OTA thread 5 things to watch

[D-train]

The uncertainty around Kupp is likely the biggest variable. An offense can't function with one good WR. And we of course have the annual unexpected injuries with a Draft pick with WR Tory Horton.

By Bob Condotta
Seattle Times staff reporter
Tuesday marked a turning point in the Seahawks’ 2025 season — the first time the entire team worked together on the field running plays.

That’s allowed with the Seahawks beginning Organized Team Activities (or OTAs) this week.

For the past five weeks during their offseason program, the Seahawks were allowed to do conditioning and strength and training work and hold meetings as well as getting on the field some, with the offense and defense practicing separately.

For the next four weeks, the Seahawks can work on the field as one, going 11-on-11 and seven-on-seven during OTAs (teams can hold up to 10) as well as three more times during mandatory minicamp June 17-19.

While no live contact is permitted, the workouts help set the stage for the 2025 season and give head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff a base of information before taking a break and returning for training camp in late July.

Only three OTAs are scheduled to be open to the media — all coming next week. So any reports about what is happening will have to wait.

Advertising
Skip Ad

Skip Ad

Skip Ad

As OTAs begin, here are thoughts on five things that bear watching.

Related More Seahawks
Drones form the Seahawks logo during halftime of an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) OTK OTK
The NFL’s tush push was almost banned. Here’s why it had to live | Vorel
What early betting lines tell us about Seahawks’ 2025 season | Analysis
Ranking Seahawks schedule from ‘must see’ to ‘wait and see’ | Analysis
How Sam Darnold takes command of the offense
The Seahawks enter the offseason with a completely rewritten QB depth chart with Darnold signed to replace the traded Geno Smith and Drew Lock brought back and Jalen Milroe drafted to back him up.

Joel McHale on his favorite Seahawks of all-time 'GMFB'



The uncertainty over how well Darnold — and this group overall — can replace what Smith gave the Seahawks the last few years (which for all the understandable focus on some notable red-zone mistakes last season may have been better than is recalled) is why oddsmakers and national media outlets are hesitant to be optimistic about their chances in 2025.

Some observers are even wondering if Milroe can take a run at the starting job.

Given the team’s investment in Darnold that doesn’t seem like a best-case scenario for the 2025 Seahawks. And for anyone wanting to make comparisons to Russell Wilson and Matt Flynn in 2012 it may be worth remembering Flynn had only two career starts before coming to Seattle — Darnold has 73 and spent most of last season playing at an MVP level.

Advertising
Skip Ad

While it’ll be great for the Seahawks if Milroe plays well in OTAs and into camp, what they most need at QB is Darnold making the quick assimilation to the offense the team is counting on given his familiarity with new coordinator Klint Kubiak and a few others on the staff.

How the offensive line comes together
Two spots seem set in stone — Charles Cross at left tackle and Abe Lucas at right tackle.

Another better be for the team’s short- and long-term best interests — Grey Zabel at left guard.

Sign up for Fan Fix
Your dose of local sports news. Delivered Monday through Friday.

And Olu Oluwatimi would appear to have a sizable edge on Jalen Sundell at center.

Right guard appears up for grabs between Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Luamea and Christian Haynes.

Exactly who’s who at the guard and center spots should become clearer during OTAs.

Advertising
Skip Ad

Skip Ad

Skip Ad

More vital in the eyes of the coaches is the players on the offensive line adapting to the wide zone scheme of new offensive line coach John Benton and forming the on-field cohesion and chemistry that last year’s line (and those of too many of the past decade or so) lacked.

Assessing the rest of the rookies
OTAs are the first time the team’s 11-man draft class will work in 11-on-11 drills with the team’s veterans, which will give the coaches the best baseline assessment of how the rookies are progressing.

That will be most crucial for players who seem ticketed for major roles in 2025, notably Zabel, second-round picks safety Nick Emmanwori and tight end Elijah Arroyo.

Most Read Sports Stories
Cal Raleigh hits ’em out, Logan Evans mows ’em down as Mariners cruise
Mariners option rookie starter Logan Evans to Triple-A Tacoma
Sports on TV & radio: Local listings for Seattle games and events
George Kirby roughed up again; Nationals hand Mariners worst loss of year
A knee injury cost former Husky Troy Fautanu his rookie NFL season. Hitting reset wasn’t easy
We’ll see if fifth-round receiver Tory Horton, who sat out rookie minicamp while continuing to recover from a knee injury, gets on the field. If so, he’ll begin his quest to work his way into the receiver rotation and likely the return group. Horton appeared to take part in Tuesday’s workout on the field, judging by pictures released on the team’s web site.

We’ll also see if any other of the Day 3 picks are making a move into a substantial role for 2025.

One who has a great chance is fifth-round fullback Robbie Ouzts, who is battling with Brady Russell to fill a role the team didn’t have last year.

Sponsored
Skip Ad

Skip Ad

Skip Ad

Skip Ad

How Cooper Kupp integrates into the offense
Another reason for some of the national skepticism about the Seahawks are questions about the receiver corps in the wake of the trade of DK Metcalf and release of Tyler Lockett. The Seahawks are counting on Kupp to fill much of that void and team with Jaxon Smith-Njigba to give them a receiving duo capable of big production week in and week out.

Kupp has played just 33 games the past three years, and no more than 12 in any of those seasons, and turns 32 on June 15.

Those are the two major reasons for the hesitations many observers have in assuming the Seahawks will get the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year version of Kupp.

The Seahawks seem confident they are getting the Kupp of old instead of an old Kupp.

A healthy offseason and a lot of good work with Darnold getting acquainted with a new offense — something Kupp has never had to do at the NFL level having always played under Sean McVay with the Rams — might begin to help convince everyone else.

Defining roles in the secondary
The Seahawks appear set in the main roles in the secondary with Julian Love and Coby Bryant back as the safeties and Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen as the starting corners.

Advertising
Skip Ad
But some of the backup and specialty package roles appear unsettled.

Most interesting may be getting a sense of what kind of role Emmanwori will be able to carve out this year: Could he unseat Bryant as a starter, or as seems more likely, become the regular third safety and on the field often in nickel and dime situations?

And who emerges as the third corner?

That job heading into the offseason is in the hands of returnee Josh Jobe. But others could get into the mix, such as 2024 fifth-round pick Nehemiah Pritchett, for whom this looms as a big year.

The Seahawks brought in veterans Shaquill Griffin and Rasul Douglas for visits. Neither signed, and both remain free agents.

How they assesses their cornerback group behind Woolen and Witherspoon could compel the Seahawks to circle back with Griffin or Douglas if they feels they needs veteran depth and competition.

[Sibelius Hindemith]

I think they may regret not re-signing Artie Burns. PFF had him as the highest graded defender on the team last season, although in a very small sample size. But they really don't have much depth at CB right now.

[Sibelius Hindemith]

Here, i have put the article into a more readable format...

By Bob Condotta, Seattle Times staff reporter

Tuesday marked a turning point in the Seahawks’ 2025 season — the first time the entire team worked together on the field running plays.

That’s allowed with the Seahawks beginning Organized Team Activities (or OTAs) this week.

For the past five weeks during their offseason program, the Seahawks were allowed to do conditioning and strength and training work and hold meetings as well as getting on the field some, with the offense and defense practicing separately.

For the next four weeks, the Seahawks can work on the field as one, going 11-on-11 and seven-on-seven during OTAs (teams can hold up to 10) as well as three more times during mandatory minicamp June 17-19.

While no live contact is permitted, the workouts help set the stage for the 2025 season and give head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff a base of information before taking a break and returning for training camp in late July.

Only three OTAs are scheduled to be open to the media — all coming next week. So any reports about what is happening will have to wait.

As OTAs begin, here are thoughts on five things that bear watching.

1. How Sam Darnold takes command of the offense

The Seahawks enter the offseason with a completely rewritten QB depth chart with Darnold signed to replace the traded Geno Smith and Drew Lock brought back and Jalen Milroe drafted to back him up.

The uncertainty over how well Darnold — and this group overall — can replace what Smith gave the Seahawks the last few years (which for all the understandable focus on some notable red-zone mistakes last season may have been better than is recalled) is why oddsmakers and national media outlets are hesitant to be optimistic about their chances in 2025.

Some observers are even wondering if Milroe can take a run at the starting job.

Given the team’s investment in Darnold that doesn’t seem like a best-case scenario for the 2025 Seahawks. And for anyone wanting to make comparisons to Russell Wilson and Matt Flynn in 2012 it may be worth remembering Flynn had only two career starts before coming to Seattle — Darnold has 73 and spent most of last season playing at an MVP level.

While it’ll be great for the Seahawks if Milroe plays well in OTAs and into camp, what they most need at QB is Darnold making the quick assimilation to the offense the team is counting on given his familiarity with new coordinator Klint Kubiak and a few others on the staff.

2. How the offensive line comes together

Two spots seem set in stone — Charles Cross at left tackle and Abe Lucas at right tackle.

Another better be for the team’s short- and long-term best interests — Grey Zabel at left guard.

And Olu Oluwatimi would appear to have a sizable edge on Jalen Sundell at center.

Right guard appears up for grabs between Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Luamea and Christian Haynes.

Exactly who’s who at the guard and center spots should become clearer during OTAs.

More vital in the eyes of the coaches is the players on the offensive line adapting to the wide zone scheme of new offensive line coach John Benton and forming the on-field cohesion and chemistry that last year’s line (and those of too many of the past decade or so) lacked.

3. Assessing the rest of the rookies

OTAs are the first time the team’s 11-man draft class will work in 11-on-11 drills with the team’s veterans, which will give the coaches the best baseline assessment of how the rookies are progressing.

That will be most crucial for players who seem ticketed for major roles in 2025, notably Zabel, second-round picks safety Nick Emmanwori and tight end Elijah Arroyo.

We’ll see if fifth-round receiver Tory Horton, who sat out rookie minicamp while continuing to recover from a knee injury, gets on the field. If so, he’ll begin his quest to work his way into the receiver rotation and likely the return group. Horton appeared to take part in Tuesday’s workout on the field, judging by pictures released on the team’s web site.

We’ll also see if any other of the Day 3 picks are making a move into a substantial role for 2025.

One who has a great chance is fifth-round fullback Robbie Ouzts, who is battling with Brady Russell to fill a role the team didn’t have last year.

4. How Cooper Kupp integrates into the offense

Another reason for some of the national skepticism about the Seahawks are questions about the receiver corps in the wake of the trade of DK Metcalf and release of Tyler Lockett. The Seahawks are counting on Kupp to fill much of that void and team with Jaxon Smith-Njigba to give them a receiving duo capable of big production week in and week out.

Kupp has played just 33 games the past three years, and no more than 12 in any of those seasons, and turns 32 on June 15.

Those are the two major reasons for the hesitations many observers have in assuming the Seahawks will get the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year version of Kupp.

The Seahawks seem confident they are getting the Kupp of old instead of an old Kupp.

A healthy offseason and a lot of good work with Darnold getting acquainted with a new offense — something Kupp has never had to do at the NFL level having always played under Sean McVay with the Rams — might begin to help convince everyone else.

5. Defining roles in the secondary

The Seahawks appear set in the main roles in the secondary with Julian Love and Coby Bryant back as the safeties and Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen as the starting corners.

But some of the backup and specialty package roles appear unsettled.

Most interesting may be getting a sense of what kind of role Emmanwori will be able to carve out this year: Could he unseat Bryant as a starter, or as seems more likely, become the regular third safety and on the field often in nickel and dime situations?

And who emerges as the third corner?

That job heading into the offseason is in the hands of returnee Josh Jobe. But others could get into the mix, such as 2024 fifth-round pick Nehemiah Pritchett, for whom this looms as a big year.

The Seahawks brought in veterans Shaquill Griffin and Rasul Douglas for visits. Neither signed, and both remain free agents.

How they assesses their cornerback group behind Woolen and Witherspoon could compel the Seahawks to circle back with Griffin or Douglas if they feels they needs veteran depth and competition.

[D-train]

Here, i have put the article into a more readable format...

By Bob Condotta, Seattle Times staff reporter

Tuesday marked a turning point in the Seahawks’ 2025 season — the first time the entire team worked together on the field running plays.

That’s allowed with the Seahawks beginning Organized Team Activities (or OTAs) this week.

For the past five weeks during their offseason program, the Seahawks were allowed to do conditioning and strength and training work and hold meetings as well as getting on the field some, with the offense and defense practicing separately.

For the next four weeks, the Seahawks can work on the field as one, going 11-on-11 and seven-on-seven during OTAs (teams can hold up to 10) as well as three more times during mandatory minicamp June 17-19.

While no live contact is permitted, the workouts help set the stage for the 2025 season and give head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff a base of information before taking a break and returning for training camp in late July.

Only three OTAs are scheduled to be open to the media — all coming next week. So any reports about what is happening will have to wait.

As OTAs begin, here are thoughts on five things that bear watching.

1. How Sam Darnold takes command of the offense

The Seahawks enter the offseason with a completely rewritten QB depth chart with Darnold signed to replace the traded Geno Smith and Drew Lock brought back and Jalen Milroe drafted to back him up.

The uncertainty over how well Darnold — and this group overall — can replace what Smith gave the Seahawks the last few years (which for all the understandable focus on some notable red-zone mistakes last season may have been better than is recalled) is why oddsmakers and national media outlets are hesitant to be optimistic about their chances in 2025.

Some observers are even wondering if Milroe can take a run at the starting job.

Given the team’s investment in Darnold that doesn’t seem like a best-case scenario for the 2025 Seahawks. And for anyone wanting to make comparisons to Russell Wilson and Matt Flynn in 2012 it may be worth remembering Flynn had only two career starts before coming to Seattle — Darnold has 73 and spent most of last season playing at an MVP level.

While it’ll be great for the Seahawks if Milroe plays well in OTAs and into camp, what they most need at QB is Darnold making the quick assimilation to the offense the team is counting on given his familiarity with new coordinator Klint Kubiak and a few others on the staff.

2. How the offensive line comes together

Two spots seem set in stone — Charles Cross at left tackle and Abe Lucas at right tackle.

Another better be for the team’s short- and long-term best interests — Grey Zabel at left guard.

And Olu Oluwatimi would appear to have a sizable edge on Jalen Sundell at center.

Right guard appears up for grabs between Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Luamea and Christian Haynes.

Exactly who’s who at the guard and center spots should become clearer during OTAs.

More vital in the eyes of the coaches is the players on the offensive line adapting to the wide zone scheme of new offensive line coach John Benton and forming the on-field cohesion and chemistry that last year’s line (and those of too many of the past decade or so) lacked.

3. Assessing the rest of the rookies

OTAs are the first time the team’s 11-man draft class will work in 11-on-11 drills with the team’s veterans, which will give the coaches the best baseline assessment of how the rookies are progressing.

That will be most crucial for players who seem ticketed for major roles in 2025, notably Zabel, second-round picks safety Nick Emmanwori and tight end Elijah Arroyo.

We’ll see if fifth-round receiver Tory Horton, who sat out rookie minicamp while continuing to recover from a knee injury, gets on the field. If so, he’ll begin his quest to work his way into the receiver rotation and likely the return group. Horton appeared to take part in Tuesday’s workout on the field, judging by pictures released on the team’s web site.

We’ll also see if any other of the Day 3 picks are making a move into a substantial role for 2025.

One who has a great chance is fifth-round fullback Robbie Ouzts, who is battling with Brady Russell to fill a role the team didn’t have last year.

4. How Cooper Kupp integrates into the offense

Another reason for some of the national skepticism about the Seahawks are questions about the receiver corps in the wake of the trade of DK Metcalf and release of Tyler Lockett. The Seahawks are counting on Kupp to fill much of that void and team with Jaxon Smith-Njigba to give them a receiving duo capable of big production week in and week out.

Kupp has played just 33 games the past three years, and no more than 12 in any of those seasons, and turns 32 on June 15.

Those are the two major reasons for the hesitations many observers have in assuming the Seahawks will get the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year version of Kupp.

The Seahawks seem confident they are getting the Kupp of old instead of an old Kupp.

A healthy offseason and a lot of good work with Darnold getting acquainted with a new offense — something Kupp has never had to do at the NFL level having always played under Sean McVay with the Rams — might begin to help convince everyone else.

5. Defining roles in the secondary

The Seahawks appear set in the main roles in the secondary with Julian Love and Coby Bryant back as the safeties and Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen as the starting corners.

But some of the backup and specialty package roles appear unsettled.

Most interesting may be getting a sense of what kind of role Emmanwori will be able to carve out this year: Could he unseat Bryant as a starter, or as seems more likely, become the regular third safety and on the field often in nickel and dime situations?

And who emerges as the third corner?

That job heading into the offseason is in the hands of returnee Josh Jobe. But others could get into the mix, such as 2024 fifth-round pick Nehemiah Pritchett, for whom this looms as a big year.

The Seahawks brought in veterans Shaquill Griffin and Rasul Douglas for visits. Neither signed, and both remain free agents.

How they assesses their cornerback group behind Woolen and Witherspoon could compel the Seahawks to circle back with Griffin or Douglas if they feels they needs veteran depth and competition.

Now that I'm retired I don't have time to do that anymore. Lol

[57reasons]

I think they may regret not re-signing Artie Burns. PFF had him as the highest graded defender on the team last season, although in a very small sample size. But they really don't have much depth at CB right now.

Dont they have like $30M of cap space? All kinds of big moves they could make to upgrade the roster with a primo player from a non-contending cash-strapped team. At the very least they could sign a relatively cheap 3rd corner like Douglas, but waiting to do so gives players like Jobe and Pritchett opportunity to grow, no need to stifle that with a blocking vet just yet. Let's see what gifts emerge in a couple of days here with the June 1 cuts.

[Donn Beach]

Macdonald asked if Darnold might not be locked into being the starter, that's a clown question bro

"No, you guys are crazy," Macdonald said. "I respect that you've got to ask it, but it's just a crazy question. It's just not going to happen. Sam's our starting quarterback. We love him. He's doing a tremendous job."

https://youtu.be/_mrqt2t7-m4?si=Xyta6GPFdqRKPXXB

[Donn Beach]

Gregg Bell

Rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, the third-round pick from Alabama last month, was way off on his first throw of the red-zone scrimmaging. His pass sailed 3 yards over the head of open wide receiver Ricky White beyond the back line of the end zone. On the next play, cornerback JT Woods reached in front of Arroyo and broke up a pass into the middle of the end zone.

Milroe also missed behind receivers during 11-on-11 scrimmaging. Again, it’s a first impression. But this first day of open offseason practice was an indication of Milroe’s reputation entering the NFL: a potentially lethal runner at 6 feet 2 and 216 pounds, who rushed for 35 touchdowns and ran over linebackers his final two seasons at Alabama — and a project quarterback who needs to improve the fundamentals of his throwing.

[Michael K.]

Gregg Bell

Rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, the third-round pick from Alabama last month, was way off on his first throw of the red-zone scrimmaging. His pass sailed 3 yards over the head of open wide receiver Ricky White beyond the back line of the end zone. On the next play, cornerback JT Woods reached in front of Arroyo and broke up a pass into the middle of the end zone.

Milroe also missed behind receivers during 11-on-11 scrimmaging. Again, it’s a first impression. But this first day of open offseason practice was an indication of Milroe’s reputation entering the NFL: a potentially lethal runner at 6 feet 2 and 216 pounds, who rushed for 35 touchdowns and ran over linebackers his final two seasons at Alabama — and a project quarterback who needs to improve the fundamentals of his throwing.

I'm more concerned with Locke looking better than Darnold. Milroe is a rookie, Darnold showed up as the starter and apparently looked completely lost.

[Donn Beach]

Offensive line

Gregg Bell
@gbellseattle
·
Follow
#Seahawks starting O-line start of OTA 4: rookie 1st-rd puck Grey Zabel LG next to LT Charles Cross, C Olu Oluwatimi. RG Christian Haynes, RT Abe Lucas.

2nd OL: LT Mike Jerrell, LG Sataoa Laumea, C Jalen Sundell, RG Anthony Bradford, RT Josh Jones.

Sundell, Bradford alt’d w 1s

[D-train]

Gregg Bell

Rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, the third-round pick from Alabama last month, was way off on his first throw of the red-zone scrimmaging. His pass sailed 3 yards over the head of open wide receiver Ricky White beyond the back line of the end zone. On the next play, cornerback JT Woods reached in front of Arroyo and broke up a pass into the middle of the end zone.

Milroe also missed behind receivers during 11-on-11 scrimmaging. Again, it’s a first impression. But this first day of open offseason practice was an indication of Milroe’s reputation entering the NFL: a potentially lethal runner at 6 feet 2 and 216 pounds, who rushed for 35 touchdowns and ran over linebackers his final two seasons at Alabama — and a project quarterback who needs to improve the fundamentals of his throwing.

I'm more concerned with Locke looking better than Darnold. Milroe is a rookie, Darnold showed up as the starter and apparently looked completely lost.

Condotta characterized it as an up and down day. Had two picks but had TDs too. Where did you see lost?