pressure off the edge that can create havoc. Seattle may try to find some undrafted free agents or hope that new head coach Mike MacDonald can improve the current group.
Most Interesting Pick: LB Tyrice Knight
I love Knight for the Seattle Seahawks. He is a rangy linebacker who is a tackling machine. This team desperately needs a stopgap in the middle of the defense. Bobby Wagner was brought back last season, but he was a far cry from his prime playing days. If Knight develops, he could become the next great linebacker for the team.
Overall, I like what the Seattle Seahawks did in the draft. None of the picks jumped off the charts, but all of them filled positions of need and added depth to the roster.
Seattle Seahawks Draft Grade: B
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