Seattle, WA

Which Wild Cards Could Seattle Seahawks Draft in First Round?

Published

2 years ago

April 20, 2024

Which Wild Cards Could Seattle Seahawks Draft in First Round?

Now just six days away from the 2024 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks could go a number of different routes with their first round pick, including addressing the trenches on either side of the football investing in a guard, defensive tackle, or edge rusher.

But could Seahawks general manager John Schneider throw his signature curve ball and pick a player nobody expected entering year one of the Mike Macdonald era? Based on past precedent, nobody should be surprised if he makes a selection out of left field as he done plenty of times in the opening round in prior drafts.

Way back in 2011, Schneider stunned many by selecting Alabama tackle James Carpenter with the 25th overall pick, which even drew raised eyebrows from legendary coach Nick Saban in the green room. Fast forwarding to 2018, Seattle traded back with Green Bay before tabbing running back Rashaad Penny as the 27th pick and only a year later, the team selected defensive end L.J. Collier, who many viewed as a day two pick, 29th overall.

Which wild cards could Schneider turn in to commissioner Roger Goodell with the 16th overall pick or on a later selection after a trade down this year?

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The best tight end in this year’s draft class by a mile, Bowers offers a rare set of skills for the position and starred for two eventual national champions in three years with the Bulldogs. Though he isn’t the biggest player at 6-3, 243 pounds and his lack of size may show up trying to block NFL defensive linemen, he held his own in that area against SEC competition. Where he really stands out from his peers, however, is his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands. Able to win down the seam as well as pile yardage up in bunches after the catch, he accumulated 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns as a receiver while also adding five touchdowns on the ground as a runner, offering unique versatility for a tight end.

From Seattle’s perspective, tight end may not seem like a big enough need to justify using a first-round pick on one. But with only Noah Fant under contract beyond 2024 and both Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson gone, new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb may be clamoring for Bowers to add another dynamic weapon for Geno Smith to pair alongside star receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and if he’s available, Schneider could easily snag him at 16 overall.

JC Latham, T, Alabama

Weighing in at 342 pounds, Latham carries tree stumps for legs and uses his raw power coupled with 35 1/8-inch arms and heavy, brick-like hands to consistently knock defenders off the ball in the run game as an elite drive blocker. He’s surprising nimble at his size in pass protection as well and moves like he weighs 20 pounds less, as he only gave up 14 pressures and two sacks in his final season with the Crimson Tide as they advanced back to the College Football Playoff. He isn’t quite as adept in the zone blocking game and has a bit tougher time getting to the second level, but he should be able to improve upon those areas at the next level.

Built with a thick lower body and equipped with powerful hands, JC Latham should instantly upgrade the run game for whichever team drafts him.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Most teams will want to keep him at tackle in the NFL due to his smooth pass sets and length, but Latham’s power and average lateral mobility may make him a better fit to slide inside. With the Seahawks losing both Damien Lewis and Phil Haynes in free agency and desperate for long-term answers at guard, the Wisconsin native could jump in as a starter on day one on either side while providing another insurance option at tackle in case Abraham Lucas battles knee issues again in 2024.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Bursting onto the scene as one of the nation’s biggest breakout receivers last season in LSU’s explosive passing arsenal, Thomas exploded with over 1,100 yards while averaging a gaudy 17.3 yards per reception and scoring 17 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to beat opponents downfield and win vertically as a big play threat. Per Pro Football Focus, he finished in the top five in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns on throws traveling 20 or more yards through the air. At 6-5, 200 pounds, he has a lean frame that doesn’t lend itself to breaking many tackles, but he creates a major mismatch with his length and speed for opposing cornerbacks.

On paper, the Seahawks have one of the best receiving corps in the league, especially after drafting Smith-Njigba in the first round last season. But Lockett isn’t getting any younger and has a massive cap charge in 2025, so Schneider and the front office may be looking ahead of the curve if the right receiver falls to them after a trade down. Always looking for explosive vertical targets, teaming Thomas up with Metcalf moving forward would be a scary proposition for defensive coordinators in Grubb’s four-wide heavy offense.

Amarius Mims, T, Georgia

Unlike Latham, Mims doesn’t have any guard flexibility, as at 6-8, 340 pounds, he’s simply too tall to slide inside at the next level. He also has work to do in the run game, particularly when it comes to sustaining blocks where his built-in leverage issues can be problematic. However, he’s a silky smooth pass protector with an ideal build for an NFL tackle and with 36 1/8-inch arms, he has a condor-like wing span that helps him thwart speed rushers and has enough athletic ability to consistently recover on the rare occasion where he does get beat.

With Charles Cross and Lucas both returning for their third seasons, Seattle doesn’t have an urgent need at tackle. But if Schneider and the coaching staff identify Mims as the best player available, even with only eight college starts under his belt, they could decide to shift Lucas inside to guard and select the massive, smooth-footed blocker to plug and play on the right side. Such a selection would say a lot about how Grubb and line coach Scott Huff plan to deploy their offensive line for the long haul.

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The latest standout cornerback ready to make the jump to NFL first round pick out of Tuscaloosa, Arnold enjoyed a dominant final season as a do-it-all defensive back for the Crimson Tide. Aside from picking off five passes, he posted a career-best 63 tackles and swatted away 13 pass breakups, functioning as if he had football magnets inside his gloves. An aggressive defender who likes to hit and has plus-blitzing skills, he played over 250 snaps in the slot and in the box last year, suggesting he could transition into a Swiss army knife role moving all over the formation at the next level with a bit more muscle to his lean 190-pound frame.

After drafting Devon Witherspoon with a top-five pick to pair him with Riq Woolen last year, cornerback is far from the Seahawks biggest priority in the present and some fans would scoff at the idea of investing another high pick at the position. But the team only has Witherspoon and Woolen under contract past this year and Macdonald likes to deploy three-safety and four-cornerback looks, which could make Arnold an intriguing candidate to bring on board to unleash in the scheme.

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Seattle, WA

Seattle Mariners acquire catcher from Twins, DFA RHP Kowar

Published

47 minutes ago

January 28, 2026

Press Room

Seattle Mariners acquire catcher from Twins, DFA RHP Kowar

The Seattle Mariners added depth at catcher by acquiring 29-year-old Jhonny Pereda from the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

In a corresponding move, the Mariners designated right-handed reliever Jackson Kowar for assignment to clear space on their 40-man roster.

Drayer: This is an opportunity for M’s fans to celebrate Rick Rizzs

Pereda joins free agent addition Andrew Knizner as potential backup catcher options for Seattle behind Cal Raleigh. The Mariners signed the 30-year-old Knizner to a one-year contract in December.

Pereda made his MLB debut in April 2024 with the Miami Marlins and spent the 2025 season with the Athletics and Minnesota Twins. The Venezuelan native has appeared in 48 career MLB games, slashing .241/.299/.296 with six doubles.

Pereda was designated for assignment by the Twins last Friday. He has one minor league option remaining.

Kowar, 29, was acquired by the Mariners as part of the December 2023 trade that sent outfielder Jarred Kelenic to the Atlanta Braves.

Kowar missed the 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and spent last season hopping between Seattle and Triple-A Tacoma. He made 15 relief appearances with the Mariners last year, posting a 4.24 ERA with 15 strikeouts and seven walks in 17 innings after being activated from the injured list in late May.

Seattle Mariners news and analysis

• 2026 will be Rick Rizzs’ last season as voice of the Mariners
• Seattle Mariners announce broadcast team for 2026 season
• Reports: Seattle Mariners land top international prospect for 2027
• Mariners have league-high seven MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospects
• Seattle Mariners acquire RHP Cooper Criswell from NY Mets

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Seattle, WA

Seattle weather: Dry day Tuesday, showers return tonight

Published

13 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Seattle weather: Dry day Tuesday, showers return tonight

SEATTLE – We start off dry on Tuesday, then the chance of showers returns this evening. We have been dry for 14 days now with zero measurable rainfall at SEA Airport. Late Tuesday into Wednesday we could see potential freezing rain at the passes. Winds will be gusty at times Tuesday from the east, then switch to more westerly winds by Wednesday.

We start off dry on Tuesday, then the chance of showers returns this evening.

What’s next:

We will see mostly cloudy skies Tuesday with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s, with showers returning by the late evening hours.

We will see mostly cloudy skies Tuesday with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s.

A few showers will start to move in later Tuesday, with snowflakes or freezing rain into early Wednesday.

A few showers will start to move in later Tuesday, with snowflakes or freezing rain into early Wednesday.

Winds are forecasted to pick up Wednesday as our next system starts to roll through. Strongest winds will be along the coast and north interior.

Winds are forecasted to pick up Wednesday as our next system starts to roll through. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Shower chances continue through the rest of the week with milder afternoon temperatures. Snow levels will also be high through Friday, reaching 6000 to 7000ft. Forecast is looking a little drier for the weekend, with a few sprinkles still in the forecast for now.

Shower chances continue through the rest of the week with milder afternoon temperatures.

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The Source: Information in this story came from the FOX 13 Seattle Weather Team and the National Weather Service.

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Seattle, WA

Walker ‘set a tone’ for Seattle Seahawks’ NFC title win

Published

1 day ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Walker ‘set a tone’ for Seattle Seahawks’ NFC title win

Over the past month, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has seemingly struck the right balance between attacking downhill and taking the yardage in front of him, while still mixing in the tantalizing elusiveness and explosion that makes him such a dangerous home-run threat.

It’s resulted in the best stretch of his career.

Report details Seahawks WR Kupp’s turmoil with Rams

And it was on display again in Sunday night’s NFC Championship, as Walker totaled 111 yards from scrimmage to help Seattle advance to the Super Bowl with a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Walker rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, while adding four catches for 49 yards. And he did so while taking on the bulk of the workload in the Seahawks’ first game since second-leading rusher Zach Charbonnet went down with a season-ending torn ACL.

“I thought Ken Walker was outstanding last night, considering he was being hit in the backfield (on some plays) almost as soon as he was handed the ball,” Bob Stelton said Monday on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob. “He was driving the pile. The legs were churning.

“It just really felt like he set a tone,” Stelton added. “He ran with an attitude. And it was really cool to see that, because they needed it.”

Kenneth Walker III TOUCHDOWN. Seattle starts fast.
LARvsSEA on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/iH8SOGpK5o
— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026
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Walker set that tone on the Seahawks’ opening drive, turning a potential loss of yardage into a hard-fought 4-yard gain while bulldozing his way to the Rams’ 2-yard line. Then, on the ensuing third-and-goal play, Walker showcased his spectacular explosion by bouncing outside and racing around the edge for a 2-yard TD to put Seattle on the board.

Walker really dazzled on the next possession, when he led the Seahawks on a field-goal drive with an impressive three-play sequence. It began with Walker bursting through a hole for an 8-yard gain. On the next play, he unleashed a jaw-dropping juke on linebacker Omar Speights for another 8-yard gain. And he followed that by taking a screen pass for 14 more yards.

“That juke he put on Omar Speights, that was amazing,” Stelton said. “… He had the defender grabbing at air.”

This was nasty by Kenneth Walker III
LARvsSEA on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9V7pJ3DQCd
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026
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During a third-quarter touchdown drive, Walker had another tough, physical run where he pushed the pile an extra 5 yards for an 11-yard gain.

And in the game’s closing minutes, Walker kickstarted a pivotal clock-chewing drive by catching a short pass in the flat and eluding three defenders on his way to a 15-yard gain.

“He had a lot of great runs,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said during his Monday afternoon press conference. “He really did. And talk about hidden yardage within that game, he’s responsible for a lot of those hidden yards.

“I mean, we’d like to block him a little bit better at points. But when you have a guy like K9, he can make it right for you, so that was awesome.”

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Seattle Seahawks Injury Updates: The latest on Thomas, Ouzts and more
• Seattle Seahawks had a brilliant way to get JSN open in NFC title win
• Seattle Seahawks’ Emmanwori ‘stood out all game’ in NFC Championship
• Brock and Salk: Seattle Seahawks have embraced Macdonald’s message
• Facing former team, Kupp helps propel Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl

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