The Seattle Seahawks are in a good position for the future after finding some key veterans. Among the biggest positions addressed is the quarterback position. Seattle got former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold on a long-term or short-term deal. There are still some serious holes that must be addressed if they want to get back into the playoffs this upcoming season.
Luckily, the Seahawks can fill some glaring holes early in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are incredibly talented and efficient players that general manager John Schneider and his front office staff could go for. These are players the Seahawks could trade back into the first round after picking No. 18 overall.
Tyler Booker might be one of the most underrated prospects in this 2025 Draft class. While there are limitations on his athleticism, those haven’t been brought up in his three dominant years at Alabama. Booker is one of the best run-blocking offensive linemen and he is incredibly efficient as a pass protector. Booker has allowed two sacks in his time at Alabama and has secured a pass-blocking grade of 85.4, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Seahawks were a mess at the offensive line last season, especially in the interior. Their run game was essentially abandoned by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubbs due to the inefficient play. While the Seahawks ranked eighth in passing yards per game (236.5), they were 28th in rushing yards per game (95.7). They were also 29th in the league in first downs accounted for in the run game (88).
Having Booker at either left or right guard would stabilize the interior significantly. It would force a competition between Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford to prepare better for the season and compete for the last starting spot.
The guard position isn’t the only position on the offensive isn’t the only position that might need an upgrade. Right tackle is an area that might need a full-time starter. Abraham Lucas had a great rookie season in 2022. He did, however, miss the last 11 games in 2023 and the first 10 games last season due to a torn ACL. While he is preparing to get back to his dominant season in 2022, there is no guarantee he will be the same player he was. Not to mention, his backups were a nightmare for quarterback Geno Smith. As a whole, the Seahawks’ offensive line gave up 54 sacks, tied for the third most in the league.
Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is a prospect who was originally at the top of many draft boards. He was one of the most efficient starting offensive linemen as a three-year starter. Banks received an overall grade of 88.2 by Pro Football Focus. He has allowed only four sacks in 1,500 pass-blocking snaps. His biggest negative traits are his lack of ideal size at 6-5 and his short arms. Banks’ film footage in three years at Texas should speak for itself.
If the Seahawks were to draft Banks in the first round, they could put Lucas at the guard position, as Lucas is a great run-blocker. Banks might force Charles Cross from left tackle to right tackle.
If there aren’t great offensive linemen available or if the Seahawks want to get another offensive weapon, they could go for some of the most dynamic players in the draft. Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III has been one of the most electrifying players in the SEC in each of the past two seasons. He hit his stride as a sophomore in 2023, where he caught 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Burden is a reliable fast-option receiver that can potentially explode for big plays after the catch. He took a slight decline last season due to Missouri’s offense crumbling, but he still accounted for two receiving touchdowns and rushed for two more.
The Seahawks released an older dynamic veteran receiver in Tyler Lockett. They were also forced to trade star D.K. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They made up for Metcalf’s departure with the addition of former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp through free agency. He will be an excellent receiver duo with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, if healthy.
The Seahawks also have Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but he hasn’t surpassed more than 412 yards in each of the last two seasons. Burden can be an explosive weapon for the Seahawks’ pass-happy offense. Burden’s lack of ideal height won’t have him as the number one receiver. This makes him a perfect weapon for the offense.
The Seahawks have plenty of options to go with around the middle of the first round of the 2025 draft. Schneider has made a lot of stellar picks early for the Seahawks within the last few seasons. If there is one area of the team that he has not hit well on, it is with the interior offensive line. The Seahawks didn’t address the guard position in free agency which suggests two ideas. Either Seattle has a plan with other veterans, or they will use a draft pick early for the interior o-line. For Darnold’s sake, the Seahawks need a new young starter. Otherwise, Darnold is going to fall apart in his season at Seattle.
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