The Seattle Seahawks had a straightforward approach during the 2024 NFL Draft, opting to keep their draft position and avoid any blockbuster trades. They ended up with two projected starting linemen and no major shake-ups. In his coverage of the draft, ESPN’s Brady Henderson shed light on the decision-making process that led to the Seahawks selecting Byron Murphy II with the 16th pick.
Before the draft, I suggested that this draft strategy might reflect a new direction in the partnership between Mike Macdonald and John Schneider. Here’s what this approach tells us:
1. Pursuit of Top Talent, Not a Rebuild Strategy
One of the paths the Seahawks could have taken during this draft was to accumulate more draft picks, indicating a rebuilding mindset. Instead, Schneider and Macdonald seemed focused on acquiring top-tier talent with their first-round pick. At the 16th spot, they had a shot at several players who, in other years, might have been taken much earlier. This included notable names like Byron Murphy II, Jared Verse, and Laiatu Latu.
By holding onto their pick and selecting a player with a genuine first-round grade, it shows they’re not in full rebuild mode. This could also suggest that they believe a few key additions, coupled with the new coaching staff, could make a significant difference in their performance next season.
An interesting aspect of Henderson’s report, also highlighted by Mookie in a follow-up article, was the fact that five teams inquired about trading up to Seattle’s 16th pick. Schneider mentioned that he seriously considered these offers but ultimately decided that the player available was too valuable to pass up. This aligns with the team’s current outlook; they’re not desperate for extra draft capital, suggesting a more stable foundation to build upon.
2. Investing in the Interior and Trusting the Edges
The Seahawks’ draft choices indicated a focus on strengthening the interior of their defense, while not emphasizing edge rushers. This reflects a philosophy that coach Macdonald has advocated since his arrival: building a strong presence in the middle and funneling opposing offenses toward the outside. By bypassing high-profile edge rushers like Jared Verse, the Seahawks are reinforcing their commitment to a stout interior defense.
Overall, the Seahawks’ draft strategy signals a belief that they’re closer to contention than rebuilding. By prioritizing top talent and reinforcing the interior, they seem to be laying a foundation for a strong defense and a competitive team in the coming season.
