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As one era ends in Seattle, another begins. With new offensive and defensive schemes in place thanks to Ryan Grubb and Mike Macdonald respectively, the Seahawks are set up to be a threat in this league over the next few seasons.
But when will that threat be realized? Let's see if my 16th-ranked team will strike fear into the hearts of their opponents in 2024.
Photo: Jennifer Buchanan/The Seattle Times
Strengths
Filthy and Young Secondary
Great Trio of WRs
Two Headed RB Attack
While not quite up to the standard of the Legion of Boom, this secondary is still insanely talented. Devon Witherspoon was one of the best corners in the league in 2023 - regardless of his rookie status, Riq Woolen has freakish athleticism for his size, and Michael Jackson was more efficient in a reduced CB3 role. This safety grouping of Julian Love, Coby Bryant, and Rayshawn Jenkins keeps them versatile over the top and in the box as well. Add in Auburn alums DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett, this secondary group is deep and loaded with playmakers.
Similar to the DBs, this starting receiver group is as differing and effective as it comes. This new offense will cater to excelling out of 11 personnel, meaning Jaxon Smith-Njigba should actually see targets that aren't only screens and slants. His route running will be a difference maker this year, as well as Tyler Lockett's vertical skillset to stretch out defenses. DK Metcalf should have a big year as well, as he'll play the Rome Odunze role in Ryan Grubb's offense.
You couldn't have two backs who are more opposite in skillset as Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet are. KW3 has game breaking speed and can weave in and out of defenders without losing juice, and Charbs will run right through your face whether you're a backup DB or Aaron Donald. Grubb will have a field day setting them up in ideal scenarios to exploit defenses.
Weaknesses
Interior Offensive Line
Edge Defenders
Tight Ends
My biggest need for the Seahawks heading into this offseason was addressing the interior OL. I guess they kinda did that by signing Laken Tomlinson and drafting Christian Haynes and Sataoa Laumea, but they still have holes along the front. Anthony Bradford was the worst offensive linemen for the Seahawks with a 51.7 overall blocking grade, and Olu Oluwatimi played just 128 snaps in his rookie year, but was the second best pass blocker with a 75.5 grade. I'm not sure who will end up starting out of those five, but that group will have to be addressed heavily next offseason.
Boye Mafe has improved his play in each game, but the rest of the edge defenders on this roster all have red flags. Uchenna Nwosu is coming off a torn pec that took him out for more than half of last season (he did have a nice 14.22% pressure rate in 2022), Darrell Taylor has put up a sub 10% pressure rate the past two seasons, and Derick Hall had a rough rookie season, where he had the 2nd lowest overall defensive grade out of all rookie defensive linemen.
This TE group is nothing to write home about. Noah Fant has never reached his first round pedigree, Pharaoh Brown has been just fine as a backup tight end, but has eclipsed 200 yards just once in his career, and Brady Russell and Tyler Mabry have mainly been special teamers. I do think AJ Barner has tremendous upside, and may end up taking over as the starter by the end of the season, and Jack Westover is familiar with Grubb's offense from his days at Washington.
Key Additions
Byron Murphy II - Interior Defensive Lineman
Mike Macdonald - Head Coach
Ryan Grubb - Offensive Coordinator
Although he wasn't my top rated interior defender, he's a damn good one. Byron brings advanced technique and raw power to the defensive tackle position, something that Seattle has lacked since Brandon Mebane was on roster in 2015. He can stuff runs, harass quarterbacks, and be an absolute force on every snap.
Pete Carroll was a great defensive mind, but if Mike keeps his track record going, Macdonald may end up as one of the best defensive coaches ever. He can dial up pressure from any angle, disguise coverages from unexpecting looks, and can elevate average defensive makeups to all-time levels. Despite a lack of talent in the front seven, Mike is going to have this team in the top 10 for sacks, pressure rate, and turnovers based on where he sets them up for success.
I've talked at length about Grubb's influence and how that'll make this offense better. When he got to Washington in 2021, he joined longtime working partner Kalen DeBoer for their 11th season together - giving an entire facelift to the program in the process. A once middling Power 5 team became a powerhouse that made it all the way to the National Championship. Between DeBoer and Grubb's schematics that abused college defenses, he'll take what he's learned from Kalen over the past decade and make great use of it in the NFL.
Dark Horse
Boye Mafe - Edge Defender
Boye took his play up to another level from his rookie year. He increased his pressure rate from 5.35% to 13.09%, and had an impressive 13.31% pressure rate from Week 10 to Week 18. He also did pretty well against the run, as he recorded 29 stops + TFLs, which was fifth on the entire team. I can see him thriving in Mike's defense, and should put up a considerable sack and pressure total in 2024.
Photo: Jennifer Buchanan/The Seattle Times
Record
9-8
Outside of three of their first five games, this schedule is full of toss-ups and some unfavorable matchups. After Week 5, they have just one game against a non top-20 team - when they take on the Vikings in Week 16. I just don't see a path to many easy wins on their schedule, but they should split a fair share of their even contests. They do play more of their tough matchups at home, so they get an extra win or two that they wouldn't have gotten otherwise.
Final Notes
If the Seahawks can mold Howell into a solid QB, then they won't have to look very far for Geno's successor. I love Geno, but he'll be 35 when his contract expires and likely won't be re-signed. In the most likely chance that Howell doesn't pan out, they'll be in search for their future franchise QB when they'll be paying big contracts to DK Metcalf, Boye Mafe, KW3, and Riq Woolen. That goes without mentioning possible extensions to Devon Witherspoon and Charles Cross to keep their cornerstone first rounders in fold. Their Super Bowl window isn't here yet, but it will be after the 2025 season.
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