The Seattle Seahawks approached the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear goal in mind: bolster the offensive trenches, reinforce the secondary, and invest in developmental talent at key skill positions. Under second year head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider, Seattle made 11 total selections across the seven rounds in this year’s draft. The Seahawks targeted a wide range of players from day one starters like IOL Grey Zabel to high upside longshots like quarterback Jalen Milroe. Let’s take a look at each of the 11 rookies who hope to make the roster this summer.

Round 1, Pick 18 – Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

The Seahawks made a great move by selecting a true interior offensive lineman in the first round. Zabel’s versatility and athleticism stood out during the pre-draft process, causing him to climb draft boards. Additionally, his nasty streak in the run game should help stabilize a Seahawks line that has struggled to protect its quarterbacks for quite some time while generating more push inside. Zabel has the ability to play anywhere on the line, and I see him fitting into this offense right away.

Round 2, Pick 35 – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Seattle needed a physical, versatile safety to fit coach Macdonald’s scheme, and Emmanwori fits that mold. He brings size, range, and a downhill attacking mindset. His athletic testing stood out amongst safeties in the class, and he projects as a day-one contributor. Alongside Julian Love and Cobe Bryant, I see Emmanwori fitting well into this secondary, especially if Seattle leans more on three-safety packages. 

Round 2, Pick 50 – Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

The tight end position has been underutilized in Seattle’s offense in recent years, often relegated to blocking assignments or short-yardage outlets rather than being a focal point in the passing game, but Arroyo can change that. A smooth route-runner with solid hands and good burst after the catch, Arroyo brings a more dynamic skillset to the position. 

Round 3, Pick 92 – Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Though drafted late on day three, Jalen Milroe may be Seattle’s most intriguing selection. Milroe has elite athletic traits and a cannon for an arm, but his decision-making and accuracy remain question marks. The Seahawks reportedly plan to develop him strictly as a quarterback rather than as a gadget player such as Taysom Hill, which could pay off in the long term as he learns from those ahead of him on the depth chart. He has already started using the same VR simulation that was key to Jayden Daniels’ success last season. Though he currently stands as a developmental stash with starter upside, Milroe has the athletic talent to become a franchise quarterback.

Round 5, Pick 142 – Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame

Mills brings length and power to Seattle’s defensive front. He’s not flashy, but his ability to plug gaps and hold his own against double teams could make him a valuable rotational piece. Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed stand ahead of him on the depth chart, giving Mills the chance to learn from technically sound veterans on the interior. This is an ideal landing spot in terms of his development.

Round 5, Pick 166 – Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

Horton is a savvy route runner with good separation skills. Although he isn’t considered a “burner” (although he ran a 4.41 at the combine not fully healthy), his technique and body control make him a valuable depth piece in a receiving room that could use more consistency beyond Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. This pick adds flexibility, insurance, and upside to the position.

Round 5, Pick 175 – Robbie Ouzts, FB/TE, Alabama

Ouzts is a throwback-style player who brings toughness, versatility, and a willingness to handle the less glamorous roles. Though considered a reach since he wasn’t projected to be drafted, his blocking ability and physicality make him a strong fit for short-yardage situations and special teams. Given the shifting nature of Seattle’s offense under Macdonald, I could see a player like Ouzts quietly carve out a niche role.

Round 6, Pick 192 – Bryce Cabeldue, OL, Kansas

Cabeldue adds to the much needed depth and competition on the offensive line. He’s a reliable, disciplined lineman who could earn a bigger role as he develops. His experience playing both guard and tackle gives the Seahawks flexibility, and he’ll be a valuable piece to have on standby if injuries hit the line. 

Round 7, Pick 223 – Damien Martinez, RB, Miami

Martinez brings a compact build and a physical, downhill running style. Joining a crowded running back room with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, he’ll have to fight for a role on special teams or carve out a new role as a short-yardage option to secure a long-term role on this roster. He could potentially steal the role of RB 2 if Charbonnet is not re-signed in two seasons. Nonetheless, his hard-nosed approach and physicality make him a player to keep an eye on in camp and throughout the regular season. 

Round 7, Pick 234 – Mason Richman, OT, Iowa

Mason Richman comes from a well-respected offensive line program at Iowa and plays with solid fundamentals. Though Richman is not an elite athlete, his technique and effort stand out. He projects as a developmental tackle who could eventually become a reliable backup or swing tackle to a position that needs reliable players to be filled in on the depth chart. Another offensive lineman in Seattle is never a bad thing.  

Round 7, Pick 238 – Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

White capped off Seattle’s draft class and might be one of its most underrated picks. Having back to back over 1000 yard seasons, White has proven that he can at least be a viable third option if he adjusts well to the NFL. He’s a polished route-runner with great hands and a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. While he’ll have to earn a spot through special teams and preseason reps, there’s potential here. General Manager John Schneider even compared him to former Packers standout Donald Driver, a lofty but intriguing comparison.

In conclusion, Seattle’s 2025 draft wasn’t about flash, but rather it was about building a foundation. Adding many upgrades to the trenches, developmental playmakers, and high-upside prospects like Milroe and Emmanwori, the Seahawks have taken a measured, long-term approach to the reconstruction of their roster. If even half of these draft picks hit, this could quietly be one of Schneider’s best classes in years.