NFL Draft: Which O-Line Prospects Could Be Instant Starters For Seahawks?
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Missouri Tigers tackle Armand Membou prepares for a snap during an SEC regular season game. Credit: Armand Membou/Instagram [/caption]
It’s well documented that the Seattle Seahawks need upgrades along the offensive line. In free agency, Seattle has been picky, so much so that the fanbase is frustrated with the lack of upgrades, especially along the interior line.
Seattle’s lone free agent signing on the offensive line so far is Josh Jones, who has just three starts over the last two seasons combined.
It’s clear the Seahawks will either look for a bargain veteran or invest in the draft to find upgrades.
The Seahawks likely will enter the 2025 NFL Draft with the same pressing needs they have now. With a new offensive coordinator and a focus on building a more physical identity, finding instant-impact starters up front will be critical. The good news? This draft class presents multiple avenues for Seattle to land plug-and-play talent, even outside of the first round.
So, who is available in the draft that the Seahawks could feasibly select to improve in the trenches on offense?
Blue-Chip Prospects
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
It’s a high probability the Seahawks will not have a chance to select Campbell, who is thought of as the overall offensive lineman in this class. However, if Campbell were to fall in the first round, say because teams were concerned about his arm length, Seattle should pounce. Campbell would instantly become their best offensive lineman outside of Charles Cross.
Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Outside of Campbell, Banks might be the best bet for an instant starter from this draft class. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons would be, had he not tore his ACL during in the 2024 season. Banks is used to big games against premier pass rushers at Texas. If Seattle were to take him at 18, it likely would be to slide him to guard, where he’d be the most athletic interior lineman they have had in over a decade at least.
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
When the draft process started, Zabel was slated as a like mid-Day 2 pick. After the Senior Bowl, he shot up draft boards like an interstellar rocket. He is a true five-position lineman. He started at both tackle spots and both guard spots for the Bison, thriving wherever they put him. At the Senior Bowl, he held his own against top competition at all there interior spots. There isn’t a more plug-and-play guy available than Zabel.
Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
One of the more common connections to Seattle in mock drafts is Booker, who may be the best pure guard in this class. If he’s there at 18, that makes all the sense in the world. If you looked up “instant starter at guard” in the dictionary, it would just be a picture of Booker. His size and strength make an incredible anchor and he’s more athletic than his combine testing would suggest to handle zone concepts in the run game.
Armand Membou, OT, Mizzou
A three-year starter at right tackle for Mizzou, Membou might not have the elite size and length to be a standout tackle in the NFL. However, he’s more than capable of being a valuable asset to Seattle along the interior. He checks out well in grades for pass and run blocking. His only weakness might be his less-than-elite anchor with lower half strength. Seattle can work with that.
Day 2 Steals
Josh Cornerly, OT, Oregon
It might be selling Cornerly short to call him a Day 2 pick. There is a still a chance he slides into the first round. As Oregon’s primary left tackle the last two seasons, he is no stranger to big moments. He might be a fit for a zone-heavy scheme, but he has the size and athleticism to fit anywhere. His playing strength is what prevents him from being a first round pick. However, given Seattle’s needs, he could be turned into an instant starter at guard if needed. He also acts as a hedge at either tackle spot.
Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Like Cornerly, Jackson might not even make it to Day 2. He showed elite versatility for the Buckeyes down the stretch, when he bounced from guard to left tackle for their run to the national title and turned into a rock solid starter at an unnatural position. In Seattle, he would start at either guard spot. It’s tough to dislike a player who thrived while playing out of position for a title-winning team.
Day 3 Gem
Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
Simply being a one-year starter at center for a top tier program provides enough intrigue, but Wilson put himself on the map as a pro prospect with a dynamic performance at the NFL combine. He’s likely a center-only prospect. He has a size, athleticism, and IQ to push for the starting center job from day one.
