Seattle wrapped its 17th and final training-camp practice with a whiff of chaos and flashes of brightness at the VMAC. A family-day crowd watched a tentative afternoon give way to a more typical NFL-summer script: big plays mixed with penalties, mental miscues, and a coaching nudge to reset the pace. Tory Horton stood out with two highlight reels, AJ Barner kept climbing the receiving ladder, and undrafted Jared Ivy flashed enough explosiveness to keep roster chatter buzzing ahead of Friday’s Chiefs game. The Seahawks stressed identity on offense—Sam Darnold lining up for a series, with Cooper Cup and Jackson Smith-Njigba earmarked for meaningful action, while Ken Walker III paused to wrap his return. On defense, late-game life came from Nehemiah Pritchette, Dariq Young, Jerick Reed II and Isis Waxter, who all clanged interceptions and offered a reminder that turnover appetite remains a Seattle talking point.

Franchise-dictated questions linger: how much will the starters play in Week 2, and can Seattle sustain a balanced attack with Darnold running the show and a revamped receiving corps featuring Cup and Jigba? Ken Walker’s status is a headline unto itself as the run game looks to establish rhythm behind a pro-ready line. The Chiefs loom at Lumen Field, where the depth chart will be tested against a stacked, veteran-friendly opponent. Jared Ivy’s stock rose again in V-Mac chats, signaling the kind of audition most teams crave heading into the final preseason tilt.

Overall, the mood balanced caution with optimism. Seattle’s edges were highlighted by Horton’s sticky hands, Barner’s continued maturation, and a defense that still shows last-season bite, even amid a few sloppy moments. Friday will not be about perfection but about sustaining momentum, refining protections, and proving a concrete run-pass identity before the regular season kicks off in September.

The New York Giants' edge rushing group is generating buzz ahead of training camp, particularly with the recent upgrade in talent. The focus is on whether this improved roster can deliver double-digit sack totals, a feat not achieved frequently in recent years. Kayvon Thibodeaux's 11.5 sacks in 2023 is highlighted, along with Leonard Williams' similar performance in 2020, marking a concerning trend for the franchise. Fans anticipate that with the new talent, at least one player could break into the top ten league-wide in sacks.

Statistical analysis suggests that while sacks are a key metric, the emphasis should also be on overall quarterback disruption. The Giants' defensive schemes have shifted in aggression under recent coaching changes, leading to more effective pass rush strategies. As training camp approaches, Giants fans are hopeful for a transformative season that not only sees an increase in sack totals but also a more formidable and disruptive defensive presence.

The Locked On Seahawks podcast celebrates Independence Day by discussing the Seattle Seahawks' most explosive players heading into the 2025 NFL season. With training camp just weeks away, hosts Corbin Smith and Nick Lee rank the top five explosive Seahawks, focusing on offensive and defensive players who can make big plays. Ken Walker III makes the list due to his impressive rookie season and potential to bounce back, while Julian Love's instincts and playmaking on defense are highlighted. Jackson Smith-Njigba's ability to create yards after the catch is also recognized, as well as the explosive athleticism of Jaylen Milroe. The hosts wrap up with discussions on Leonard Williams and Riq Woolen, acknowledging their capability to deliver game-changing moments.

Last season, Leonard Williams, known as 'Big Cat', delivered his best statistical year with the Seattle Seahawks, achieving 11 sacks and tying for the league lead in quarterback hits. Despite this impressive performance, he was initially overlooked for the Pro Bowl and not included in either All-Pro list, which raises questions about his recognition within the league. Williams challenges the notion of being underrated, especially considering his lower ranking in the NFL Top 100 list. His performance begs the question: can he truly be considered one of the most underrated players in the NFL?

As discussions surrounding NFL player rankings and recognition continue, the case of Williams highlights the complexity of evaluating player performance beyond just traditional metrics. While many fans focus on marquee positions like quarterbacks or wide receivers, players in trench positions like Williams often go unnoticed. His ability to impact the game significantly, particularly with plays like his 92-yard pick-six against Aaron Rodgers, emphasizes the importance of recognizing talent across all positions.

The Seattle Seahawks are in a unique position as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly when it comes to bolstering their defensive line. With standout performances from players like Leonard Williams and Jiren Reed, the team transformed a previous weakness into a strength. However, despite this success, depth remains a concern, especially after the departures of key players. This year’s draft class boasts an abundance of talented defensive tackles, prompting speculation about whether Seattle might target this position early.

As the team eyes the 18th overall pick, they could capitalize on the depth of this defensive tackle class, which includes a mix of elite talent and potential sleepers. The analysis suggests that Seattle may prioritize interior defensive linemen over other positions, as they look to fortify their roster with impactful players who can provide both depth and versatility in their defensive scheme.