After general manager John Schneider’s massive haul in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks roster looks very different from the one that stumbled to a 9-8 finish last year. Many of the key positions seem locked in.
The pecking order at quarterback appears set, though the progress of rookie Jalen Milroe may shift things a bit. The top three wide receivers and much of the offensive line appear similarly obvious.
Things are even more predictable on defense, which was the stronger unit last year. Schneider didn’t add very many defenders. Except DeMarcus Lawrence and the two defensive draftees, most of the additions look to be competing on the roster fringes and for spots on the practice squad.
These are the four Seahawks position battles to keep an eye on this summer
And still, despite the relative certainty at so many spots, a handful of very intriguing roster battles should take place throughout the summer. Some involve projected starters while others center on important depth pieces.
Getting these final spots locked down can sometimes mean the difference between making the playoffs and barely missing. The Seahawks were the last team out of the playoffs in 2024, so there is even more incentive to find the right player for these final spots in ’25.
Wide receivers 4,5,and 6
Seattle’s receiving room will look very different in 2025. As of right now, players who accounted for more than half of the Hawks’ receiving snaps last year are already gone. That is primarily due to the loss of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett – but I’m sure you haven’t forgotten Laviska Shenault Jr.
The top three receivers seemed locked. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp will probably trade off X and slot responsibilities while Marquez Valdes-Scantling handles the Z. After those three, it’s anyone’s guess.
Last year, Mike Macdonald kept six receivers. He might be inclined to keep seven this year because two of his receivers offer tremendous value on special teams. Seventh-round draft pick Ricky White III and free agent Steven Sims are both decent receivers, but their real value comes as gunner/kick blocker and return man, respectively.
Fifth-round pick Tory Horton was extremely productive at Colorado State and offers excellent length and speed.
It’s entirely possible that these three newcomers could round out the receivers' room. But to do so, they would have to displace three veterans: Jake Bobo, Cody White, and Dareke Young. Those three players represent a very different type of receiver. Each is well over six feet tall and well over 200 pounds. The newcomers are smaller and faster.
Watching how Klint Kubiak employs his receivers and which depth pieces step up should be fun.
Cornerbacks 4, 5, and 6 (depth matters)
There is virtually the same confusing logjam amongst the backup corners. Returnees Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, and Josh Jobe should man the three primary spots. After them, there is even less certainty than there is at the receiver.
The Hawks currently have seven other cornerbacks under contract, and they could add more after rookie camp in mid-May. Macdonald will have many options from which to choose, but none have much of a track record in the NFL.
Tyler Hall, Shemar Jean-Charles, and Damarion Williams are all young vets who would fit better in the slot. Williams might appear to have a leg up due to his past relationship with Macdonald in Baltimore, but he has scarcely played in the last two years.
Seattle has several taller, perimeter options in 2024 draftee Nehemiah Pritchett, another young vet, J.T. Woods, and a couple of UDFAs – Isas Waxter and Zy Alexander. If no one else is added, there’s a good chance the first group of slot corners is competing for one spot while the second group is battling for two.
H-Back (what is this?)
Klint Kubiak likes to use fullbacks or H-backs in many offensive sets. The Seahawks already had fan favorite Brady Russell penciled in for that role. Then they spent a somewhat surprising fifth-round pick on Alabama’s Robbie Ouzts.
It is virtually inconceivable that Seattle keeps two players in this role, so this should be a one-on-one battle that could last all the way through the preseason. Ouzts is bigger and stronger, while Russell is more athletic and has some NFL experience under his belt.
Russell caught more passes in his three healthy seasons at Colorado than Ouzts did in his four-year career with Alabama. So if Kubiak prioritizes route running and pass catching, Russell may have the upper hand.
Still, Ouzts could be a devastating blocker, and it seems unlikely Schneider would have spent the draft pick if the Hawks didn’t intend to give him every chance to win the job. Many draft boards had Ouzts rated as a UDFA.
Right guard
With the drafting of Grey Zabel in the first round, four of the five spots across the Seahawks' offensive line look to be in place. Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas will man the tackles. Olu Oluwatimi should be the center (though I still believe Jalen Sundell will one day have that job)—Zabel slots into Laken Tomlinson’s left guard spot.
That leaves right guard a mystery, just as it was in 2024. Anthony Bradford is the returning veteran who may have exhausted his chances to claim the job. Sataoa Laumea finished the season at right guard last year but didn’t wow anyone.
In addition to Zabel, Schneider drafted a couple of day 3 linemen who could also be in the mix. Bryce Cabeldue could win a wide-open competition and start as a rookie.
But most of the money right now is going to second-year player Christian Haynes. His rookie season was largely a washout. The third-round pick was given the chance to win the position when Bradford was injured, but he failed to impress.
With a new scheme, a new coordinator, and a new position coach, the hope is that Haynes grows more comfortable and shows off the impressive skills that made him a third-round draft pick in the first place.
But as with all these positions, the battle has yet to begin. It would be foolish to mark anything down in pen just yet.