Quandre Diggs Sends Message to Seahawks After Being Cut - Tracker
In this story:
MARCH 5 DIGGS SENDS MESSAGE Per reports from NFL Network on Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks are cutting safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs in a major cap-clearing move.
Diggs, who has been with Seattle since arriving in a mid-season trade from the Detroit Lions in 2019, has become a fan favorite during his time in the Pacific Northwest. He sent a short message to fans on social media after the news broke.
"Forever grateful," Diggs tweeted.
JAN 10 NO MO' BOBO? Seattle wideout Jake Bobo had an impressive start to the season in 2023, and was carving out a spot for himself alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba and D.K. Metcalf in the Seahawks' offensive scheme.
Overall, his numbers look good. In the first 10 games of the season, the former UCLA Bruin caught 13 passes on 17 targets for 156 yards and two touchdowns. But in the seven games since, Bobo caught just six balls on eight targets for 40 yards.
Overall, Bobo caught 19 passes on 25 targets for 196 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games. He also rushed once for a three-yard touchdown.
The 25-year-old impressed in the beginning of the season, but that production disappeared in the second half of the season. But the Seahawks lack depth in the receiver room, and Bobo should have a good shot at making the roster again in 2024.
DEC 10 METCALF BODY SLAM Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf could have another fine coming his way after letting out some frustration late in Sunday's 28-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
After 49ers linebacker Fred Warner snagged an interception, Metcalf came to make the tackle. But instead of a traditional takedown, he picked up and body-slammed Warner to the ground, who had pitched the ball off to Dre Greenlaw after making the pick.
Metcalf's actions led to some predictable jawing between the two NFC West rivals, and ended with both Metcalf and 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir getting ejected.
Take a look:
NOV 30 SEAHAWKS VS EAGLES FLEXED The Seattle Seahawks are still set to host the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field in a critical Week 15 matchup, but that game will now be played the following day on Monday Night Football.
The NFL announced Thursday that the Eagles-Seahawks game will replace the Kansas City-New England game on Monday night.
It's the first time that the NFL has ever flexed a game on Monday Night Football.
ESPN's Adam Schefter provided more details on X:
"The first-ever Monday Night Football flex: the NFL is flexing Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce off of Monday Night Football in Week 15, replacing the Dec. 18 Chiefs at Patriots game with Eagles at Seahawks. Eagles now will have three consecutive standalone games from Weeks 14-16: Week 14: at Dallas on SNF Week 15: at Seattle on MNF Week 16: Giants on Christmas Day."
NOV 23 JASON PETERS INJURED Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Jason Peters is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the San Francisco 49ers due to stinger in his shoulder, the team announced.
Peters went to the medical tent at the end of the first half after appearing to be shaken up. The Seahawks trailed 24-3 at halftime.
Peters was recently signed to the active roster after signing with the practice squad earlier in the season.
NOV 19 WALKER OUT The Seattle Seahawks suffered a potentially big loss early on vs. the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
During his team's first drive of the game, running back Kenneth Walker came up limping following a run up the middle and immediately went to the injury tent.
And after further evaluation, the Seahawks announced Walker as out for the game with an oblique injury.
Walker had four rushes for 18 yards at the time of the injury. He will be replaced in the lineup by primary backup running back, Zach Charbonnet.
NOV 17 SEAHAWKS SIGN PETERS The Seattle Seahawks have officially signed veteran offensive tackle Jason Peters to the active roster ahead of Sunday's road game against the Los Angeles Rams, per Peters' agency.
Peters, who signed with Seattle's practice squad on Sept. 12, has already been called up the maximum of three times from the practice squad and will now help a Seahawks o-line that could be without starting offensive tackle Abraham Lucas on Sunday, who is listed as questionable with a knee injury.
Our Corbin K. Smith reported that Peters' move to the 53-man roster was on the horizon.
"Pete Carroll indicated Abraham Lucas got through the week fine, but won't be playing on Sunday. Expect a move from Jason Peters to be on the 53."
NOV 8 SEAHAWKS SIGN RAMS EX QB The Seattle Seahawks have signed former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Brett Rypien to the practice squad, Seattle announced Friday.
Rypien, who started for the Rams in last Sunday's meeting with the Green Bay Packers, was released by L.A. on Tuesday after the team signed former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz to backup Matthew Stafford. The Rams lost that game 20-3 as Rypien went 13 of 28 passing for 130 yards and one interception.
In his career, Rypien has played in 10 games and gone 98 of 168 passing for 950 yards, four touchdowns and nine picks.
The Seahawks lost their season opener to the Rams 30-13, but will face L.A. at SoFi Stadium for the second meeting of the season on Sunday, Nov. 19.
NOV 5 SEAHAWKS VS RAVENS INACTIVES The Seattle Seahawks have revealed their inactives list for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Here’s who’s out for Seattle:
- LB Devin Bush
- CB Kyu Blu Kelly
- OT McClendon Curtis
- OT Raiqwon O’Neal
- DE Myles Adams
- OG Anthony Bradford
Here’s who’s out for Baltimore:
- OT Morgan Moses
- S Marcus Williams
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
- OG Sala Aumavae-Laulu
- QB Josh Johnson
OCT 2 JAMAL ADAMS INJURED Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams exited Monday's meeting with the New York Giants at MetLife due to injury after taking a knee to the helmet while tackling quarterback Daniel Jones.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Adams is being evaluated for a concussion. The Seahawks announced that he will not return to the game.
ESPN's broadcast showed Adams walking back to the locker room in frustration. Per reports from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Adams was upset with Seattle's unaffiliated neuotrauma consultant.
"Jamal Adams was barking at the red hat (unaffiliated neuotrauma consultant) after being in the medical tent," Garafolo tweeted. "Was going at him the whole time that play was happening just now. Now being taken to the Seahawks’ locker room."
Adams, who was playing in his first game since Week 1 of last season, was making plays all over the field just nine snaps into his return. He nearly sacked Jones one play before making a hard hit against receiver Paris Campbell for a stop.
He finished with two solo tackles.
SEPT 21 BRYCE YOUNG DOUBTFUL Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to an ankle injury. The team said that he "isn't expected to play" against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sunday.
Veteran Andy Dalton would start for Carolina if Young is officially ruled out.
SEPT 10 ‘SPOON ‘UNLIKELY’ The Seahawks promoted Artie Burns to the roster this weekend in part because of rookie first-round cornerback Devon Witherspoon and his nagging hamstring problem … and now it seems the Seahawks will be without ‘Spoon in Week 1 vs. the Rams.
Witherspoon is being called “unlikely” to play (via NFL Network), with a hoped-for debut coming next week vs. Detroit.
AUG 26 BUSH INJURED VS. PACKERS Seattle Seahawks linebacker Devin Bush made a hard tackle in the third quarter of Saturday's preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers. His upper body collided violently with the opposing player on the tackle, and he laid on the ground for a few moments as a result.
Per Greg Bell of The News Tribune, Bush went into the blue medical tent after walking off to the sideline. It's unclear what injury he's dealing with as of now.
The Seahawks trail the Packers 12-7 at the start of the fourth quarter.
AUG 25 KUPP'S IN It appears that the Los Angeles Rams are set to have their top offensive weapon, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, back into the lineup for their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.
At least according to Kupp himself.
"I don't plan on playing on Saturday (against the Broncos)," he said. "If it was a game, yeah. Game 1, I'm playing."
Rams star wide receiver Kupp, who has been absent for the majority of training camp with a hamstring injury, returned to practice last week.
AUG. 21 SEATTLE'S HOME FIELD RECEIVES LOFTY RANKING In the wake of last Saturday night's preseason loss and torn ACLs suffered by two promising rookies, the Dallas Cowboys probably don't agree. But the rest of the NFL - and certainly the staff of The Athletic - is in consensus that Seattle's Lumen Field is one of the best stadiums in the league.
The site ranked all 30 stadiums and the Seahawks' home comes in at No. 5. Says The Athletic:
“One of the top attractions is that it’s one of the loudest stadiums in sports. The outdoor venue has been home to the Seahawks since it opened in 2002. It was second on our previous list. This time around, it was in the top five on 18 ballots.”
The Top 5: 1. U.S. Bank Stadium (Vikings), 2. SoFi Stadium (Rams, Chargers), 3. Lambeau Field (Packers), 4. AT&T Stadium (Cowboys), 5. Lumen Field (Seahawks).
AUG. 19 JIMMY GRAHAM ARRESTED A former member of the Seattle Seahawks is in trouble with the law.
According to TMZ Sports, former Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham has been arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting, delaying and obstructing a police officer.
Graham, 36, played for the Seahawks from 2015-17. He was out of football in 2022 but just signed with the New Orleans Saints, who drafted him in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
AUG. 14 DISGRUNTLED SEAHAWKS FAN GET EXPLANATION FOR TV GLITCHES When in doubt, blame the flux capacitor. Right? But this wasn't Back to the Future, but rather last week's Seahawks' preseason opener against the Vikings.
Viewers tuned into KING-5 NBC broadcast were treated to a “technical difficulties” graphic that intermittently popped up. On NFL Network, the game was switched to the Vikings' local broadcast. Some FOX affiliates even briefly switched to the FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal between Spain and The Netherlands.
The glitches were fixed after halftime, and now we know what to blame them on: The ol' Vyvx encoder.
According to the Seattle Times, the tech gizmo was re-booting every time the broadcast went to a break.
During the preseason, broadcasts are usually produced by local stations instead of the national teams at NBC, FOX or ESPN. It prompts some, um, interesting announcers and sometimes even frustrating tech gremlins.
AUG 12 ROSTER MOVES The Seahawks have signed wideout Ra'Shaun Henry and waived tackle Robert Cooper per the team's website. The addition of Henry adds some depth to the receiver position after two receivers left Thursday's preseason game with injuries.
Dee Eskridge injured his knee on the game's opening kickoff and did not return, while Cade Johnson left with a concussion that led to him being taken to Harborview Medical Center as a precaution, though he has since been released.
Cooper was waived to make room on the 90-man roster.
The 6-3, 190-pound Henry went undrafted last year and has spent time with Carolina, Atlanta and Cleveland. Henry played collegiate ball at Virginia where he amassed 603 yards on 34 catches with three touchdowns as a senior.
AUG 9 WILSON BABY BUMP Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara have announced a coming new addition to their family soon, as the Seahawks ex quarterback and the Grammy-winning performer announced on an Instagram video that they are expecting their third child.
Ciara showed off her baby bump on the video with the song “How We Roll” playing while Wilson filmed.
“You look at me like that again, we make another kid …You my heart I’m your rib,” Ciara wrote in the post.
Wilson, in response, stated “That’s just ‘How We Roll.’”
Wilson and Ciara have a 6-year-old daughter, Sienna Princess, and a 3-year-old son, Win.
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old quarterback is gearing up for his second season in Denver after having been traded by the Seahawks, with Mile High Huddle at SI offering up some positive reviews so far of the nine-time Pro Bowler's work in camp.
AUG 3 GENO CLEARED Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is in the clear after his January 2022 arrest on suspicion of DUI ... sensible, we suppose, given that reports had the Seattle QB's Smith’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at .038 - which is well below the legal limit of .08.
Smith had said he did not think arrest would be “any problem” and he was right, as the King County Prosecutor’s Office is now declining to file charges against Smith, who emerged as a team leader and a Pro Bowl after the trade of Russell Wilson to Denver. The Seahawks reward him for his comeback-player work with a three-year deal that can be worth up to $105 million.
JUNE 18 RUSS WORKOUT - Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson recently spoke on being "lean and mean'' for 2023, and the former Seattle Seahawks QB is now showing how he's doing it.
Wilson posted a workout video to his Twitter over the weekend, and Broncos fans - still reeling from the 2022 trade that has worked out in a lopsided way favoring Seattle - will surely look at this as bad news and good news.
The good news? Wilson is doing something to address his struggles in 2022, which produced an effort featuring him completing only 60.5% of his passes (career-low) with 16 touchdowns (career-low) to 11 interceptions.
The bad news, as the Broncos' high-priced QB is now obviously less "chubby'' than he was during the 2022 season? He uses a phrase "All My Life'' in his social media post, but ... Why didn't he become a workout grinder before?
APRIL 19 - 30 VISITS - With the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine now in the books, the Seahawks and all 32 NFL teams are in the midst of conducting their pre-draft top-30 visits. In this process, each team can bring in up to 30 players to their respective facilities for interviews and meetings with coaches as well as medical examinations and physicals.
While these on-site meetings are only part of the evaluation process leading up to the three-day event, they can play a critical role in determining where each player ends up on draft weekend. In the past, Seattle has drafted several prospects after they attended the VMAC for private workouts on top-30 visits, including linebacker Boye Mafe and receiver Dareke Young last year and Frank Clark back in 2015.
Keeping that in mind, here's a look at the players who reportedly have already met with the Seahawks or are scheduled to make top-30 visits before the draft:
Dawand Jones, T, Ohio State
2022 Stats: Zero sacks, four pressures allowed
Dawand Jones has played against some of the best pass rushers in the nation, including current Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis.
Per Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the Seahawks are one of seven teams to already schedule Jones for an on-site pre-draft visit. A multi-year starter for the Buckeyes, the massive 6-foot-8, 374-pound tackle garnered Second-Team All-Big Ten honors each of the past two seasons. While his athleticism may be limited, his rare 36 3/8-inch arms and mountain-like frame give him a major advantage working against speed and power rushers, as evidenced by giving up only four pressures on 349 pass blocking plays in 2022. After drafting Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas last season, this would be a curious player of interest for Seattle, but the team has always been enamored by talents with unique physical traits and Jones checks off that box.
Starring at SEC and ACC programs, Jammie Robinson racked up tackles and interceptions in bunches in an excellent college career.
Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
2022 Stats: 99 tackles, one interception, five passes defensed
According to a source, the Seahawks have lined up a visit with Robinson, who started his career at South Carolina before transferring with two years of eligibility left. On the smaller end for a box safety at 5-foot-11, 194 pounds, Robinson plays much bigger than his weight class and brings a feisty, aggressive style with him every time he takes the field. He can have some trouble corralling bigger running backs and wouldn't be classified as a thumper by any stretch, but he's a physical gamer with capable ball skills and positional versatility to play either safety spot or the slot. With Jamal Adams coming off another significant injury and Quandre Diggs now 30 years old, he may be a potential day two pick for Seattle to groom as an eventual starter down the line.
Offering extensive experience at three secondary positions in the Big Ten, Howden could be an enticing late day three development prospect for NFL teams.
Jordan Howden, DB, Minnesota
2022 Stats: 58 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups
According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, Howden has scheduled a top-30 visit with the Seahawks at the VMAC. Starting 49 out of 58 career games for the Golden Gophers, the California native proved to be a jack of all trades, playing more than 600 snaps in the slot along with seeing extensive action as a free and strong safety. An instinctive player with a high football IQ from playing numerous positions, he's capable of sniffing out routes and getting his hands on the football despite not having elite speed or acceleration out of his breaks. He also is a willing tackler, though he'll have to clean up his technique with fewer arm tackles at the next level. After running a quick 6.87 3-cone at his pro day, he may be a slot candidate at next level but also could be drafted as a developmental safety and core special teamer in Seattle.
A highly productive player for the Lobos, Reed is the latest safety to receive a pre-draft look from the Seahawks.
© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jerrick Reed II, S, New Mexico
2022 Stats: 94 tackles, one interception, 10 pass breakups
Continuing to look at safeties even after signing Julian Love in free agency, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Seattle has scheduled a top-30 visit with Reed. The former New Mexico standout enjoyed a stellar collegiate career, showing a nose for the football in coverage while registering seven interceptions and 14 pass breakups. While missed tackles were problematic at times, he also proved to be a playmaker against the run while seeing action in the box, at free safety, and in the slot, racking up 266 career tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. Though he wasn't invited to the NFL combine, he put on a show at his pro day workout running a 4.46 40-yard dash and posting a 38-inch vertical, which would have ranked in the top five for the position in Indianapolis. An athletic prospect with positional versatility, he could be a late round developmental candidate at safety or the slot.
A multi-year starter for Utah, Daniels earned First-Team All-Pac 12 honors as a senior while yielding no quarterback sacks.
© James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah
2022 Stats: Zero sacks, 10 pressures allowed
After enjoying an excellent senior season playing left tackle for the Utes, per Melo, the Seahawks will bring Daniels in for a top-30 meeting at the VMAC. An intriguing prospect with enough length to stay at tackle in the league or slide inside to guard, he offsets small 9 3/8-inch hands with aggressive, quick punches and quick feet to stay in front of rushers, as evidenced by allowing just five sacks on nearly 1,500 pass protection reps. He lacks the girth to dominate opponents in the run game and can get caught leaning as he prepares to fire his hands, but he's a plus athlete with great later quickness and mobility that caters well to zone blocking. After picking two tackles last draft, Seattle likely has interest in him as a guard with starter upside.
A three-year starter at tackle for the Tigers, Jordan McFadden could potentially move inside at the next level as a guard.
© Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
Jordan McFadden, OL, Clemson
2022 Stats: Four sacks, nine pressures allowed
Per Ryan Roberts of of IrishBreakdown.com, the Seahawks are one of at least three teams to schedule visits with McFadden, a former three-year starting tackle from Clemson. While a proficient run blocker capable of driving defenders off the ball who plays with quick hands as a pass protector, the South Carolina native likely translates to a guard at the next level due to his lack of height (6'2) and length (34-inch arms). His previous experience playing tackle should serve him quite well moving inside, though he will need to add some mass to his frame to succeed as a run blocker against NFL defensive tackles. With the Seahawks having only Phil Haynes and Damien Lewis on the roster with one year remaining on their contracts, McFadden could be a potential day three option to develop as an eventual starter.
The latest 330-plus pound guard to shine at LSU, Anthony Bradford could be an appealing fit for teams such as the Seahawks.
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
2022 Stats: Four sacks, 12 pressures allowed
According to Justin Melo of Draft Network, multiple teams have already visited with Bradford, including the Seahawks. A massive road grader in the middle, the 334-pound guard helped open up running lanes for the Tigers as a two-year starter, seeing substantial action at right guard and left tackle. Given his size and strength, he's at his best when he can fire out of his stance and take defenders for a ride in gap schemes. But while he tested better than expected at the combine, that athleticism doesn't always translate on the field, as he struggled at times sliding to stay in front of defenders in pass protection and wasn't efficient executing reach blocks. There may be some limitations for him scheme-wise, but the Seahawks already have one ex-LSU standout guard in Lewis on the roster for him to learn under in 2023.
After sitting out two seasons away from football out of high school, Young ascended to First-Team All-SEC performer at Tennessee in 2022.
© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
2022 Stats: 37 tackles, seven sacks, 12 tackles for loss
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Young has been touring the country with 11 top-30 visits, including recently meeting with the Seahawks. An explosive athlete who ran in the low 4.4s and posted a 38-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine, Young possesses a NASCAR-worthy accelerator flying off the edge and used that burst to amass 12.5 sacks in two seasons against SEC competition. Weighing 250 pounds, he can be overwhelmed at the point of attack as a run defender, but still made plenty of plays in that regard at Rocky Top due to his quickness and ability to split gaps. Some teams may be spooked by the fact he will be a 25-year old rookie, but with an enticing athletic tool box and room to grow as a pass rusher technique-wise, the Seahawks could plug-and-play him as a rotational rusher on day one.
After playing sparingly in his first two college seasons, Diaby broke out as a junior by nearly reaching double digit sacks for the Cardinals.
© Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville
2022 Stats: 37 tackles, nine sacks, 14 tackles for loss
After putting on a show running a 4.51 40-yard dash at 263 pounds at the NFL combine, according to Draft Network's Ryan Fowler, Diaby has been making rounds visiting several teams, including scheduling a top-30 meeting with the Seahawks. After being underrecruited out of high school and starring at the JUCO level, he found a home at Louisville, developing from a raw starter into an All-ACC performer in three years with the program. Due to his relative inexperience, he remains a work in progress with fundamentals, including an unrefined tool box in the counter moves department. However, he offers top-flight burst off the edge and knows how to find his way into the backfield for impact plays, which could make him a potential day two or early day three target for Seattle to groom behind Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, and Darrell Taylor.
A multi-year starter with immense positional flexibility, Adetomiwa Adebawore could be a great fit for a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme in the NFL.
© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
2022 Stats: 38 tackles, five sacks, nine tackles for loss
Per a source, the Seahawks will host Adebawore, a Senior Bowl and NFL combine standout, for a visit to the VMAC later this week. The 282-pound defensive lineman turned heads in Indianapolis when he ran a blazing 4.49-second 40-yard dash and posted a 37 1/2-inch broad jump. While a remarkable athlete, his traits didn't always translate to elite production, as he never eclipsed five sacks or double digit tackles for loss in any of his college seasons. However, he consistently dominated opponents with power in Mobile and has the size and fluidity to play multiple alignments along the defensive line. Playing alongside better talent at the next level, he could be a better NFL player than in college and might even be the Seahawks short list as a possibility at No. 20 overall due to his versatility and untapped upside.
One of the biggest talents in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jalen Carter's ugly offseason has put him in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
2022 Stats: 74 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles
Per Peter King of NBC Sports, after a tumultuous pre-draft process that included an arrest and poor pro day showing, the Seahawks will have Carter for a top-30 visit in "coming days" to wrap up their evaluation of the talented, yet troubled prospect. The complete package in the interior, Carter tortured opponents in the vaunted SEC with his blend of size and athleticism, earning First-Team All-American honors in 2022. Capable of splitting gaps as a penetrator while also possessing the power and quick hands to shed blocks and disengage as a one or two-gap defender, he can play anywhere along the defensive front alignment-wise and impose his will stuffing the run or collapsing the pocket to create opportunities for teammates. If he's able to make a quality impression in his visit while addressing what has transpired in recent months, he has rare tools for his position and could be a game changer for Seattle's maligned defensive line.
Becoming a full-time starter as a senior in 2022, Avery finished with a career-high in tackles in the middle of the Illini defense.
Calvin Avery, DT, Illinois
2022 Stats: 23 tackles, two tackles for loss
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Seahawks also brought Avery in for a visit on Tuesday, continuing to take a look at several defensive line prospects. At 6'2, 345 pounds, he has the prototypical build of a traditional nose tackle and helped Illinois finish first in the country in scoring defense plugging up the middle. While he's not a great interior pass rusher, he did generate a respectable 15 pressures on 202 passing snaps as a senior last season. Likely a late day three pick or undrafted free agent signee, he would be a solid depth addition for Seattle without a healthy nose tackle currently on the roster and would have a chance to contribute early.
A two-time national champion at Georgia, Ringo possesses many of the traits Seattle looks for at cornerback and would be making a homecoming of sorts.
Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
2022 Stats: 42 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups
Per independent reporter ML Football, the Seahawks will have Ringo back in town for a top-30 visit after the two sides had a formal visit at the NFL combine. Built like a safety at 6'2, 207 pounds, the Tacoma, Washington native excels in press coverage where he can use his size to his advantage playing physical football off the snap and loves to come up in support as a tackler against the run. While he has legitimate 4.3 speed, he still has been vulnerable at times giving up big plays downfield and battled persistent issues tracking the football for the Bulldogs. If he can clean that area of his game up and avoid some of the technical breakdowns that have dogged him at times, he has a chance to be a very solid starting corner in the league and the Seahawks' interest makes sense with his size and athletic traits.
© Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
Trenton Simpson, Linebacker, Clemson
2022 Stats: 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups
Per the player's Instagram, Simpson visited the Seahawks on Tuesday, as he posted a picture from his time visiting Lumen Field. One of the spark plugs for the Tigers defense over the past three seasons, Simpson did a little bit of everything for the ACC powerhouse. Seeing substantial snaps from his freshman year on, he stuffed the stat sheet with 137 tackles, nine sacks, and 16.5 tackles for loss in his final two college seasons. Playing the "money" linebacker role for Clemson, he looks more like a safety than a linebacker at 6'2, 235 pounds. Playing inside last season, he struggled at times diagnosing runs and exhibiting patience to snuff out ball carriers. But while he may be a bit undersized, his athleticism and playmaking ability could make him a fun addition to Seattle's linebacker corps to learn under Bobby Wagner.
A versatile, physical defender with experience playing cornerback as well as safety, "Quan" Martin starred for the country's best scoring defense in 2022.
© Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois
2022 Stats: 64 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups
According to a team source, Martin flew out to Seattle as one of several players on top-30 visits on Tuesday, joining Avery as the second known Illini standout to make the trip. A physical defender with plus ball skills, Martin found his way into the lineup right away and registered three interceptions as a true freshman. Seeing snaps at cornerback as well as safety throughout his five seasons in Champagne, he showed a penchant for helping as a tackler against the run and got his hands on the football frequently with seven picks and 15 pass breakups in his career. While his 4.4 testing speed doesn't always show up on the field and he's been dinged up time to time in college, he has enough size coupled with a diverse skill set to interest the Seahawks as either a safety or a cornerback with inside/outside flexibility.
After bouncing around with two other programs, Charlie Jones exploded in his lone season with the Boilermakers, finding the end zone 12 times.
© Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
2022 Stats: 110 receptions, 1,361 yards, 12 touchdowns
According to Tom Dienhart of On3.com, Jones visited the Seahawks on Tuesday and will continue his NFC West tour with the Cardinals on Wednesday. After starting his college career at Buffalo, Jones spent three seasons at Iowa before transferring again within the Big Ten to join Purdue, where he broke out in a major way in 2022. Erupting for over 100 catches and 1,300 yards with 12 scores, he proved to be one of the country's most reliable wideouts with soft hands and a propensity for moving the chains. Far from a YAC monster and not known as a vertical threat, there's nothing flashy about his game and questions about his ability to separate at the next level remain. Still, he ran much faster than expected in the 4.4s at the combine and his savvy route running from outside and the slot would make him a fun complementary target for Geno Smith in Seattle.
While his numbers were down across the board in his final college season, Robert Cooper found success in the heart of Florida State's defensive line.
© Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Cooper, DT, Florida State
2022 Stats: 19 tackles, one tackle for loss
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Cooper joined Avery as one of two nose tackles reported to visit the Seahawks in Seattle on Tuesday. Another massive body in the middle at 6'2, 335 pounds, Cooper endured an up-and-down college career for the Seminoles. In two separate seasons, he registered at least 39 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, showcasing the capabilities to be more than simply a space eater in the trenches. Per PFF, he also generated 26 quarterback pressures in 2021, flashing unexpectedly as a pass rusher. Unfortunately, he didn't come close to replicating that in a diminished role as a senior and saw his numbers nosedive across the board. Like Avery, he's likely a late round pick or undrafted free agent and would be competing in Seattle for a spot as an early down rotational nose tackle.
One of college football's most prolific pass rushers, Nick Herbig totaled 20 sacks in his final two years in Madison.
© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Herbig, EDGE, Wisconsin
2022 Stats: 47 tackles, 11 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss
According to a team source, Herbig continued his pre-draft tour visiting with the Seahawks on Wednesday. Despite being undersized at 240 pounds, the Hawaii native emerged as one of the nation's premier pass rushers at Wisconsin thanks to an explosive first step and sneaky-good hand usage to work off of blocks, producing 20 sacks in his final two seasons. An instinctive player who understands the game and how to attack opponents, his lean frame may make it difficult for him to be more than a rush specialist at outside linebacker, as he will have a tough time holding up as a run defender off the edge. But for a team like Seattle that values athleticism and field smarts, he may be in consideration for a move to off-ball linebacker as a day three prospect to develop.
A multi-year starter in the middle of Troy's line, Jake Andrews participated in the Senior Bowl to cap off a strong college career.
© Mickey Welsh / Advertiser
Jake Andrews, C, Troy
2022 Stats: Four sacks, 19 pressures allowed
According to a team source, Andrews traveled to Seattle to meet with the Seahawks on a top-30 visit on Wednesday. Lightly recruited coming out of high school, he began his college career as a reserve lineman and blocking tight end before eventually working his way into the starting lineup by the 2020 season. Seeing action at all three interior line spots, he found a home at center last season, earning First-Team All-Sun Belt honors and a Senior Bowl invite. Athletically, he lacks in the lateral agility department and has had issues mirroring pass rushers at time due to plodding feet. But he's a force knocking defenders off the ball and his strength gives him a chance to be a potential starter down the road in the right scheme. Whether that would be with the Seahawks or not remains to be seen.
A converted defensive lineman, Steen played three seasons at tackle for Vanderbilt before transferring to Alabama, earning All-SEC honors in his lone season in Tuscaloosa.
© Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Steen, OL, Alabama
2022 Stats: Two sacks, 20 pressures allowed
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Seahawks will welcome Steen, a Second-Team All-SEC selection, on a top-30 visit in the near future among with several other teams. Initially committing to Vanderbilt as a defensive lineman, he transitioned to the other side of the football after redshirting his freshman season and became a starter at right tackle in 2019. He started 34 games over the next three seasons at left tackle for Vanderbilt and Alabama, displaying above-average movement skills in pass protection and as a run blocker. Still a relative newbie to the offensive line, technical refinement will be necessary for him to start in the NFL. But given his agility testing scores at the combine and overall athletic profile, Seattle could slide him inside to guard as line coach Andy Dickerson did with several college tackles in Los Angeles.
© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Drake Thomas, LB, North Carolina State
2022 Stats: 101 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss
According to a team source, Thomas met with the Seahawks for a top-30 visit on Wednesday. A highly productive three-year starter for the Wolfpack, the 6'0, 238-pound linebacker made plays all over the field against ACC competition, eclipsing 100 tackles and nearly hitting double-digit sacks as a senior in 2022. A downhill defender who aggressively seeks out ball carriers and quarterbacks, he has a nose for the football and always seems to be in the mix to make a play. He didn't receive a combine invite, preventing him the opportunity to prove critics wrong in regard to questioned change of direction and overall athletic traits. A junkyard dog in every sense, he may be the most underrated linebacker in this class and a potential late day three steal for Seattle to develop.
A ball-hawking corner with rare physicality for the cornerback position, Devon Witherspoon may be well worth a top-10 investment by the Seahawks.
© Matt Krohn, USA TODAY
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
2022 Stats: 41 tackles, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups
As indicated on his Instagram account, Witherspoon flew out to Seattle on Friday for a top-30 visit, creating even further speculation about the team's interest in the All-American cornerback. Though he lacks prototypical size that the Seahawks have preferred at outside cornerback with sub-32 inch arms and a 180-pound frame, he plays physical, aggressive football in coverage and as a run defender, frequently blowing up ball carriers on run plays and screens. He also had plus route recognition and ball skills, which led to three picks and double digit pass breakups while yielding a dismal 35.5 percent completion rate against him. Even with Tariq Woolen starring on the right side, Seattle looks to be enamored by Witherspoon and he should be viewed as a legitimate candidate to pick as early as fifth overall.
While he never received All-SEC recognition, Zacch Pickens put up strong numbers as a three-year starter at South Carolina.
© Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Pickens, DT, South Carolina
2022 Stats: 42 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four tackles for loss
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Pickens is scheduled to fly out to Seattle for a last-minute top-30 visit later this week. Dominant in spurts, the former five-star recruit has the size (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) to physically overpower interior blockers and possesses intriguing athletic traits that made him one of the top recruits in the country. Those tools can be seen rushing the passer, albeit with a lack of consistency, as his quick hands and agile first step can lead to him quickly dismantling the pocket. Whoever drafts him will have to find a way to get his best more often, as his production was hit and miss in college, but the traits are present for him to be a capable every down NFL defender in a 3-4 scheme like the one the Seahawks run.
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
2022 Stats: 58 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss
Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Ojulari visited the Seahawks on Tuesday, capping off a busy late string of top-30 meetings. Possessing an explosive first step and quality size at 250 pounds, Ojulari looks the part of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but his performance has been hit and miss in college production-wise. He can tantalize with his speed and explosiveness off the edge to rocket around tackles to collapse the pocket and generate several quarterback hits in quick succession, only to disappear for long stretches afterward, including failing to register a sack in the final eight games last season. While a capable run defender, there have been clear lapses in effort at times in that regard as well. With his traits and athleticism, he looks like a viable option on day two for the Seahawks to further bolster their pass rush.
© Margaret Kispert/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
2022 Stats: 36 tackles, five sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss
According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, McDonald met with the Seahawks for a top-30 visit earlier in the spring along with 10 other teams. A lean 241 pounds, he plays bigger than his build suggests, using strong hands and excellent length to disengage from blockers. This helped him produce double digit sack seasons in 2020 and 2021. With that said, setting the edge can be problematic for him in the run game and he will be best suited in a 3-4 where he can line up out wide and let his athleticism work to his advantage. One of the bendiest rushers in this class, Seattle's scheme could be a great fit for him as early as consideration for pick No. 20 in the first round.
© Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
2022 Stats: 51 tackles, 10 sacks, 17 tackles for loss
On the last day where teams can bring in prospects for official visits, per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, Anderson will be making a visit with the Seahawks on Wednesday as a possible target with the fifth overall pick. A menace for all quarterbacks in the prestigious SEC, Anderson wasted little time emerging as one of the most disruptive players in all of college football and stands out as the crown jewel of this year's edge class. At 251 pounds, he lacks the size to play a prototypical 4-3 defensive end role and can be over-matched at the point of attack in the run game. Playing off the edge, however, his elite burst, footwork, and closing speed are unmatched in this year's draft class and in a 3-4 scheme similar to Seattle's, he should resume terrorizing signal-callers from the outset in the league.
