Three Seattle Seahawks rookies who could make an instant impact

Rookie impact player No. 2 - Defensive Tackle Byron Murphy II

Given the Seahawks' defensive struggles with stopping the run, finding a run-stopper was a priority this off-season for John Schneider. He made sure to re-sign defensive tackle Leonard Williams, while also adding defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins in free agency.

At the 2024 NFL Draft, Schneider used the Seahawks' first pick on defensive tackle Byron Murphy II out of Texas. Since the first 14 NFL teams selected offensive players with their first-round picks (including six teams who picked QBs), Seattle had plenty of options to improve their defense.

By selecting Byron Murphy II with the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Seahawks found a true run-stopper and a pass rusher. Murphy can start right away and make an immediate impact for coach Mike Macdonald's defense. Given Macdonald is a defensive-minded coach, the selection of defensive tackle Byron Murphy II made sense. By pairing Murphy with defensive tackle Leonard Williams (who the Seahawks signed to a 3 years and $64.5 million contract) Seattle is set at the position for the next three years.

John Schneider has done a nice job of adding depth to the Seahawks defensive line over the last three years. Adding edge rushers Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, and Dre'Mont Jones, while also bringing in Jarran Reed, Jonathan Hankins, Leonard Williams, and Byron Murphy. By using free agency, draft picks, and a trade with the Giants, John Schneider has rebuilt the Seahawks defensive line. With the talent the Seahawks have acquired over the past three years, this should be a fun unit to watch for years to come.