Seahawks 2025 NFL Draft outlook: offensive line in focus

This list of stories ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft illustrates how the Seattle Seahawks have brought in prospects for visits, highlighting the urgent need for linemen. The articles mention new offensive coaches, trade talks around Sam Howell, and the idea of not drafting only for need but also for value.

Multiple stories stress how John Schneider has often avoided taking true interior linemen early, with examples like the struggles of former first-round pick Germain Ifedi. The Seahawks have added draft capital through trades, opening the chance to address needs while keeping to their philosophy of not reaching for talent.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Tate Ratledge (69) and center Jared Wilson (55) react during the second half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

NO. 1: WILL SEAHAWKS DRAFT THE O-LINEMEN THEY NEED? ARE PRE-DRAFT VISITS A TELL?

Seattle’s been linked to 25 prospects in visits, interviews and meeting. Ten of them play the team’s greatest need position. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) blocking against the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Dec. 21, 2024. Many around the NFL see the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Banks as able to start right away at tackle or at guard in the league. By Mark J. Rebilas

NO. 2: TNT 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT, ROUND 1: SEAHAWKS CHANGE APPROACH, A TRADE AT TOP

The Seahawks have done what the TNT predicts they will do next week just four other times in 15 years under GM John Schneider. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) runs past Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) and Texas linebacker Liona Lefau (18) during the third quarter of the College Football Playoffs’ Peach Bowl in Atlanta Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. By Michael Chow/The Republic

NO. 3: SEAHAWKS 7-ROUND MOCK DRAFT: A DRAFTED QB(!), A TRADE, A FOLK-HERO RB, AND A D-II SURPRISE

TNT says John Schneider does what he’s done just 2 other times in 15 previous drafts as GM: Drafts a quarterback for the future. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Germain Ifedi was smiling again late Friday night after he answered calls for his job by performing the best he has in a while. He solidified his hold on the starting right-tackle job over debuting George Fant in the Seahawks’ third preseason game, at Minnesota. By Elaine Thompson

NO. 4: AS GM SEES ‘LAZY NARRATIVE,’ CAUTIONARY TALES OF SEAHAWKS DRAFTING NEED OVER BEST PLAYER

John Schneider describes when he’s made his biggest draft mistakes on the offensive line--where this team needs help most. | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) clears out his locker at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Renton, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 5: SEAHAWKS GM: TEAMS CALLING ABOUT A SAM HOWELL TRADE, BUT THEY MAY KEEP HIM. DRAFTING A QB?

John Schneider talks three days before the draft about Seattle’s three QBs who have thrown for 3,000 yards in an NFL season. | Published April 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.