Safety Jerrick Reed II is set to make his season debut for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
Seattle has activated Reed, a 2023 sixth-round pick, from injured reserve. He had 11 tackles (nine solo) in 10 games last season, mainly contributing on special teams before a torn ACL ended his rookie year early. Despite his limited action, Reed earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team for special teams play. His return will bolster Seattle’s depth at safety, especially with starter Rayshawn Jenkins on IR.
Additionally, cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Faion Hicks have been elevated from the practice squad for the second consecutive week. Both players debuted last week against the Atlanta Falcons, stepping in for an injured secondary that included Riq Woolen and Tre Brown. Jobe recorded six tackles (three solo) and two pass deflections in 65 defensive snaps, allowing three catches for 32 yards on seven targets (per Pro Football Focus). Hicks contributed a tackle while rotating between defense and special teams.
The two provide extra depth at cornerback for Sunday’s game, with Brown (ankle) and rookie Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle) both listed as questionable. Woolen, however, is no longer on the injury report after missing the past two games.
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Seattle Seahawks get major offensive help in new three-round mock draft
While the Seattle Seahawks are currently in a fierce competition for the NFC West title, the 2025 NFL Draft is already a priority for general manager John Schneider and his team, even if it’s not yet on fans’ radar. Schneider and a significant Seahawks contingent attended last week’s game in Austin, Texas, to watch the Texas Longhorns face off against the Georgia Bulldogs, underscoring that Seattle’s front office is actively scouting potential draft talent.
There’s still much to unfold this season. The Seahawks’ trajectory could lead to a high draft pick if they struggle, or, if Mike Macdonald and the players succeed, they might clinch the NFC West and secure multiple home playoff games. Key players like Geno Smith and DK Metcalf could either solidify long-term deals or potentially be traded, leaving the Seahawks with several top-100 picks but also the possibility of a full rebuild.
For now, I’ll focus on Seattle’s current assets in the first three rounds of the 2025 draft, but there are some notable observations to make about this year’s class before diving into specific selections.
Seahawks get offensive in this third-round mock draft
First, this draft class appears notably thin at the top. Right now, I’ve identified only 12 prospects who look like legitimate first-round talents, not including my quarterback evaluations. I hold off on evaluating quarterbacks until I can review their complete body of work, especially their performances in CFP or conference title games, which carry a lot of weight in my assessments.
Second, as happens about once a decade, quarterbacks are likely to dominate the draft boards, driven by high demand for the position. This year, I anticipate at least four quarterbacks being selected in the first round, most within the top 15 picks. With the Seahawks currently projected to pick at 20, they have a good chance to select a true first-round talent at a value-appropriate position, similar to last year’s pick with Byron Murphy.
Lastly, for my mock draft articles leading up to April, I’ll primarily use Pro Football Network’s rankings. Their rankings align closely with realistic projections, and the platform is user-friendly. Let’s dive into a mock!
Round 1 pick 20: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
For the second consecutive season, the Seahawks benefit from a quarterback-heavy draft, landing my #10 overall prospect: Michigan’s standout tight end, Colston Loveland. Originally from Gooding, Idaho, Loveland had an impressive sophomore year, posting 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns as part of Jim Harbaugh’s undefeated, 15-0 national championship team.
This season, despite Michigan’s challenging quarterback situation, Loveland leads the team with 36 receptions for 344 yards and two touchdowns in just five games.
Standing at 6’5″ and 245 lbs, Loveland combines excellent blocking ability with outstanding receiving skills. He’s too athletic for most linebackers and overpowers defensive backs with his physicality. In an offense with a reliable quarterback, Loveland’s numbers would likely be even more impressive.
Comparable to Brock Bowers, Loveland would bring toughness, skill, and immediate impact to both Seattle’s rushing and passing game.
Round 2 pick 54: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
Although Jordan Love signed a contract extension this season, there is some uncertainty surrounding the safety position heading into 2025. If Seattle secures newly acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV, expect Mike Macdonald to target a talented safety to effectively implement his scheme: enter Andrew Mukuba.
Mukuba is a senior transfer from Clemson who now plays for one of the top defenses in the nation at Texas. With his exceptional speed and ball recognition, his stats may seem less impressive than those of other safeties in this draft class. This is largely due to his ability to deter quarterbacks from throwing in his direction. When they do challenge him, it often backfires, as evidenced by his three passes defended and two interceptions through seven games this season.
Round 3 pick 85: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
It’s highly likely that this will be Tyler Lockett’s final season with the Seahawks. Given his age and contract situation, a return next season seems unrealistic. This creates an opportunity for Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo to step up, but it also opens the door for Seattle to bolster their wide receiver group in the draft. Jalen Royals would be an ideal addition to the team.
If you caught Boise State star Ashton Jeanty racking up yards against Utah State, you might have noticed Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals, who had an impressive performance with nine catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
Royals, a 6’0″, 205 lbs senior, has thrived despite playing for a struggling team, accumulating 55 receptions for 834 yards and six touchdowns in just seven games. With 4.3-level speed and a play style reminiscent of a taller receiver, he can stretch the field and make it difficult for defenses to solely focus on DK Metcalf. Royals could be a valuable plug-and-play option in the third round for the Seahawks.
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