The Seahawks' Draft Board Starts Here: Where Seattle Actually Needs Help After That Super Bowl Run

Let's be real: the Seahawks are in a weird spot heading into the draft. They just demolished New England 29-13 to win Super Bowl LX, and almost everybody who touched the field is coming back. That's the good news. The bad news? Four key guys walked out the door in free agency, and now Mike Macdonald and his crew have to get creative to fill those gaps.

Kenneth Walker III at running back, Coby Bryant at safety, Riq Woolen at cornerback, and Boye Mafe at rush end are all gone. The front office signed at least one free agent to patch things up at each spot except rush end, but you can feel the question marks hanging over those positions like Seattle rain. So where do the Seahawks actually stand as the draft gets here? Let's break down how each position group is looking.

The Strength: Interior Defense Is Locked In

Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, and Jarran Reed are all back, and that's your starting three on the inside. Mike Morris and Brandon Pili give you depth. Second-year guy Rylie Mills is ready to work more snaps inside and could occasionally line up on the edge. This is a group that knows how to win. The only real worry is if age catches up to Reed (he's 33) and Williams (turning 32 in June), but that's a problem you'd want to have.

The Quarterback Room Is Set

Sam Darnold answered every question last season about whether he could get you to the promised land. Drew Lock is still under contract as your experienced backup. Jalen Milroe gets a year-two opportunity as new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury tweaks the scheme. This could legitimately be one of the better QB groups in the league if everything clicks.

The Holes You Need to Fill

At safety, yes, Bryant is gone, but Julian Love and Nick Emmanwori return, and Ty Okada started 11 games last season and looks ready to step up. D'Anthony Bell backed up for 15 games, Rodney Thomas II came in from Indianapolis, and A.J. Finley re-signed. Safety might not be as dire as some people think. The tight end room is actually stacked: AJ Barner (52 catches, 519 yards, six TDs) is only getting better in year three, Elijah Arroyo should contribute more in year two, and Eric Saubert signed a new deal to stay as your third option. Kicker Jason Myers had a record-setting year, Michael Dickson remains one of the best punters in league history, and they re-signed snapper Chris Stoll to keep that whole kicking battery together.

Inside linebacker is also solid. Ernest Jones IV has two years left, Drake Thomas just signed for two more, Tyrice Knight has two years remaining on his rookie deal, and Chazz Surratt is back as a fourth option. This roster is as stout as any in the NFL. The draft is about getting deeper, not rebuilding.

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