Contrary to what some experts and fans may think, the Seattle Seahawks are a nearly flawless team. Of course, even the best things can be improved, and this team isn't the exception to that rule. If anything, everyone is preparing to take down the defending Super Bowl champions.
Considering that, Mike Macdonald must have some concerns about the right guard spot. Anthony Bradford is about to enter his fourth season in the league, and he's been the offensive line's weakest link since he joined the team.
That's why fifth-round rookie Beau Stephens should be a name to watch in training camp. The rookie out of Iowa was one of the best interior linemen in college football for most of his career, and he should be a legitimate threat to take Bradford's spot from day one.
The Seattle Seahawks need someone like Beau Stephens
Assessing offensive linemen goes way beyond the numbers; it's all about the tape and the physical tools. However, as much as algorithms can be flawed, Stephens was one of the highest-ranked guards in the game last season.
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Stephens gave up 25 total pressures in five years in college, including four in his final season. He didn't give up a single sack in four out of five years, and he drew the third-highest grade (87.7) and the highest pass-blocking grade (92.5) among 686 eligible players at the position.
Bradford, on the other hand, gave 38 pressures last season alone, including 27 hurries, six quarterback hits, and five sacks. He drew the fifth-lowest pass-blocking grade (40.8), and his five penalties held the offense back over and over.
Stephens was the glue guy in the nation's best offensive line in 2025. He can play guard and tackle and has extensive experience on both sides of the line. With Grey Zabel all but locked in at left guard, his clearest path to the field comes by beating Bradford for the other spot.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Stephens is an absolute unit of a human being. He's a bruiser of sorts, and what he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with top-notch effort, solid fundamentals and technique, and a violent approach to the running game. He can also be efficient in the open field, climbing, and opening lanes in the second level.
The Seahawks don't have many -- if any -- big adjustments to make ahead of their title-defending season, but that doesn't mean they can afford to get complacent. And if Bradford doesn't show any signs of improvement entering year four, they should at least consider giving the rookie a chance to show what he's got.
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