Official 2025 Draft Talk Thread

[Sharkonabicycle]

Yeah Macdonald likes to use a 3 safety system so i wouldnt be shocked at all if we draft him. I tagged him as a Seahawks pick back in October or so and if selected i would be fine with it. Emmanwori and Dart were my in season picks for the Hawks last year. Never expected Dart to go from possible 3-5th round pick to now a 1st but it makes sense. I never saw late round talent with him and that was the reason i was so high on the guy.

I mean it's not a great OL class. Zabel has a strong link but some have him pegged more as a 2nd rounder and Seattle hasn't even visited with him yet. Membou will prob. be gone. Banks I'd like just because he's huge and moves people. I know we want to do this finesse ZBS, but at times you just need a big massive guy.

That said, I wouldn't be shocked at all if Seattle doesn't even address the OL until the 3rd round, and I know it's going to cause a riot from various analysts, forums, YouTubers, fans, etc.

I understand you have a need at OL, but the guy you really want if you're dedicated to this ZBS system might be a round 3 kind of guy. I mean if Banks/Membou or something fall, sure, snag them - but that's unlikely. I could honestly see Seattle taking a DB/S (Emmanwori or if Johnson falls) and then WR with their first two picks. And if they LIKE Dart and he's there in the 2nd frame, even that - otherwise I could see one of the tight ends (Arroyo or Taylor)

I could be completely wrong, but I am setting myself up to not be surprised if our first OL is in the 3rd. Seattle seems to be drafting BPA at the moment. Now if Banks or Membou falls and they pass, I'd be a little annoyed. I don't think they really fit the ZBS system, but teach them for the love of God. They are big guys that move people. We need more of that. I think that's why they like Lundt (already in the 30 visits) who is a later round pick. The guy gets to the second tier and just mows people down. He's got a mean streak, which this line also desperately needs.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

I mean it's not a great OL class. Zabel has a strong link but some have him pegged more as a 2nd rounder and Seattle hasn't even visited with him yet. Membou will prob. be gone. Banks I'd like just because he's huge and moves people. I know we want to do this finesse ZBS, but at times you just need a big massive guy.

That said, I wouldn't be shocked at all if Seattle doesn't even address the OL until the 3rd round, and I know it's going to cause a riot from various analysts, forums, YouTubers, fans, etc.

I understand you have a need at OL, but the guy you really want if you're dedicated to this ZBS system might be a round 3 kind of guy. I mean if Banks/Membou or something fall, sure, snag them - but that's unlikely. I could honestly see Seattle taking a DB/S (Emmanwori or if Johnson falls) and then WR with their first two picks. And if they LIKE Dart and he's there in the 2nd frame, even that - otherwise I could see one of the tight ends (Arroyo or Taylor)

I could be completely wrong, but I am setting myself up to not be surprised if our first OL is in the 3rd. Seattle seems to be drafting BPA at the moment. Now if Banks or Membou falls and they pass, I'd be a little annoyed. I don't think they really fit the ZBS system, but teach them for the love of God. They are big guys that move people. We need more of that. I think that's why they like Lundt (already in the 30 visits) who is a later round pick. The guy gets to the second tier and just mows people down. He's got a mean streak, which this line also desperately needs.

Zabel has been pegged as early second late first, although some have mocked him as being drafted ahead of the Seahawks pick at 18. Most everyone seems to think of him as a solid OL starter in the NFL but not a blue chipper (only 3 this class) and they feel there are only 6 players with first round grades. I'm not someone who can watch film on OL and say "that player is really good" but from his scouting reports seems like a easy plug and play at LG and a big upgrade over who played LG last year for the Seahawks. Those in the media who are suggesting WR or safety with pick 18 are the same ones who said the Seahawks had to much invested in those positions and need to invest in the trenches.
If JS feels he can improve the OL without using premium picks (or using cap space) then all I can say he BETTER BE RIGHT and I for one would expect they once again missing the playoffs, won't be able to run the ball well or have a decent offense period.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Zabel has been pegged as early second late first, although some have mocked him as being drafted ahead of the Seahawks pick at 18. Most everyone seems to think of him as a solid OL starter in the NFL but not a blue chipper and they feel there are only 6 players with first round grades. I'm not someone who can watch film on OL and say "that player is really good" but from his scouting reports seems like a easy plug and play at LG and a big upgrade over who played LG last year for the Seahawks. Those in the media who are suggesting WR or safety with pick 18 are the same ones who said the Seahawks had to much invested in those positions and need to invest in the trenches.
If JS feels he can improve the OL without using premium picks (or using cap space) then all I can say he BETTER BE RIGHT and I for one would expect they once again missing the playoffs, won't be able to run the ball well or have a decent offense period.

Yah just saying I wont be surprised. I'd rather just invest in the trenches to be honest. Hey, if a good EDGE or DL drops to 18 take that. If we're going to reach for a OL and a better talent according to our board is there at 18, I think the smarter option is to go there. I mean these organizations don't wake up in late March and start doing mock drafts on websites, they've been building their board all throughout the collegiate season last year.. so you got a list of guys you're looking for or can make adjustments based on a new OC hiring.

If Zabel is 5th on your list of guys available that you'd want at 18, do you just take him because "OL!" or do you take your #1 guy you have on your board? I dunno... If Emmanwori is the #1 guy on your board (which would've been for a while since Mac is still here) and is there at 18, and Zabel is your 5th... what do you do? Do you ignore the guy you REALLY want? Or do you draft on need?

It's a thin line to tread.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Do you ignore the guy you REALLY want? Or do you draft on need?

You take the player that will have the most positive impact on your team or roster. A third WR who isn't any more special then Zabel is at OL IMO would be huge mistake and have a minimal positive impact for the roster. Zabel scouting report from NFL draft buzz.



Every year there are lots of WRs that have a lot of potential and deemed worthy of being drafted early for team in need of one. Landing a OL who is plug and play and upgrades the OL mid first round is a lot harder to come by.

 

[flyerhawk]

Brugler's take on Zabel..

A three-year starter at North Dakota State, Zabel was an All-America left tackle in offensive coordinator Jake Landry’s run-focused scheme (previously started at right tackle and both guard spots). He was part of an offensive line room that included Cordell Volson (2022 fourth-round pick) and Cody Mauch (2023 second-rounder).
Whether out in space or in confined areas, Zabel shines as a run blocker with his athletic range and grip strength to connect, strain and seal lanes. In pass protection, he can be walked back and surrender depth versus power, but he mirrors well and stays balanced through contact as he refits his hands to grind bull rushes to a halt. Overall, Zabel must prove he can consistently anchor against NFL power, but his light, flexible movements and strong hands keep pass rushers busy and displace defenders in the run game. A college tackle, he projects best inside, at either center or guard, where he will compete for immediate starting reps and offer Pro Bowl upside.
grade1st–2nd Round

Testing​

type	ht	wt	hand	arm	wing	40	20	10	vj	bj	ss	3c	bp	notes
combine	6057	312	91/2″	32″	771/2″	DNP	DNP	DNP	361/2″	9′3″	DNP	DNP	26	Limited workout (med. exclusion: left pelvis)
pro day	6060	312	93/8″	321/4″	775/8″	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	4.60	7.66	DNP

Glossary

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Strengths​

1. Awesome footwork and flexibility to spring out of stance and set up shop (top vertical jump among all offensive linemen at NFL combine)
2. Balanced in pass pro and reaches landmarks square and on time
3. Fluid on the fly to adjust through gap exchanges on stunts
4. Active and eager with his hands to stun and snatch defenders
5. Rolls hips, drives feet and maintains strain through contact in run game
6. Efficient tempo on combination blocks and knows when to release and seal
7. Light feet on the move with elite range to pick off space defenders on long pulls and screens
8. Versatile experience, with college starts at both guard and both tackle positions (also started at center in high school)
9. Durable — finished career with 36 straight starts
10. Voted a 2024 team captain; quarterback Cam Miller calls him “one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around.”
11. North Dakota State coaches rave about his character (NFL scout: “Football, farming and his family — not sure he cares about much else.”)

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Weaknesses​

1. Lacks ideal arm length, making it tough to maintain connection with speedy rushers who reach his edge
2. Guilty of throwing hands prematurely, giving rushers a window to chop/wrap his shoulder
3. Lean body type and lacks ideal sand in lower half, which hinders his anchor against power rushers
4. No college starts at center, although he played at the pivot during Senior Bowl practices
5. Penalized 15 times in past two seasons, including drive-killing personal foul in 2024 national title game
6. Only one of 40 career starts came against FBS competition (Colorado in 2024)

 

[HaroldSeattle]

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

View attachment 394377

I mean 6 starters (Cross, K9, Charbs, JSN, Cross, Lucas) are still on their rookie contracts.. and Darnold/Kupp are cheap this year anyway and both are starters.

That said, it's pretty amusing Noah Fant is our highest paid player on offense this year. And if we cut him this year (realistic if we draft Warren/Loveland or Arroyo) that's another $9M gone ($13M cap hit, $4M dead)... yeesh lol.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

I will say there is some good talent on this O despite the low spending.

Darnold was a top 5 pick, Cross top 10, Fant top 20, Walker/Charbs 2nd rounders, JSN top 20, Kupp is Kupp (if healthy), Lucas/Haynes a 3rd rounder. I mean there's technically some decent talent there, lol.

Interesting point though you raise Harold... will Seattle take offense in their first three picks? Loveland or Egbuka at 18, and a couple offensive lineman? Just stock up on offensive talent and roll with what we have on D which looks pretty stable at the moment. I will still be surprised if we take Emmanwori. I know Mac has a 3 safety system, but Love/Bryant are already well above average, and we just have bigger needs elsewhere at more important positions (including NT).

I know Egbuka is a near clone of Kupp/JSN, but given we have Darnold, our offense may not be doing deep passes at all except once in a while. Darnold does hold onto the ball longer.. I expect a LOT of quick slants/routes that JSN/Egbuka are good at and chipping away down the field while using playaction on potential deeper routes and keeping defenses guessing on run/pass. I mean it got to the point last year where every team was just sending a pass rush against Seattle, because we were passing so much lol.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

I know Egbuka is a near clone of Kupp/JSN, but given we have Darnold, our offense may not be doing deep passes at all except once in a while.

Well if you don't have anyone to go long then I guess you have no choice (Need someone better then MVS). Seahawks need a outside WR not another slot type. Darnold is good on long balls.

• Sam Darnold is known for throwing both long and intermediate passes, with a particular emphasis on deep throws. He's been praised for his ability to make accurate deep throws, and has shown a willingness to take calculated risks in order to make big plays. While he also throws short passes, his deep passing ability is a notable aspect of his game.
  
  Here's a more detailed breakdown:
  • 
    
  • Deep Passes:
    Darnold has demonstrated a strong ability to throw deep, with advanced stats showing him as a leader in the league for yards gained on passes of 20+ air yards. He's been particularly effective at hitting his wide receivers with deep throws, leading to big gains.
    
    

 

[HaroldSeattle]

 

[MrS]

milroe? Lord help us
unless he is going to play the taysom hill roll and he is taken in the 5th round or later.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

milroe? Lord help us
unless he is going to play the taysom hill roll and he is taken in the 5th round or later.

5th rounder or later? Uh, can we just do 'later', like UDFA later? That guy can't throw the ball for beans (for a QB anyway). And I get his arm strength is the best in the draft, but that means nothing if you don't have accuracy and timing. Anyway, seems like some teams like him in the 1st, other teams don't want to touch him until day 3... *shrugs*

Dart might be okay in the second but he'll prob. be gone by the 50th.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

milroe? Lord help us
unless he is going to play the taysom hill roll and he is taken in the 5th round or later.

Maybe the Tyson Hill role is what the Seahawks were thinking. Don't see them drafting him though.

 

[Screamin12th]

I dont want a 26 year old Rookie QB.

 

[Screamin12th]

to be honest i dont want a 26 year old rookie anything.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

to be honest i dont want a 26 year old rookie anything.

Who does. Sheesh.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

I dont want a 26 year old Rookie QB.

We don't need Brandon Weeden 2.0.... we basically already have that with Darnold (last year might as well have been his first year lol) who at least was a top 5 pick.

 

[Anointed One]

to be honest i dont want a 26 year old rookie anything.

Chris Weinke comes to mind...