THREE STAR PLAYERS : Top 3 standout moves by the Seahawks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Few NFL teams have undergone as much transformation and transition this offseason as the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Pete Carroll departed his role to take on responsibilities in the front office, while Shane Waldron, the team’s offensive coordinator in recent seasons, accepted a similar position with the Chicago Bears.

Seattle brought in Mike MacDonald as their new head coach and recently completed his inaugural draft at the helm. The Seahawks were active before and during the 2024 NFL Draft, with three notable moves that are expected to bolster their chances of returning to the postseason.

The Seahawks opted for Texas interior lineman Byron Murphy II with their first-round pick, a decision that raised eyebrows given their acquisition of Leonard Williams from the New York Giants in exchange for a second-round pick during the trade deadline. However, Murphy’s versatility allows him to play on the edge, while also providing a strong presence in the middle of the defensive line.

Murphy showcased his abilities during the 2023 season with the Texas Longhorns, emerging as a formidable force both against the run and as a pass rusher from the interior. His prowess was particularly evident in Texas’ College Football Playoff matchup against the Washington Huskies.

Murphy’s exceptional pass rush win rate of 19.6% among interior defensive linemen last season is precisely what the Seahawks were hoping for. Their middling rankings of 16th in pass rush win rate and 19th in run block win rate, according to ESPN.com, underscore the need for improvement in both areas, a gap Murphy is expected to fill admirably.

The Seahawks’ defensive struggles were evident last season, ranking 30th in EPA allowed per play and 31st in EPA allowed per rush. Addressing these deficiencies was paramount, and Murphy’s selection addresses both run defense and pass rush needs effectively.

Turning to the offensive line, while the Seahawks struck gold with Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas in the 2022 draft, the interior line still required attention. Laken Tomlinson’s acquisition and the drafting of Christian Haynes from UConn are aimed at fortifying this area. Haynes, rated among the top guards in the draft, brings both athleticism and proven performance to the table, potentially earning him a starting role alongside Tomlinson.

AJ Barner, though not a flashy pick, adds depth and versatility as a blocking tight end reminiscent of former Seahawk Colby Parkinson. Barner’s modest college stats belie his utility as a blocker and occasional receiving threat, offering a cost-effective solution to fill the gap left by Parkinson’s departure.

In essence, the Seahawks’ strategic moves in the draft address critical areas of need on both offense and defense, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.