In case you've been living under a rock for the last few weeks, I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is the Seattle Seahawks finished with 10 wins, which is multiple more wins than most pundits predicted.
The bad news is those 10 wins weren't enough to slip into the playoffs in what was a crowded NFC bracket. The Los Angeles Rams, with an identical 10-7 record, won the NFC West on a technicality as they owned the strength of victory tiebreaker over Seattle.
This obviously means that the Seahawks' season is over. The team will play no more games this season, but the work is hardly over. From now until the team takes the field for OTAs in the summer, Seattle has some key decisions to make, and they've wasted no time in making some tough decisions already. However, the most pivotal event of the offseason is less than four months away as the 2025 NFL Draft is the Seahawks' next big event.
Seahawks mock draft has Seattle taking a winner in 2025 NFL draft
Seattle holds the 18th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is sort of a purgatory position. They're not high enough in the draft to take the best players, but they're not low enough to reach for a player who may have a second-round grade.
Even worse, this draft class is considered a very weak one, with only a handful of players with a true first-round grade. With that being said, let's cosplay as general manager John Schneider for a little bit and explore how Seattle can maximize this draft.
Round 1, Pick 27 (via BAL): G Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
- Trade details: Seattle trades picks18 and135, and a 2026 fourth-round pick for picks 27 and 58
The Seahawks move back in the first round in order to pick up an additional second-rounder in exchange for a third-round pick. This would be smart, as there would more than likely be nobody available at 18th worth that pick. At the 27th pick, Seattle has more flexibility to let the draft board play itself out and take the best available player at the back end of the first round.
West Virginia's Wyatt Milum has a borderline first-round grade by my standard. He's a massive human being at 6'6" and 317 pounds. Milum, who played both guard and tackle in college, projects as an NFL guard, as his size and power would transition better inside. The four-year starter is a mauler in the run game, as the Mountaineers were a run-heavy team for all of his collegiate career.
Seattle is desperate for a decent offensive line and investing a first-round pick to improve the interior offensive line could go a long way. Even as a specialist in run-blocking, Milum shows a stout pass-protection ability that should translate to the NFL. Most outlets have Milum as a late first-rounder to early second-rounder, but some, including Pro Football Focus, project Milum as a top-20 prospect in the class.
Round 2, Pick 50: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Jihaad Campbell, out of Alabama, gives me heavy Jordyn Brooks vibes. Campbell is a larger linebacker than Brooks, at 6'3" and 240 pounds, but the similarities on tape are evident. Campbell is a fast, strong bullet of a linebacker who stars in coverage. Like Brooks, Campbell is smart and athletic while dropping back in zone, something Seattle sorely missed in 2024.
As was evident this season, linebackers matter so much in Mike Macdonald's defense. The acquisition of Ernest Jones IV, along with the emergence of rookie Tyrice Knight almost single-handedly turned the defense around in 2024. Bringing in a young linebacker like Campbell could have a similar effect in 2025. As good as Jones and Knight were this season, they still miss Brooks' presence in pass coverage. That's where Campbell would fit in.
Campbell will only be 21 years old by April's draft but doesn't have a ton of experience. Despite that, Campbell is projected to be a second-round pick, but it's still a mystery where in the second round he may go. Some outlets have him as one of the first picks in the second round, while some have him slipping all the way to the tail end. With the 50th pick, Seattle would be getting fantastic value with Jihaad Campbell.
Round 2, Pick 58 (via BAL): CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Ohio State's Davison Igbinosun projects almost as a Riq Woolen clone. At 6'2" and with freakishly long arms, Igbinosun could give Woolen a run for his money in a straight-line race. A lengthy burner of a cornerback, Igbinosun excels in contesting the deep ball, just like Woolen. But he possesses another trait that Woolen doesn't have.
Igbinosun, while not the strongest player on the field, has a knack for making tackles. With 59 total tackles in 2024, the 20-year-old third-year cornerback showed aggression akin to another Seahawks cornerback, Devon Witherspoon, with his willingness to find the ball and make a hit. The former two-way player in high school played his first two seasons at Ole Miss and played well enough to be offered by Ohio State in 2023.
Igbinosun is currently projected to go in the third round, but I personally disagree. Long, speedy corners who have shown coverage ability as well as the athleticism and strength to make plays in the open field are highly sought after today. I expect Igbinosun to have an eye-popping NFL combine performance, including running in the low 4.3s in the 40-yard dash. He will climb draft boards and would be a solid pick at 58.
Round 3, Pick 82: WR Jalen Royals, Utah State
Unfortunately, the writing is on the wall for wide receiver Tyler Lockett's inevitable departure from Seattle. The 32-year-old has seen a steep decline in production, in large part due to his two younger counterparts in DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The reality is the over $30 million cap hit in 2025 makes Lockett a likely cap casualty this offseason.
That then brings up the question of who takes Lockett's snaps. Jake Bobo could be a prime candidate, but Bobo is so athletically limited that he cannot be a third option. His role as a fourth wide receiver who can spell the top three is perfect for him. Dareke Young may have some high upside, but he's not ready for that promotion just yet. The point is there is no real replacement for Lockett currently under contract.
Using a day-two pick on a versatile wide receiver, proficient in route-running and just getting open, could be a perfect solution to the problem. Enter Jalen Royals, who is one of the more under-the-radar prospects in April's draft. Royals has track-star speed and the footwork of someone who can get open on all three levels of the field.
Completely unscouted out of high school, Royals started his collegiate career at the Georgia Military College before eventually transferring to Utah State, the former home of Bobby Wagner. Royals has been nothing but productive for Utah State, showing off his sure hands and quick feet. His tape feels similar to the man he may just replace in Seattle, Tyler Lockett.
Round 5, Pick 159: OT Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
Seattle waits for nearly 80 picks for their next selection as they double-dip in the offensive line pool to select offensive tackle Jack Nelson. Hailing from Offensive Linemen University, Nelson was a four-year starter on the Badgers' offensive line. A versatile athlete, Nelson started at both guard and tackle in his collegiate career.
Like Milum, Nelson is a nasty run-blocker. He will make his living in the NFL mauling defensive linemen and opening up running lanes. However, unlike Milum, Nelson has the arm-length and bottom anchor to play on the outside of the offensive line and pass-protect as an offensive tackle. Perhaps not as polished as some of the other linemen in this draft, Nelson is a tried and true blocker with four full seasons under his belt.
Seattle can use all the help it can get on the offensive line, considering Charles Cross' rookie deal expiring soon and Abraham Lucas's injury history. Nelson isn't one of the top linemen in the class, but his college tape shows he can be a plug-and-play prospect both at tackle and guard in a pinch. And history tells us John Schneider loves his older, versatile linemen.
Round 5, Pick 169: TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson
The fifth round is normally where the Seahawks shine, as they hope TE Jake Briningstool from Clemson can be their next diamond in the rough. Guys like Riq Woolen, Richard Sherman, and Kam Chancellor were all fifth-round picks. Seattle only has one tight end under contract currently, AJ Barner, so drafting a tight end on Day 3 wouldn't surprise me.
Briningstool, the 6'6 tight end from Clemson, is a really talented receiver. He earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2023 after being a bright spot on what was a mediocre Clemson offense. A massive target who specializes in intermediate routes, Briningstool could help replace Noah Fant in the event Seattle lets him walk this offseason. However, unlike Fant, Briningstool has the ability to line up virtually anywhere, from in-line to split out wide and get open.
Rookie AJ Barner had a promising second half to his 2024 campaign as he began to earn Geno Smith's trust. With Tyler Lockett likely becoming a cap casualty, Geno will need more reliable weapons to develop for Seattle. Also, it would be fun to have a big, bruising, tight end like Barner next to a lengthy, athletic target like Briningstool.
Round 6, Pick 184: DT Darius Alexander, Toledo
I don't know how to describe it, but Alexander just feels like a Seahawk. The 6'4, 320lb defensive tackle jumps off the screen on tape. It's not just because of his size. It's because of the explosiveness he plays with at his size.
Alexander was a tackling machine at Toledo. A first-team All-MAC selection in 2024, Alexander earned an elite 89.6 run stop grade by Pro Football Focus. He is one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the country, but because he played in the MAC, he realistically could be available in the sixth round. He does leave a bit to be desired in the pass rush department, but as an early-down run defender, he would be incredible value at 184.
Seattle has a pretty solid defensive line, but guys like Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are both on the wrong side of 30 and are both free agents this off-season. Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II looked extremely promising in his role this season but looks to take an even bigger role in 2025. That would mean Seattle would need some reserve defensive tackles to spell the starters, which would be a perfect role for Alexander as a rookie.
Round 6, Pick 194: WR Winston Wright Jr., East Carolina
While Winston Wright Jr. may not be an NFL-caliber wide receiver currently, he is worthy of a late-round draft pick for another reason. He had a decent season with East Carolina, amassing over 50 receptions for 556 yards and 8 touchdowns, but he was a key weapon on special teams. And if any team needs help with special teams, it's the Seahawks.
One of the best kick returners in college football last season, Wright Jr. returned 22 kicks for 590 yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, though, Wright Jr. was an extremely efficient returner who made no mistakes. Never did Wright Jr. hesitate about whether he should return it or not, nor did he completely botch a return to where his team was down inside the 10, and he never once fumbled a return.
Seattle's special teams woes this season were extremely apparent. They would do well to use a late-round pick on an individual who specializes in returning kicks. Too many times last season did the Seahawks' return unit put the offense -- and defense -- in bad spots.
Round 6, Pick 212: QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas
The Seahawks finally draft a quarterback. However, it's in the sixth round. The 6-foot raw prospect out of Kansas was once believed to be a first-round pick before injuries derailed his 2023 season. It feels like Daniels has been in college football forever, but due to various injuries, it also feels like we haven't seen enough of him.
At his core, Daniels is a fantastic off-schedule quarterback. His best quality is his creativity out of the pocket when plays break down. At Kansas, I saw him as a poor man's Russell Wilson. His arm talent and strength is not debatable, but sometimes you'll see some inexcusably inaccurate throws down the seams. His mechanics, while slightly unorthodox, are consistent and effective.
Daniels also has flashed the ability to take off with the ball and gain yards with his feet. In 2024, Daniels carried the ball 93 times for 447 yards and 6 touchdowns. His ability to extend plays with both his arm and feet makes him an exciting prospect, but there are some serious concerns about his accuracy and decision-making. Only completing 57 percent of his 300 attempted passes in 2024, Daniels only managed a 14-12 touchdown to interception ratio.
Seattle, who faces uncertainty at the quarterback position considering Geno Smith's contract expires in 2026 and Sam Howell's apparent struggles, would be taking a low risk in Jalon Daniels. While he didn't put up massive numbers in college, there is definitely something there.
His creativity and arm strength are reminiscent of another project out of college, Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Anthony Richardson. However, instead of using a top-five pick on the project, they could use a late Day 3 pick on one.
Round 7, Pick 233: RB Rushawn Baker, Elon
I had to include at least one of my favorite underground prospects. Rushawn Baker from Elon (University? College?) is a compact 5'11" and 225 pounds who runs like a bowling ball downhill. Baker had a stretch of games from November 2 through November 16 in which he ran for 154 yards, 167 yards, and 156 yards. Sure, the competition may not be anywhere close to NFL-caliber, but that sort of production doesn't come from nowhere.
If you're looking for a pro comparison, look no further than another Seahawks 7th-round running back taken from a community college in 2017. Chris Carson's community college talents translated to the NFL seamlessly as he became one of the most productive backs in the league. While Baker may not develop into a league-shattering back, I believe he would give guys like George Holani and Kenny McIntosh (as much as I love him) a run for their money in camp.
Baker's tape shows a really cool hybrid of tough, angry runs mixed with untouched track speed out of the backfield. Seattle seems set at running back, but Ken Walker is seemingly always injured and Zach Charbonnet sometimes just cannot get going. Seattle wants to get back to running the ball in 2025 after canning the pass-happy Ryan Grubb, and adding talented backs in the final round of the NFL Draft could never hurt.