This past weekend, the Seattle Seahawks wrapped up one of their most intriguing NFL Drafts in years.

Salk: Why QB Jalen Milroe could be biggest draft pick for Seahawks’ future

They addressed their most glaring need by drafting North Dakota State interior offensive lineman Grey Zabel in the first round. They made a bold move in the second round in trading up to grab ultra-versatile South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, who might be the best athlete in the entire draft. Later in the second round, they added a potential big-time receiving threat in Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo.

Then came their third-round pick, which may end up being the most fascinating of them all: Alabama dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe. It marked just the third time in general manager John Schneider’s 16-year tenure that Seattle has drafted a QB. And given Milroe’s tantalizing skill set as a runner, it’s a pick that surely will be followed closely across the league.

As a whole, the Seahawks’ 11-player draft class has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Here are excerpts from what seven well-known draft analysts and outlets said about the Seahawks’ draft class, including their grades and reasoning. For the full insider breakdowns, click the links attached to the names.

Kiper’s take: “I’m a big fan of how Schneider approached every day of the draft, but especially the first two. Grey Zabel will be an instant starter at guard. Nick Emmanwori is one of the best athletes in this class, and he should help solidify the defensive backfield. The Seahawks traded up to get him, but he’s a great fit and it was a value on my board. Elijah Arroyo is my third-ranked tight end – they got him at No. 50. Quarterback Jalen Milroe isn’t ready to start, but he has unbelievable traits and could help the running game in 2025. I thought he had a chance to go at the top of Round 2. Seattle did a stellar job addressing holes but also looking to the future.

“… All in all, Schneider had a tremendous weekend, improving his roster in several areas. This class gets high marks.”

Rang’s take: “Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one. That was the approach the Seahawks took in the first round, nabbing their perfect schematic fit in Grey Zabel, the most versatile blocker in this class and a plug-and-play option at left guard.

“This was the earliest the Seahawks have drafted an interior offensive lineman since Hall of Famer Steve Hutchinson, and I’m not sure GM John Schneider enjoyed using his first-round pick on an interior blocker. But once he forced down those vegetables in the first round, the rest of the draft was dessert, and the Seahawks feasted as well as any team in the league.

“… The Seahawks needed a splashy draft and got one. In terms of both quantity and quality, their 2025 class was as good as any in the league.”

Dvorchak’s take: “Offensive line was always going to be the pick at 18 and they got a player who can play left guard or either tackle spot depending on what the team views a its biggest hole in the trenches.

“Seattle then moved up in the second round to get the most athletic safety ever in Nick Emmanwori.

“… Nabbing a falling Jalen Milroe was also a sharp decision by the Seattle front office. He’s raw as a thrower but has Lamar Jackson levels of rushing potential. Darnold only has true guarantees in his contract for 2025.

“I love what Seattle did at wide receiver, taking two analytics darlings on Day Three to compete for an outside role with Marquez Valdes-Scantling. I wrote way too much about both in my wide receiver rankings.”

Trapasso’s take: “General manager John Schneider is quietly one of the best in the business when it comes to the draft. Zabel may take time to pop. Once he adds more weight, he can be an All-Pro center. I adored the aggressive move to get Emmanwori, whom I bet Mike Macdonald sees as Kyle Hamilton 2.0. Arroyo is a smooth seam-stretcher, and Milroe in Round 3 was a steal. Love him as a run-package type weapon early while serving as insurance behind Sam Darnold.

“… This was a sneaky-good draft for the Seahawks in this new chapter of the organization.”

The Seahawks were one of 10 teams that received either an “A” or “A-plus” from PFF.

Reuter’s take: “Zabel’s versatility met a significant need for the Seahawks. Emmanwori fits into the Seahawks defense as a nickel or safety equally well, but the team gave up a Day 2 pick to jump up for the defender. Arroyo was part of a second-round run at tight end despite his injuries, while the lack of interest in quarterbacks in this draft meant the Seahawks found a potential bargain in the athletic and intelligent Milroe.

“… The phones of undrafted cornerbacks should be blowing up with calls from the 206 area code.”

McDonald’s take: “The Seahawks chased athleticism in this draft in a big way. Grey Zabel, Nick Emmanwori, Jalen Milroe, Elijah Arroyo and Tory Horton are some of the most athletic players from this draft. Zabel will help the Seahawks patch up their offensive line immediately in a big way and Emmanwori is at least a developmental athlete for head coach Mike Macdonald to try and turn into a better player than he is right now. For a team that’s resetting and looking for upside, this draft made a bit more sense than some of their free-agent signings.”

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