With Seattle Seahawks minicamp in the books and preseason around the corner, it’s time to take stock of where the team stands. On a recent episode of The HawksZone Rundown, Tacoma News Tribune insider Gregg Bell joins the show for a detailed breakdown of the offseason’s biggest developments, and what they reveal about Seattle’s direction heading into the 2025 season.
Here are some of the major takeaways from the conversation:
Who stood out during Seahawks minicamp
Minicamp may be over, but it left a clear impression. Gregg highlighted a handful of players who turned heads with strong performances—some expected, some under the radar. These early standouts could play key roles when training camp begins, and depth charts start to take shape.
Gregg’s take on the new Seahawks quarterback room
The quarterback room looks different this year, and Gregg offered his insight on how it’s coming together. From Sam Darnold’s status as the incumbent to the development of Jalen Milroe and what Drew Lock’s presence means, the group is deeper—and more competitive—than it’s been in recent years. Gregg breaks down how the coaching staff is managing the room and what fans should realistically expect heading into the season.
Mike Macdonald in Year 2 as Seahawks head coach
Entering Year 2, head coach Mike Macdonald is beginning to imprint his identity on the team. Gregg discussed how players are responding to Macdonald’s leadership style—defined by discipline, detail, and a quiet intensity. The culture shift is already noticeable, and it’s setting the tone for a more focused and accountable team.
“Macdonald is just so much more assertive and he’s just more comfortable on the field,” Bell said. “You see him talking with the offensive players, you see him in the offensive drills more than he did last year. Last year he pretty much just stuck himself on defense at practices, called the defense and never went to the offense. He left it up to Ryan Grubb and we saw what happened in the results of that.
“This year he’s spending the first parts of practices, so far anyway, the offseason practices with the offense, he has delegated some of the practice play calling responsibility to Aden Durde the defensive coordinator, who really isn’t the defensive coordinator because he doesn’t call the plays during games. But it seems to me he has ceded some responsibility in time at practice on defense to Durde while he’s been on the offensive side. So that’s a tangible difference on the field that I’ve noticed already.”
Key offseason additions and what they mean
Seattle made several strategic moves in free agency and the draft, many of which flew under the national radar. Gregg explained how these additions—especially on defense and the offensive line—could quietly become foundational pieces. They may not be flashy, but they fit Macdonald’s vision for a more versatile, physical roster.
“What I saw during OTAs and minicamps was Demarcus Lawrence, Boye Mafe, and Derick Hall working together as the standup outside pass rushers more to the edge rusher outside linebacker than as a defensive end,” Bell said. “I know he didn’t do that in Dallas he was more of a stand on the ground end, and so it looks like the Seahawks are going to try him in a different role now. That’s something of an experiment because he spent 11 years doing defensive line work primarily.
“Aden Durde knows him better than anybody on staff of course Durde coached him a few years in Dallas as a defensive line coach yet Durde was working with stand up pass rush moves with Boye Mafe and Hall and Lawrence so it’s going to be interesting to see how his training camp goes if that continues.”
Surprises and concerns heading into the season
No offseason is without its surprises. Gregg touched on a few unexpected storylines, including position battles, injury updates, and areas where the roster still has question marks. While there’s plenty of optimism, there are also key spots that will need to solidify quickly once training camp begins.
For Seahawks Fans, This Is a Must-Listen/Must-Watch
If you’re trying to get a clear picture of where the Seahawks stand post-minicamp—and what’s coming next—this episode is packed with insight you won’t get anywhere else. From behind-the-scenes notes to honest assessments of the roster, it’s essential listening ahead of the preseason.
