Seattle opens Week 1 at home against San Francisco with injury questions clouding the buildup. Reek Woolen’s illness and two new Seahawks on the injury report (Bradford back, Dariq Young hamstring) loom large, while Tyrese Knight and Tory Horton look healthy enough to boost the depth chart. On the SF side, Christian McCaffrey’s calf and George Kittle’s volume shape a cautious game plan for Seattle’s defense. The Seahawks aim to control time of possession, lean on the run with Zack Charbonnet, and force efficient plays from Brock Purdy and Co.

Key fantasy implications center on Devin Witherspoon bolstering Seattle’s secondary, Cup as a critical external weapon around JSN, and the Seaside backfield rotations. If Seattle can avoid special-teams miscues and finish drives in the red zone, Week 1 could set a hopeful tone for a competitive NFC West race. Picks to click lean into Cup and Charbonnet while the defense pressures Purdy into contested throws.

Seattle’s preseason opener against Las Vegas ended 23-23, a result that mattered less than what it revealed. Offense ran with tempo and variety, even when the box score won’t. George Helani flashed as a versatile back who could handle lead blocking, zone runs, and third-down duties, hinting at a potential third-down role in a crowded room. The red-zone and early-down rhythm looked aligned with Clint Kubiak’s early vision, featuring multiple personnel looks and a smoother flow than typical vanilla preseason fare.

On defense, depth at nose tackle and edge rusher showed a clearer path forward. Quinton Bohana notched a decisive tackle-for-loss, while Brandon Peely chipped in; both helped ease the Jonathan Henricks return timeline. Undrafted defenders like Jared Ivy and Conro Tulle impressed with disruption, and Jamie Sheriff’s absence due to injury shaded the depth chart at linebacker and edge. In the secondary, Shaquille Griffin’s status plus the rise of Josh Job and Nehemiah Pritchett underscored a mix of proven vets and promising youngsters as Seattle contends with roster-bubble decisions ahead of week one.

Corbin Smith’s 53-man projection leaned into Seattle’s three-QB plan, added a fourth running back, and kept a trio of top receivers in Smith-Njigba, Co op Cup?—and Horton, with Helani’s two-way capability earning a spot on both offense and special teams. The result is a roster that looks sturdy up front, uncertain at cornerback depth beyond the top four, and ready to push for timely contributions from a handful of undrafted players who could slip through waivers and land on the practice squad. The next preseason test against Kansas City should sharpen these decisions and clarify where Seattle’s edge lies as the countdown to Week 1 continues.

OTAs begin next week for the Seattle Seahawks, giving rookies their first chance to join veterans on the field. As the final phase of the offseason approaches, the team is looking at its recent draft picks, assessing which players could contribute early in the upcoming season. The competition for roster spots appears intense, particularly among the offensive line and wide receiver positions, with several rookies expected to make their mark. Key players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon are in the spotlight as the team prepares for their first practice on May 27th.

Seattle's draft class includes 11 players, but not all will see significant playing time immediately. Some, like Mason Richmond and Riley Mills, face uphill battles due to depth at their positions and recent injuries. Meanwhile, players like Jake Bobo and Christian Haynes could surprise fans with early contributions. The Seahawks' revamped receiver corps and their strategy of utilizing versatile talents are anticipated to deliver different offensive looks this season, promising an exciting atmosphere as the team enters training camp.

Devin Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen are poised to return, providing the Seahawks with considerable cornerback talent. However, questions loom regarding their sustainability beyond 2025, especially with both players facing free agency. The Seahawks' strategy in the upcoming draft focuses on addressing potential needs in the cornerback position, alongside evaluating the quarterback situation. With the 18th overall pick, scouting reports suggest interest in first-round talents such as Will Johnson and Jada Baron, who both display the versatility and skill sets desirable for Seattle's defensive schemes.

The depth chart raises concerns as both Josh Jobe and Woolen may not be in Seattle's long-term plans. The Seahawks must balance immediate needs with future potential, particularly in a draft class rich in cornerback talent. With this in mind, names like Will Johnson and Jada Baron are highlighted as possible first-round selections that could fit Seattle's defensive philosophy.