The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2024 NFL Draft with seven picks over the three-day event, but only two on the first two days.
The Seahawks stayed put with their first pick, No. 16, taking the top interior defensive lineman in the draft in Texas’ Byron Murphy.
After trading a second-round pick for defensive tackle Leonard Williams at the deadline this past season, Seattle did not pick again until No. 81, where it filled a hole on the other side of the line of scrimmage with Connecticut guard Christian Haynes.
The Seahawks had the second pick of Round 4 but traded back with the Broncos, giving Nos. 102 and 235 for Nos. 121, 136 and 207. At No. 121, Seattle added UTEP linebacker Tyrice Knight. Three picks later, the Seahawks grabbed Michigan tight end AJ Barner.
With the first pick of Round 5, Seattle added depth at cornerback with Auburn’s Nehemiah Pritchett.
The Seahawks opened a trio of picks in Round 6 with Utah guard Sataoa Laumea, then grabbed Auburn cornerback DJ James, who was the best remaining player (No. 85) on Dane Brugler’s board, at No. 192. They capped their class with Findlay offensive tackle Mike Jerrell at No. 207.
Good things come to those who wait? Sure, we’ll go with that. The Seahawks have had a need right in the middle of their defense for what seems like several years now. And after an early run on quarterbacks and tackles pushed the top defenders down, Seattle hits a whopper by landing the top interior defensive lineman in this draft at No. 16.
Murphy, who can play nose or three-technique, is extremely powerful and explosive with a lethal punch at the point of attack. A smaller body in the Aaron Donald mold, Murphy is all gas off the line of scrimmage and his natural leverage makes him a bear to deal with inside. Some teams valued Murphy as a top 10 player in this draft. This is terrific value for new head coach Mike Macdonald.
