The Seattle Seahawks have one of the most-promising rosters around the NFL. Nearly half of the team’s players this season were either in their first or second year in the league and that youth movement should accelerate under the next head coach, whoever that may be. Thanks to two strong draft classes in a row, the kids look particularly alright – and should only continue to get better going forward.
Let’s take a look at seven different players who may see bigger roles in 2024.
1
WR Jake Bobo
The best undrafted free agent on the team, wide receiver Jake Bobo showed a flair for clutch plays. Despite only getting 26 touches all year, Bobo managed to score three touchdowns. His high catch rate (76%) and success rate (60%) as a receiver should get him more playing time next year.
2
C Olu Oluwatimi
If the Seahawks do nothing else with their roster this offseason, they have to upgrade their offensive line. Step one should be replacing Evan Brown at center with Olu Oluwatimi. As a rookie Oluwatimi showed a lot of potential as a pass blocker, earning a 75.5 grade from PFF in that department.
3
S Jerrick Reed II
A sixth-round pick by Seattle in 2023, Reed didn’t draw a whole lot of attention as a rookie. However, those who were paying attention liked what they saw. Reed only played 10 games before his season was cut short, but in that time he made 11 special teams tackles, enough to make PFWA’s All-Rookie team on special teams. With Jamal Adams likely on his way out, Reed may be promoted into a starting role on defense in 2024.
4
RB Kenny McIntosh
Kenny Mcintosh’s first year in the NFL basically ended before it got started. McIntosh suffered a leg injury in the team’s annual scrimmage game to end training camp, and he spent most of the season on injured reserve. In the end, he only played 13 snaps on special teams. If the Seahawks let DeeJay Dallas leave in free agency, McIntosh might move up into the RB3 role behind Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet.
5
DE Mike Morris
Mike Morris’ rookie year went much the same way as McIntosh’s. He only played in one game before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury and being placed on injured reserve. If Seattle lets Mario Edwards Jr. leave, Morris could be moving up in the interior defensive line rotation.
6
OLB Derick Hall
Derick Hall managed to appear in all 17 games for the Seahawks, but his production was a bit underwhelming. As a pass rusher he only managed five pressures and zero sacks and he had issues against the run. However, it’s not unusual for any rookie to struggle and with a little bit of development Hall may see a larger role, especially if Darrell Taylor is allowed to walk.
7
OLB Levi Bell
Arguably the team’s top performer during their three preseason games, outside linebacker Levi Bell spent most of the 2023 season on Seattle’s practice squad. Bell showed tremendous potential in August but did not get to play in the regular season. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of him on the field in a game that matters next season.
