The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp’s 2024 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 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 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?
- Byron Murphy II — DL — Round 1
- Christian Haynes — OG — Round 3
- Tyrice Knight — LB — Round 4
- AJ Barner — TE — Round 4
- Nehemiah Pritchett — CB — Round 5
- Sataoa Laumea — OG — Round 6
- D.J. James — CB — Round 6
- Michael Jerrell — OT — Round 6
Seattle Seahawks Draft Class Grade:
The Seattle Seahawks received a C+ draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Seahawks Rookies Will Make An Impact?
A case could be made Seattle landed the best defensive prospect in the draft in Byron Murphy (first round). Murphy terrorized the Big 12 as a 20-year-old last season. He generated a 12.7% pressure rate when lined up on the interior, ranked second among Power Five linemen. Those numbers came despite routinely lining up as a nose tackle, which likely suppressed his pass-rush production. With Jarran Reed entrenched at nose tackle in Seattle, Murphy could potentially elevate his production further in the pros.
Murphy will have some competition for a starting job as a rookie, however, with Dre’Mont Jones and Leonard Williams returning from a season ago. Jones is under contract through 2025 and Williams 2026, though the presence of Murphy means they’ll have to earn their keep to justify large cap hits.
Christian Haynes (third round) is the favorite to win a starting job over 2023 fourth-round pick Anthony Bradford, who started 10 games at right guard during his rookie year. Haynes started 49 games and is likely ready to make a relatively smooth transition to the league. In four games against Power Five opponents last year, he did not have a single blown block in traditional pass protection reps (three or more step dropbacks).
Tyrice Knight (fourth round) could compete for snaps as a rookie as there isn’t a ton of proven talent on the roster at linebacker. To make an impact, Knight must clean up the missed tackles. His 11.5% missed/broken tackle rate as a sixth-year senior in 2023 was concerning.
A.J. Barner (fourth round) is a blocking tight end with limited upside as a pass catcher due to his mediocre athletic traits. The selection of Barner was surprising as he doesn’t appear to have the traits to be developed into a starter, and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is unlikely to utilize many two tight-end sets.
Nehemiah Pritchett (fifth round) joins a crowded secondary but has the potential to be a Day 3 steal if he bounces back from a down year in 2023 which was affected by an ankle injury. Based on route-adjusted data, Pritchett allowed a catch rate just 0.5% below expected in 2023, but that number was a strong 20.7% below expected the previous year when at full strength.
Joining Pritchett is his college teammate D.J. James (sixth round). James falls short of Pritchett in terms of physical and athletic traits but was the more productive player in college. Over the last two years, he allowed a catch rate 33% below expected with a ball-hawk rate 47% above expected. James probably fits best in coverage in the slot, while Pritchett has a chance to play on the outside.
Sataoa Laumea (sixth round) adds some valuable depth to the offensive line. He made double-digit starts at guard and tackle during his career at Utah, making him an ideal reserve, even if the upside is limited by ordinary athletic traits.
Michael Jerrell (sixth round) is an offensive tackle project out of D-II Findlay. He posted impressive numbers at his Combine, but he likely needs time on the practice squad to adjust to the NFL.
Seattle parted with its second-round pick in the Leonard Williams trade, so they essentially spent their first and second-round picks on interior linemen while already having Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed on the roster. Not the best team-building strategy, but obviously they didn’t know Murphy would be available when they made the Williams trade.
There’s a good chance Haynes is the only immediate starter from this class, though Murphy will certainly see his fair share of action in the defensive line rotation. Seattle also put together a decent Day 3 class, especially with Pritchett and Jones as cornerbacks who have the potential to grow into larger roles down the road.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
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