The Seattle Seahawks' defensive backfield is not an easy place to break into. Seventh-round draft pick Michael Dansby will certainly attempt to next season, however. What chance does he really have?
First, the 5'11" and 185-pound cornerback is going to have to prove he can be good on special teams. He is definitely not going to be a starter in 2026, as the cornerback room, even after losing Riq Woolen in free agency, is quite good. This is improved by college safety Nick Emmanwori, showing he can likely be a corner in the NFL moving forward.
Dansby isn't as big as Emmanwori, nor as quick as slot corner Devon Witherspoon, but what Dansby can bring is a bit of positional flexibility, and head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider love those kinds of guys.
Michael Dansby could turn into a seventh-round steal for the Seattle Seahawks
That is why Seattle chose Dansby in the last round instead of waiting to see if another team would scoop him up quickly as an undrafted free agent. Drafting him means Seattle had control over Dansby's near future. He at least has a chance through training camp to prove he belongs on the roster.
The cornerback spent three years at San Jose State before he transferred to Arizona for his final year in college. He wasn't quite as good in run defense last year as he was at San Jose State, and that is slightly concerning. His coverage efficiency stayed the same, however.
The issue with the run defense fading a bit is that Dansby took a step up in competition, going to Arizona. He didn't hold up as well setting the edge, so how can he be expected to somehow be better in that aspect in the NFL? He most certainly won't be early in his career.
He could serve as a quality backup to Witherspoon, though, at least in coverage. While he allowed three touchdown passes at Arizona, he also broke up seven passes and had two interceptions. His quarterback rating allowed was good at 56.3, the best mark of his college career.
He might not be quick enough to play outside, though, and he might not be big enough. There is no doubt that the Seattle Seahawks saw something in Michael Dansby, or the team wouldn't have used one of their eight draft choices to take him. Mike Macdonald can likely get the best out of the defense back, and that could mean he turns into a late-round gem.
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