Seahawks Rookies Navigate the Choppy Waters of Their Debut Season
The Seattle Seahawks, under the guidance of new head coach Mike Macdonald, have completed a full season with their first batch of rookies. While the team showed promise, the inaugural year for these young players was far from smooth sailing.
Mixed Reviews from Analysts
NFL.com writer Gennaro Filice recently evaluated the performance of all 32 rookie classes from the past season, awarding the Seahawks a modest “C+” for their overall efforts. The assessment reflects a season of ups and downs for the Seahawks’ newcomers.
Byron Murphy II: A Solid Foundation
Byron Murphy II, the Seahawks’ defensive tackle and the No. 16 overall pick, played a significant role in enhancing the team’s run defense. Despite contributing to the team’s improvement, Murphy fell short of the high expectations set for him. While his performance wasn’t lackluster, he failed to deliver the standout plays that were anticipated, especially in the race for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Surprises in the Fourth Round
In contrast, the team’s two fourth-round picks exceeded expectations. Macdonald faced challenges in finding the right linebacker combination early in the season. The acquisition of Ernest Jones IV via a trade proved beneficial, but the emergence of Tyrice Knight as a formidable tackler in the latter part of the season didn’t go unnoticed. Additionally, AJ Barner, who didn’t grab the spotlight during his time at Michigan, showcased his chemistry with Geno Smith, securing four touchdown receptions during the season.
Room for Growth
Despite their efforts, the Seahawks landed at the 19th spot in Filice’s rookie class rankings. However, this ranking doesn’t overshadow the potential for improvement and growth in the upcoming seasons. As the 2024 class gears up for its sophomore year, they will face increased competition from new rookies vying for playing time and recognition.
As the Seahawks rookies navigate the challenges of their debut season, whispers of untapped potential echo through the team, hinting at a promising future despite the initial hurdles they faced.
