Sam Darnold’s Seattle journey is a study in perseverance, growth, and a data-driven rise in confidence. From San Clemente to USC, through Carolina and San Francisco, his mindset has always been to stay grateful and go all out. The Seahawks’ offense under Clint/Kubak and the floor-and-tloor timing system lets him play on time, with a sharper read on coverages, and less need for extended reps. The run game identity—powered by Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet—opens play-action and lights up the offense when it clicks. JSN and Cooper Cup add veteran playmaking and route savvy, while the improved line and scheme flexibility give Darnold room to process and deliver. Off the field, his family anchors his focus, shaping him into a steady leader who treats every day as a chance to get better, and that mindset shows up in practice anddduring moments of pressure. The result is a Seattle offense that plans to stack weeks, lean on its run game, and ride a seasoned quarterback who’s learned to trust timing, spacing, and teammates in a faster, more connected system.

On the draft night and the Carolina/SF chapters, the story evolved into a blueprint for resilience. The Seattle chapter has him embracing a run-first identity, with a passing attack that leverages precise timing and elite ball location. The roster features a mix of young playmakers like JSN and established weapons in Cup, with a backfield tandem ready to threaten defenses both between the tackles and on the edges. The coaching staff’s openness to questions and roots in West Coast principles, blended with modern scheme concepts, create a platform where Darnold’s growth feels earned, not given. Expect him to target consistent on-time throws, leverage play-action, and push for progress weekly as Seattle refines its identity and builds depth behind a championship-level defense.

Seattle’s roster decisions loom large ahead of the second preseason game with Kansas City, as the Seahawks sort through depth pieces on both sides of the ball. A notable defensive rotation features undrafted linemen such as Jared Ivy along with J.R. Singleton, Anthony Campbell and Jamie Sheriff chasing a spot on the 53. In the secondary, Kobe Bryant and Julian Love anchor safety duties while Nehemiah Pritchette and Josh Job push for nickel or corner snaps. Offensively, Jakardia Wright and Tory Horton headline the bubble receivers alongside Ricky White III, with Marquez Valdes‑Scantling on the edge of the roster and Milroe’s command of the offense earning extra look. Mason Richmond is a center/guard target in Seattle’s up‑front evaluation as Christian Haynes fights to stick as a guard, and the coaching staff’s emphasis on better center/right‑guard play under John Benton remains clear. The week also includes a wide‑reaching look at practice squad potential and hints at how the Seahawks plan to leverage depth this season, including multiple players who could contribute on special teams and later in the year.

Seattle’s entry into Week 2 of the preseason showcased a clearer path to Week 1 starters and a sharper offensive identity. Bradford seized the right guard role as Ola Timmy’s health status loomed over guard and center questions, with Jaylen Sundell moving to center by default. The ground game looked more controlled and third- and fourth-down execution improved significantly in the Raiders game window, suggesting a more intentional, NFL-ready approach from the coaching staff. Tory Horton leapt to WR3 with eye-catching plays, while several rookies—Jakardia Wright and Gray Zabel among them—turned heads with their burst and balance. On defense, Shaquille Griffin’s return offered veteran steadiness, and young pieces like Jamie Sheriff and Josh Ross began staking claims for depth roles. Bubble-watch battles at RB, WR, DT, and LB promise to shape Seattle’s 53-man roster as cuts approach, with four still very much in play and room for meaningful fantasy relevance.

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.