The Seattle Seahawks entered the offseason with a clear mission: shake things up and create real competition across the roster. With several new additions brought in through free agency and the draft, early offseason practices were intense, as fresh faces looked to make their mark and push veteran players for starting roles.
The tone was set early, with high energy, fast reps, and coaches keeping a close eye on every rep.
Some players wasted no time in standing out, flashing playmaking ability and earning praise from the staff. Others, however, struggled to find their footing, raising questions about their roles heading into training camp. As the team builds toward the preseason, we take a look at the biggest winners and losers from Seattle’s offseason practices.
Who stood out for the Seattle Seahawks in OTAs and minicamp (and who didn't)
Winner - Jalen Milroe
When the Seahawks selected quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of this year’s draft, it looked like the perfect developmental fit. With veteran Sam Darnold signed to a sizable deal to be the starter, Milroe was expected to spend time learning behind him, adjusting to the speed of the NFL, and developing under new head coach Mike Macdonald's system.
But Milroe has quickly turned heads during offseason workouts, showing off his athleticism, arm strength, and poise beyond his years. His performance hasn’t gone unnoticed, and there’s already buzz that he’s climbing the depth chart faster than expected. While he still has areas to improve, if his upward trajectory continues, it may not be long before Milroe sees meaningful snaps in Seattle.
Winner - Nick Emmanwori
Head coach Mike Macdonald built his reputation as one of the brightest defensive minds in football, and after completing his first season in Seattle, he's focused on shaping the Seahawks' identity through a tough, disciplined defense.
One of the key additions to help make that vision a reality was the selection of safety Nick Emmanwori in this year’s draft—a versatile defender brought in to strengthen the secondary and help limit big plays.
So far this offseason, Emmanwori has impressed the coaching staff with his physicality, instincts, and ability to pick up the defensive system quickly. He's making a strong case to start alongside emerging star Devon Witherspoon, giving Seattle a young, dynamic safety duo that could anchor the defense for years.
If their chemistry continues to build, the Seahawks' secondary could become one of the most dangerous units in the league.
Loser - D'Anthony Bell
There’s no denying the Seahawks are determined to upgrade their roster after narrowly missing the playoffs last season. One key area of focus has been the secondary, which struggled with consistency and coverage breakdowns throughout the year.
To reinforce the safety group, Seattle brought in D’Anthony Bell this past March, hoping his experience and physical play would provide depth and competition.
However, rookie safety Nick Emmanwori has quickly become one of the standout performers in offseason practices, showing the range, awareness, and aggression that coaches covet in the backend. His rapid development could shake up the depth chart, potentially pushing Bell further down the pecking order.
With training camp on the horizon, the battle for safety spots is heating up, and Emmanwori may be making an early case to start alongside Devon Witherspoon in the Seahawks’ retooled defense.
Winner - Grey Zabel
Another key area the Seahawks prioritized this offseason was the offensive line—an issue that has plagued the team dating back to the Russell Wilson era. For years, Seattle’s inability to protect its quarterbacks has stalled offensive rhythm and limited its playoff potential.
By selecting guard Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick in this year’s draft, the Seahawks made a clear statement to fans: they're serious about building a more reliable and dominant offensive front.
Zabel has already begun validating that decision with a strong showing in offseason practices. His versatility and poise in both pass protection and run blocking have impressed the coaching staff, and he’s quickly positioning himself as a top candidate to start in Week 1. If his development continues at this pace, Zabel could be a cornerstone on the line for years to come.
Winner - Tory Horton
For the first time in years, the Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver room is undergoing a major transformation. With longtime fan favorite Tyler Lockett no longer on the roster and star wideout DK Metcalf traded, the Seahawks signed veteran Cooper Kupp in free agency to bring leadership and production.
But the real intrigue this offseason hasn’t been about the top of the depth chart — it’s about the rising competition for the supporting roles behind Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
One name making waves is rookie wideout Tory Horton, who has taken advantage of increased reps during offseason practices. Horton isn’t just flashing as a pass catcher — he’s also carving out a role on special teams, increasing his value to the coaching staff.
His versatility and ability to impact multiple phases of the game could fast-track his rise up the depth chart as Seattle looks to reshape its receiving corps for the future.
Loser - Eric Saubert
The depth at the tight end position is shaping up to be one of the more competitive spots on the Seahawks’ roster heading into training camp. With a mix of veterans and promising young talent, the battle for snaps is heating up early. One player feeling the pressure is veteran Eric Saubert, who finds himself fighting for a roster spot after the team selected tight end Elijah Arroyo in this year’s draft.
Arroyo has been impressive throughout offseason practices, showing athleticism, strong hands, and an ability to stretch the field — traits the Seahawks have been looking to add at the position. If the rookie continues to shine when the pads come on in training camp, Saubert could quickly find himself the odd man out in a tight end room trending toward youth and explosiveness.
The Seahawks reshaped their roster in a big way this offseason, and with so many new faces in the mix, competition for spots is heating up fast. Offseason practices have already revealed flashes of brilliance, especially from the rookie class, signaling a potential shift in the team’s depth chart.
As training camp approaches, veterans will need to elevate their game to hold off the surging newcomers eager to make their mark in Seattle.