14 key takeaways from Seahawks NFL draft overhaul

The Seahawks made major changes to their roster and draft approach in 2025. This list of stories illustrates how the team drafted multi-position O-lineman Grey Zabel in round one. They also focused on the offensive line by picking Bryce Cabeldue and Mason Richman.

The front office traded multiple players, including Sam Howell, and added a mobile quarterback, Jalen Milroe, as just their third QB drafted in sixteen years. Seattle also picked a 274-pound fullback, Robbie Ouzts, signaling a shift to a more physical running game.

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles of Virginia Tech (16) battles National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) during Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, Jan. 30, 2025. By Vasha Hunt

NO. 1: SEAHAWKS SET GM FIRSTS, DRAFT FOR BIGGEST NEED: GREY ZABEL, OL, NORTH DAKOTA STATE ROUND 1

Zabel is the first true interior college offensive lineman GM John Schneider has drafted before round 3, and from the FCS level. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, Alabama; National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) and National team offensive lineman Caleb Rogers of Texas Tech (76) battle with National team defensive lineman Ty Robinson of Nebraska (94) during Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Seahawks selected Zabel in round one of the NFL draft April 24, 2025. By Vasha Hunt

NO. 2: WHY THE SEAHAWKS DRAFTED GREY ZABEL FIRST. IT INCLUDES: ‘DIVING INTO THESE BUSCH LIGHTS’

The NDSU Bison’s farm-raised toughness, loyalty, character, convinced John Schneider, Mike Macdonald to finally draft a guard 1st. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) and Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Kyan McDonald (38) in action during the Big 12 Conference championship game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

NO. 3: SEAHAWKS’ POSSIBLE TARGETS ON DAY 2 OF THE NFL DRAFT. AND WHY/HOW A TRADE COMES INTO PLAY

John Schneider hates waiting around in rounds. That’s why he’s made 38 trades involving picks in 15 previous drafts. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

South Carolina Gamecocks safety Nick Emmanwori (7) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman Oct. 19, 2024. The Seahawks drafted Emmanwori 35th overall in the second round of the NFL draft April 25, 2025. By Kevin Jairaj

NO. 4: SEAHAWKS DRAFT SOUTH CAROLINA S NICK EMMANWORI. BIG KYLE HAMILTON, KAM CHANCELLOR MEMS

A rare trade up for Seattle nets a safety with the size and profile similar to Mike Macdonald’s Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo (8) runs for a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first quarter of a game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Sept. 27, 2024. The Seahawks selected Arroyo in the second round of the NFL draft April 25, 2025. By Sam Navarro

NO. 5: SEAHAWKS KEEP ADDING TO PRESENT, FUTURE NEEDS, TAKE MIAMI TIGHT END ELIJAH ARROYO 2D ROUND

The Seahawks are thinning with Noah Fant’s ending contract and second-year man AJ Barner at tight end. So: Miami’s is coming. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) rolls out to throw against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter of their SEC showdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sept. 28, 2024. By John David Mercer

NO. 6: WHOA! SEAHAWKS DO IT, DRAFT A RARE QB: ALABAMA’S ‘SUPER-EXCITED’ JALEN MILROE IN ROUND 3

GM John Schneider picks the bulldozing runner, need-to-improve passer as his project QB behind Sam Darnold. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

General manager John Schneider (right) with a look of almost wonder as he begins to discuss the second day of the Seahawks’ NFL draft April 25, 2025, at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton. By Gregg Bell/The News Tribune

NO. 7: SCOUTS BEAMING. GM WITH A WONDER LOOK: DAY 2 NFL DRAFT ‘A COOL DAY IN SEAHAWKS HISTORY’

Why the building was buzzing after a rare trade up, two picks, then an even rarer selection of a unique quarterback by Seattle. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills (99) and linebacker Jack Kiser (24) celebrate a sack by Mills during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in South Bend. By MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

NO. 8: DRAFT DAY 3: SEAHAWKS TRADE SAM HOWELL, PICK VERSATILE D-LINEMAN, NOTRE DAME’S RYLIE MILLS

The defensive tackle who also played end for a 1 1/2 years was available in round five because of a torn ACL in December. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Alabama tight end Robbie Ouzts (TE18) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Feb. 27, 2025. By Tanner Pearson

NO. 9: NFL DRAFT DAY 3: SEAHAWKS ADDRESS MORE NEEDS: A WIDE RECEIVER + A HUGE FULLBACK ROUND 5

Tory Horton had 96 catches in his last full college season at Colorado State. Robbie Ouzts is a 274-pound(!) fullback. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Oct 5, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Kansas Jayhawks offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue (77) blocks against the Arizona State Sun Devils in a Big 12 Conference game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2024. By Mark J. Rebilas

NO. 10: SEAHAWKS KEEP ADDRESSING GUARD NEED IN 6TH ROUND OF NFL DRAFT: BRYCE CABELDUE FROM KANSAS

He was a college tackle. Needy Seattle’s already made it clear he’s a guard here. Another one, after 1st-round pick Grey Zabel. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez (6) stiff arms Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Cael Brezina (9) during the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 28, 2024. The Seahawks selected Martinez, who transferred from Oregon State, in the seventh round of the NFL draft April 26, 2025. By Jasen Vinlove

NO. 11: SEAHAWKS’ NFL DRAFT FINAL ROUND: A SELF-PROCLAIMED ‘BEAST MODE 2.0’ RB, WR, GUARD (AGAIN)

Kenneth Walker is entering the final year of his contract. Guard need gets attacked this weekend. And a driven wide receiver. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Nov 2, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) and offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) carry the Heartland trophy after their teams win over Wisconsin at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Nov. 2, 2024. The Seahawks selected Richman in the seventh round of the NFL draft April 26, 2025. By Jeffrey Becker

NO. 12: GREY ZABEL MAKES SEAHAWKS DRAFT CALL TO MASON RICHMAN. 7TH-RD PICK THOUGHT IT WAS A PRANK

The Seahawks put their first-round draft choice and new starting left guard to work immediately upon his first arrival at team HQ. | Published April 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

NO. 13: WHILE NOT QUITE ‘HISTORIC,’ WHY THIS DRAFT FEELS LIKE ONE OF THE SEAHAWKS’ BEST IN A WHILE

Coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider had the looks, words of very satisfied workers after picking 11 players. | Published April 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe runs through the Mercer defense in a game Nov. 16, 2024, at Bryant-Denny Stadiumin Tuscaloosa. The Seahawks selected Milroe in the third round of the NFL draft April 25, 2025. By Gary Cosby Jr.

NO. 14: BREAKING DOWN WHAT INSIDERS SAY IS ONE OF SEAHAWKS’ AND NFL’S BEST DRAFTS

Eleven players, tied for most in last 16 drafts. They fill needs, are intriguing. And they are getting almost universally praised. | Published April 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

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