Where The Seattle Seahawks Draft Class Ranks Among 32 NFL Teams, Per The Athletic
750 The Game Staff
The Seattle Seahawks came away with eight draft picks from the 2024 NFL Draft, the first under new head coach Mike Macdonald and with general manager John Schneider having final say following the departure of Pete Carroll.
The draft class is highlighted by defensive tackle Byron Murphy out of Texas, whom the Seahawks selected with the No. 16 overall pick of the first round. Seattle did not have a second round pick and had to wait until the 81st overall pick of the third round to bolster their offensive line with the selection of guard Christian Haynes from UConn.
The Seahawks traded down in the fourth round to allow the Denver Broncos to come up and take Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin with the No. 102 overall pick. Seattle picked up the first pick of the fifth round from Denver, where they took Auburn defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett at No. 136 overall, in addition to Denver’s fourth-round pick at No. 121 overall where Seattle took A.J. Barner, a tight end from Michigan. The Seahawks already had a natural fourth-round selection at No. 118 overall and selected UTEP linebacker Tyrice Knight.
Seattle made it a pair of Auburn defensive backs taken in the draft with DJ James, a former Oregon Duck, drafted in the sixth round at No. 192 overall, and earlier in the sixth round made another investment to the offensive line with Utah guard Sataoa Laumea at No. 179 overall, one of the picks received from Washington in the trade for quarterback Sam Howell.
Seattle’s third pick of the sixth round and final pick of the draft came at No. 207 overall with Michael Jerrell, a project offensive tackle from Division II Findlay in Ohio.
Dane Brugler, national NFL writer who covers the NFL Draft for The Athletic, offered his rankings of each of the 32 draft classes from the weekend, and put Seattle right in the middle of the league at No. 16. Brugler also supplied his favorite pick from Seattle’s draft, and the Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-7) who could surprise.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Texas
UConn
UTEP
Michigan
Auburn
Utah
FindlayFavorite pick: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
One of my favorite players in this draft class, Murphy is equally disruptive versus the run and when rushing the passer. He can line up across the defensive front and give the Seahawks something a little different than what they had on their line. I also loved Seattle’s Christian Haynes addition, especially outside the top 80.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: DJ James, CB, Auburn
The Seahawks doubled up on Auburn cornerbacks, and it will be interesting to see which one ultimately makes more of an impact. I won’t be surprised if James outplays Nehemiah Pritchett, despite being the later draft pick, because he has quick-reaction skills and the cover confidence required to play a nickel role.
For Brugler’s full draft rankings, click here.
