The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2025 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Seattle Seahawks, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Seattle Seahawks rookies?
- Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)
- Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
- Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
- Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
- Rylie Mills (DL, Notre Dame)
- Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
- Robbie Ouzts (TE, Alabama)
- Bryce Cabeldue (OT, Kansas)
- Damien Martinez (RB, Miami)
- Mason Richman (OT, Iowa)
- Ricky White III (WR, UNLV)
Seattle Seahawks Draft Class Grade:
The Seattle Seahawks received a B+ draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Seahawks Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Seattle needed to upgrade its offensive line, and the selection of Grey Zabel (first round) could help, but it’s a significant risk.
Zabel, who primarily played left and right tackle during his career at North Dakota State, will shift to guard in Seattle and should start immediately.
There is no question Zabel has the traits to succeed, but projecting development from the FCS to the NFL is challenging. There are plenty of success stories, but historically, teams are not good at identifying the best FCS prospects 一 the majority of successes are late-round picks, not first-rounders.
Just look at the most recent FCS first-round picks: Trevor Penning, Cole Strange, and Trey Lance. Three of the biggest busts of the last five years.
Not only are the Seahawks betting they have identified a player capable of making the leap, but they’re also asking him to switch positions, further increasing the chances it goes poorly.
Nick Emmanwori (second round) would have been a reasonable first-round choice for Seattle, making him a candidate to be one of the best Day 2 values from this class.
Prior to the draft, I compared Emmanwori’s traits to Kam Chancellor, so it’s easy to understand why he caught Seattle’s attention.
Julian Love played the strong safety role last year and is under contract for three more years, but Emmanwori could step into that role with Love moving to free safety.
Elijah Arroyo (second round) will likely serve as the backup tight end behind Noah Fant, before taking over the starting role in 2026 after Fant’s contract expires.
Arroyo was only a one-year starter at Miami, as most of his sophomore and junior years were wiped out by an ACL tear. So Seattle will try to develop him in a smaller role before making him a larger part of the offense.
When he does get an opportunity, Arroyo has a high ceiling as he thrived in Miami’s offense in 2024. Based on route adjusted data, Arroyo’s catch rate was 11% above expected last year, among the best rates in this year’s tight end class.
Arroyo will be joined on the depth chart by Robbie Ouzts (fifth round), though the two tight ends are not in competition.
The 274-pound Ouzts is strictly a blocker who caught just 16 passes in four years at Alabama. Outzs might serve as the Seahawks fullback in certain formations.
Jalen Milroe (third round) is a developmental quarterback prospect who is likely multiple years away from being ready to contribute in that role. And in a league that has zero patience for quarterback development, that’s usually not worthy of a third-round pick.
However, Milroe is unique because there’s potentially a spot for him in the league outside of quarterback.
Milroe has the speed and physicality as a runner to potentially carve out a role as a gadget weapon at running back and/or receiver, and Seattle will likely find snaps for him even while Sam Darnold is the starting quarterback.
As a result, Milroe would have been a reasonable third-round selection even if Seattle announced their intention to only use him in that gadget role 一 any potential upside he has as a quarterback is just a lottery ticket.
Rylie Mills (fifth round) will compete for a job on the interior defensive line, but the start of his season might be delayed by a season-ending injury suffered during Notre Dame’s playoff run.
Mills lacks elite traits, but has been an effective interior pass-rusher, generating a strong 9.6% pressure rate in 2024.
Tory Horton (fifth round) is a downfield weapon with great hands. His route adjusted catch rate was 13% above expected over the last two seasons, among the best rates in this draft class.
Although there might not be a path to an immediate role, Cooper Kupp and Jaxson Smith-Njigba are the only veteran receivers under contract beyond 2025.
Ricky White III (seventh round) will also compete for a spot on the depth chart at receiver. He was a force on special teams at UNLV, which will likely help him earn a roster spot.
Although White did not test well at the combine, his shifty athleticism has been proven on the field.
Based on route adjusted numbers, White produced 18% more yards after catch than expected over the last two seasons.
Bryce Cabeldue (sixth round) started 50 games at left and right tackle for Kansas, but is going to get some reps at guard for the Seahawks.
Mason Richman (seventh round) is in a similar situation, having made 52 starts at left tackle for Iowa but with traits better suited for guard. He and Cabeldue are likely in competition for a roster spot on a crowded depth chart.
Of course, Seattle couldn’t get through a draft without adding a running back, selecting Damien Martinez (seventh round). Seattle has drafted 11 running backs over the last 10 drafts.
Martinez is a physical runner who could serve as a backup on early downs but lacks the hands or the athleticism to be much of a threat as a pass-catcher.
Although the Zabel selection was a significant risk, give credit to the Seahawks for putting together a deep 11-man draft class. In what was perceived to be a weak talent pool, the best way to ensure finding a few contributors is with volume.
Seattle likely doesn’t have room on the roster for all 11 guys, but there’s enough upside in these prospects for some steals to emerge.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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