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Seahawks defense ranked among biggest 'winners' from UDFA signing period

Pro Football Network loved Seattle Seahawks' undrafted free agent signings
Oct 26, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Jared Ivey (15) reacts during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Jared Ivey (15) reacts during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

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The Seattle Seahawks effectively added talent while addressing needs with their 2025 NFL draft class, and they didn't stop there. After the draft, the team signed a few highly coveted undrafted free agents.

The Seahawks added two prospects that NFL scouts felt would be drafted in the middle rounds. Pro Football Network applauded the team for landing Louisiana State cornerback Zy Alexander and listed Seattle's defense among the biggest winners of the undrafted free agent signing period.

"The top-ranked UDFA on PFSN’s pre-draft rankings was LSU cornerback Zy Alexander," wrote PFN's Sterling Xie. "The No. 104 overall player, Alexander was ranked as an early fourth-round pick and should have a strong chance to make the 53-man roster after signing with the Seattle Seahawks."

Xie also really liked the team's addition of Ole Miss edge rusher Jared Ivey, noting the former Rebels' elite size and production. Ivey was another player that PFN had rated as a top-200 prospect.

"Seattle also signed PFSN’s top-ranked edge defender in Ole Miss’ Jared Ivey (No. 178 overall). A 6-foot-6, 274-pound edge, Ivey looks the part of an NFL big end," wrote Xie. "He was highly productive during his final two collegiate seasons, piling up 12.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss."

Seahawks
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi defensive lineman Jared Ivey (DL51) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This should be good news for a Seahawks defense that was already in good shape following NFL free agency. The team brought in DeMarcus Lawrence and re-signed versatile linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Pro Football Network believes Ivey will make the team and carve out a role on defense this season.

"The Seahawks have a deep corps of edge rushers," explained Xie. "However, Boye Mafe is entering the final year of his rookie deal, while 34-year-old DeMarcus Lawrence has missed double-digit games in two of the last four seasons. Ivey should have an opportunity to earn a role on defense."

Seattle fielded a borderline top-10 defense in Year 1 under head coach Mike Macdonald. The defense has the potential to be a top-five unit in 2025 if all goes according to plan.

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Matt Urben
MATT URBEN

Matt Urben is a sportswriter for multiple outlets, including MLive.com and USA TODAY Sports Media Group. He has covered numerous NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs. Matt grew up in Michigan, where he currently resides with his fiancé and dog. He is a graduate of MPI Film School and the University of Michigan.