As the dust settles on the 2024 NFL draft, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald's strategy begins to crystalize, setting the stage for a reshaped team that's causing a buzz in Seattle. Macdonald's commitment to rigid control of the trenches was immediately apparent, with the Seahawks bolstering their defensive and offensive lines, in a move to dominate the field.
"The game starts up front, and it's going to be really important for us to be dominant in that phase," Macdonald laid out his philosophy after the draft, as reported by KOMO News."If it stops there, then you really don't have a shot the rest of the play, so, again, the style of play, we talk about all that, but we want to be physical, we want to be imposing, we want to create any lines of scrimmage and I think you're seeing the investment in that, and we're going to have awesome competition on both lines of scrimmage. It'll be fun to kind of iron sharpen iron throughout the process, throughout camp. I'm just excited to go finally do some actual team drills here start of OTAs, so, been talking about it a lot, but now it's time to go do it." His words have set expectations for a season of rugged play, as the Seahawks look to rebuild.
The team's new draft class fits squarely within Macdonald's vision, particularly on defense, with the linebacker room likely only retaining one player from last season's regulars. This leaves room for newcomers such as fourth-round draft pick Tyrice Knight to join the fray. As Seattle opted to forgo drafting safeties, the vote of confidence was placed in existing team members Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins to lead the position, in a bold stance that underscores the team's direction. Equally telling was Macdonald's expressed desire for player versatility, a strategy meant to create unexpected plays and matchups, according to Macdonald's statement to The Athletic.
Then there's the draft grade, notably running back to the defining moment of the event for Seattle: the selection of defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. Heralded by many as a future star for the Seahawks he's expected to become an anchor for Macdonald's defensive scheme. "The Skinny: Murphy will be a star, which will make this draft a hit down the road. But the rest of it was just OK for me. I do like third-round guard Christian Haynes, who fills a need." Seahawks officials touted the pick's potential impact, as shared by Seahawks' official site.
