3 recent late-round draft picks who are vital to Seattle Seahawks’ success during the 2025 season

The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed a productive first season under head coach Mike Macdonald in 2024. But they did not shy away from some of the hard decisions required to attack their potential weak points amid a pursuit of the bigger picture. 

As a result, there's some significant change in some significant spots. But the investments of this team from recent years in the NFL Draft may hold the key to just how successful Seattle can be in 2025. Amid the juggling of a new quarterback and wide receivers, it's the young talent that's charged with seizing an elevated role this year that holds several key groups in their hands. 

Who are the three recent Day 3 draft choices with the most riding on their shoulders for Seattle in 2025?

2023 draft choice: 5th round, 154th overallOluwatimi started one game as a rookie in 2023 and then was unceremoniously thrust into the starting lineup midway through 2024 when veteran center Connor Williams retired. He logged 435 snaps from Week 11 on last season, which provides much-needed seasoning for a young offensive lineman. Oluwatimi will presumably enter the season as a starter at center and the interior offensive line is firmly under the microscope after last year's struggles. 

With a slew of young talent competing at guard, including 2025 first-round draft choice Grey Zabel, the steady presence of good center play could be an essential subplot to Seattle's offensive success. How will Oluwatimi perform in his third season?

2024 draft choice: 4th round, 118th overallSeattle leapt through a lot of hoops to try to find their answers to the linebacker unit under Mike Macdonald in 2024. As training camp creeps up just one year later, it seems as though Macdonald has his pair in veteran Ernest Jones IV and Knight. Knight, who played over 550 snaps as a rookie, emerged throughout the season and displayed great potential. Among his most impressive qualities was his tackle discipline — Knight posted just a six percent missed tackle rate as a rookie. 

Macdonald's defense is best weaponized through the athletes at linebacker and safety. Seattle has poured into those groups with resources and looks to be well-equipped for the year ahead — but you're only as good as your weakest link in the chain. Knight has the least run as an NFL player, barring rookie Nick Emmanwori, so his variance could be the highest out of the group. If he has a strong encore season in 2025, this Seahawks defense is going to be cooking.

Barner, when he was drafted in the fourth-round in 2024, was selected with the foundation of his skill being as a blocker. He played over 500 snaps as a rookie last season and was a pleasant all-round player at the position, although he's not going to be a marquee passing game target. Seattle doesn't need him to be, either. 

Noah Fant and Elijah Arroyo being the other two marquee players in the tight end room means that Barner is going to be "the man" with his hand in the dirt. Yes, Fant is going to play. He's getting paid handsomely. But Barner can be the catalyst in the run game in the way Seattle sounds like they're aspiring to change their ways in 2025.