The Seattle Seahawks have gone 9-8 in back-to-back campaigns and will have a new head coach for the first time since 2010. To pick up where Pete Carroll left off, Mike Macdonald and Co. need to inject young, talented athletes into the roster. How did the Seahawks grade out in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 16: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
With Macdonald entering his first year as head coach, it’s no surprise the Seahawks went defense in the first round. Byron Murphy II not only fills a major need on the interior of the defensive line, but he also brings immense pass-rush upside and is a perfect fit for Macdonald system.
Grade: A
Byron Murphy II could make an early impact as a run defender and pass-rushing threat. 💪#HookEm | #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/dN4pZih5Dt
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
Round 3, Pick 81: Christian Haynes, OL, UConn
Christian Haynes fell right into Seattle’s lap. The Seahawks had a giant hole at guard, and the UConn lineman more than fills it, bringing a mauling mentality that new OC Ryan Grubb needed up front.
The reasons for his fall aside, few players have the kind of experience that Haynes has in this draft class. Haynes certainly represented the most talented senior offensive lineman to start the season and more than lived up to that hype all throughout the year.
Grade: A+
Round 4, Pick 118: Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP
Seattle revamped its LB room with Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson, but Tyrice Knight provides depth and a long-term option.
Grade: B
Round 4, Pick 121 (From MIA through DEN): AJ Barner, TE, Michigan
Selecting a backup TE in the fourth round isn’t exactly excellent value, but AJ Barner can see the field early in 12 personnel and offer reliable snaps.
Grade: C
Round 5, Pick 136: Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
Outside of Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, there isn’t much in Seattle’s CB room.
Nehemiah Pritchett could push Michael Jackson for starting snaps on the outside with the size/speed/length combo the Seahawks crave.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 179: Sataoa Laumea, OL, Utah
Sataoa Laumea’s selection won’t move the needle much, but he has tackle/guard versatility with natural power on the move.
Grade: B-
Round 6, Pick 192: D.J. James, CB, Auburn
It’s unclear where D.J. James will factor into Seattle’s secondary puzzle, but his talent is a steal in Round 6. Macdonald has no shortage of options to choose from on the back end.
Grade: A
Round 6, Pick 207: Mike Jarrell, OT, Findlay
Jumping from D-II to the NFL won’t be easy, but Mike Jerrell is a developmental tackle with all the physical tools coaches long for.
Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks 2024 NFL Draft Summary
Outside of an errant backup TE selection, the Seahawks targeted key weaknesses in the roster while also keeping an eye toward the future.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
Murphy and Haynes highlight Macdonald’s emphasis on the trenches nabbing Pritchett and James on Day 3 bolstered the secondary.
Overall Grade: A