Devean Deal's Film Room Smarts Could Be the Secret Weapon Mike Macdonald Needs at Edge

The Seahawks needed edge rusher depth after Boye Mafe left in free agency, and they decided to build it unconventionally. Seattle passed on the position in the draft, signed veteran pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. to a one-year deal, and brought in undrafted rookie Devean Deal to compete in the edge room alongside fellow UDFAs Aidan Hubbard and Marvin Jones Jr.

Deal's path here is the kind of story that defines NFL long shots. He came out of Naaman Forest High School in 2021 as a three-star recruit committed to Tulane. His breakout came in 2023 when he posted 43 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and an interception over 14 games. Then he transferred to TCU and spent two seasons with the Horned Frogs, compiling 99 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and one forced fumble across 26 games. Not flashy by NFL draft standards, but solid production that got him looks.

What Makes Deal Interesting

Here is the thing: Deal shows elite instincts and pursuit when he gets downhill into the backfield. That compensates for what he lacks in quickness and speed, and it is exactly the kind of cerebral play that keeps a young pass rusher from overcommitting and blowing tackles. He has even shown he can drop into coverage as a second-level linebacker, though that probably is not how the Seahawks will use him.

At 6-foot-2, 251 pounds, Deal has the size for the position. If he continues adding strength over the summer, there is a real shot he sticks around. The biggest selling point for Mike Macdonald is simple: Deal can set an edge and he is a willing run-stopper. That matters in this defensive system.

The Competition is Brutal

The edge room is packed. DeMarcus Lawrence, Derick Hall and Uchenna Nwosu lead the group, followed by Fowler and fellow UDFAs Jared Ivey, Connor O'Toole, Jamie Sheriff and Jalan Gaines. That is a lot of bodies fighting for limited snaps, and it does not include the other two undrafted rookies competing in the room. The odds are stacked against Deal.

His real question marks are straightforward. Can he improve his get-off at the snap to be more competitive against NFL tackles? Will his pursuit actually translate against faster, stronger quarterbacks and running backs? If Deal can answer those questions, he has a shot. If not, a practice squad spot as a rookie would still be a win for an undrafted guy out of nowhere.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.