The Seahawks Just Pulled Another Heist — Here’s Why It’s Time to Take Them Seriously Again

Every NFL fan post-draft NFL fan: “This is our year.”

Also, every NFL fan post-Week 7 NFL fan: “We’re cooked.”

But this time, Seattle fans might actually be onto something.

While the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay featured its share of flashy trades and bold quarterback selections, the Seattle Seahawks quietly executed a masterclass in roster building,.  wW withith a focus on the trenches and high-upside talent. 

After an offseason filled with question marks, a new WR core, a QB room that could double as a redemption arc writers’ room, and the looming question of whether this team has any bite left, the Seahawks walked into the 2025 NFL Draft and quietly robbed the board. No ski mask, no flashlight, just a clipboard and elite scouting vision. 

Let’s break down the newest members of the 12th Man, and why you shouldn’t sleep on this rookie class.

Courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks

The Haul

• 1st Round, Pick 18: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State

Courtesy of Butch Dill | AP Photo

• Need an interior lineman who plays with the force of a semi-truck and the footwork of a ballerina? Meet Grey Zabel. He’s not a household name (yet), but the trenches just got a lot more stable. This O-line’s been a patchwork quilt for years, Zabel could be the anchor Seattle desperately needed. Having played 4 out the 5 O-line positions he is just the versatile tool the Seahawks need. During this year's senior bowl, Zabel won the practice player of the week. An award that speaks volumes but goes unnoticed by many as it is voted on by all 32 NFL teams, so obviously there is something special there. Growing up on the farm in South Dakota, Zabel has a little bit of adjusting to do as he comes to the PNW, but his core values of grit, humility, and work ethic will help him succeed in the Emerald City.

• 2nd Round, Pick 35: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Courtesy of Artie Walker Jr | AP Photo

• If Kam Chancellor had a Gen Z reboot, it’d be Nick Emmanwori. He hits like a freight train and reads offenses like a seasoned vet. Emmanwori is already being whispered about as the second coming of the Legion of Boom. Seattle’s secondary might be getting its swagger back—and let’s be honest, we’ve missed it. With vets like Witherspoon and Riq Woolen, the Seahawks secondary is giving major Legion of Boom flashbacks. 

• 2nd Round, Pick 50: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

Courtesy of Michael Loughlin | AP Photo

• Arroyo is the ultimate "how did he fall this far?" guy. Sleek routes, great hands, and the kind of red zone threat that makes linebackers sweat. Defensive coordinators better clear their calendars, they are going to have a matchup nightmare on their hands this season. Not to mention the Seahawks have been in need of a TE like this. Sure we had Noah Fant, but no one has brought the boom to the TE room like Jimmy Graham did, but maybe Arroyo will…

• 3rd Round, Pick 92: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Courtesy of Vasha Hunt | AP Photo

• Roll Tide baby! But maybe more like roll patiently. Milroe isn’t expected to start right away, but that’s a good thing. He gets to learn from the most chaotic but inspiring QB mentorship combo imaginable: Sam Darnold (2025’s Comeback Player of the Year) and Drew Lock (career backup with a unique angle of the life of a QB). With a cannon for an arm and wheels for days, Milroe could be the future, just not the rushed one, but man oh man will it be fun to watch him ball in preseason. This may have been the best use of a draft pick by the Seahawks in years!!

The Sneaky Day 3 Steals That Complete the Puzzle

• DT Rylie Mills brings power up front with Notre Dame toughness.

• WR Tory Horton has late-round steals written all over him, and he is a route technician, sleeper alert!

• FB Robbie Ouzts (Alabama again!) adds throwback grit and blocking chops.

• G Bryce Cabeldue & T/G Mason Richman = much-needed O-line depth.

• RB Damien Martinez and WR Ricky White III might be the best “why not us?” seventh-rounders in the league.

The Strategy:

Seattle's draft emphasized building from the inside out, prioritizing offensive line protection (finally!!) and defensive versatility. The selection of Zabel addresses a long-standing need on the offensive line, while Emmanwori and Mills enhance the defence's physicality. The addition of Milroe introduces a potential future starter at quarterback, and the skill position picks provide depth and competition across the board.

Underdogs. Unheard-ofs. Unshaken.

The Seahawks draft class didn’t have splashy headlines or viral TikTok suit reveals. What it did have was a return to the Seahawks’ roots: finding gritty players with chips on their shoulders and fire in their gut.

It feels a little like 2012 again. No one expected much, but anyone paying attention knew.

So yeah, maybe it’s “our year.” But this time, it’s not blind hope. It’s a blueprint.

Go Hawks!