With the conclusion of the 2024 NFL draft, I present to you, the official NFL draft recap, as seen by a less than casual Seahawks fan. I’m about as qualified to write this article as the Falcon’s GM is at first-round picks. Let’s dive into the Seattle Seahawks 2024 draft decisions.
This draft sees new coach, Mike Macdonald, taking the reins from Pete Carroll after 13 years on the team. Coming from the Ravens, Macdonald is a defensively-minded coach and got right to work strengthening the Seahawks’ offensive and defensive lines.
Round 1: Byron Murphy II (DT). Murphy is from Texas and was the second defensive player selected this year at No. 16 overall. Murphy aligns with the vision Macdonald has promised: bolstering the trenches–at least, that’s what experts are saying. Personally, I looked up some photos, and he looks like a good choice. I definitely would not want him being paid to tackle me.
Round 2: We traded away our pick. Tough. Apparently, you can do that, like a game of Catan. The trade took place in October of 2023, with the Seahawks trading their second-round 2024 and fifth-round 2025 picks in exchange for defensive end Leonard Williams and some sheep.
Round 3: Christian Haynes (OG). Coming from UConn, the 6’3 317 lb pick fits perfectly with Macdonald’s hopes of strengthening the offensive line. Let’s hope they keep Geno safe.
Round 4: Tyrice Knight (LB) and AJ Barner (TE). The former is a linebacker, set up to fill the gaping hole left by the departure of Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks to free agency. The latter is a tight end who will be helpful with run blocking.
Round 5: Nehemiah Pritchett (CB). From Auburn, Pritchett’s appeal is his speed. He ran a 4.36 at the Combine and was the fastest player left on the board when he was drafted. Speed demon, am I right? He will join the existing Seahawks cornerbacks, who are also known for their speed. It’s like we’ve got a whole track team over in the corner.
Round 6: Sataoa Laumea (OG), D.J. James (CB), and Michael Jerrell (OL). Laumea is coming from quite a decorated career playing for the Utah Utes. An offensive lineman, his skill set is a Venn diagram of a tackle and a guard. James, like Pritchett, is a cornerback from Auburn. The two former Tigers aren’t filling a weak spot on the team, but strengthening what is already a forte. Michael Jerrell was the Seahawks’ final pick. A Division II player at the University of Findlay (where???), the offensive lineman stood out with his speed and athleticism at Ohio State’s Pro Day. Since then, Seahawks coaches have also suggested that Jerrell, a tackle while at Findlay, be tried as a guard.
Round 7: We also traded this one. Womp womp.
The task at hand was to beef up the Hawks’ offensive and defensive lines. In my qualified impression, they get an A-. No excessively flashy picks, but they seem to have accomplished what fans wanted. The choices are very in line with Seahawk’s usual style, despite the fresh change of leadership. Meeting expectations for sure.
