In a recent HawksZone Rundown episode, we sat down with Seattle Seahawks beat writer and Emerald City Spectrum founder Corbin Smith to dissect the Seahawks’ 2025 prospects, focusing on OTAs, the NFC West, the draft class, Sam Darnold’s potential, the running game, the offensive line, and paths to an elite defense.
Smith views OTAs as critical for sorting out the offensive line, where first-rounder Grey Zabel looks to grab the left guard spot and Bradford/ Haynes compete for the right guard spot. Abe Lucas starting OTAs healthy will be pivotal to protect new quarterback Sam Darnold and spark the offense, and Smith has a high opinion of Lucas’ ceiling for the 2025 season.
“I think Abraham Lucas, if he can stay healthy, I think he could be an All-Pro this year,” Smith said. “I am not exaggerating I think he could be an All-Pro. And if you look at it the one game he missed as a rookie, Seattle lost. Second year they had a losing record in the 11 games that he didn’t play in. Last year they had a losing record in the games he didn’t play in.
“When he plays they are a different football team,” he continued. “They are a much better running football team, just ask the Arizona Cardinals in that game in Glendale. Abe Lucas was just throwing dudes to the ground. They are a different team when Abe Lucas is out there playing the way he’s capable of. And look, I’ve seen him in person I don’t need to see the Instagram That dude looks like he was chiseled by the Greek gods. He is in phenomenal shape and he’s every bit 325 pounds.
“We got to see him play healthy and stay healthy but I’m really excited about him.”
Lucas dealt with a tendon issue that cost him much of 2023 and 2024, but he’s ready to rock and roll at OTAs.
Darnold, fresh off a 2024 Pro Bowl season (4,319 yards, 35 TDs), faces a shakier offensive line. Smith believes Klint Kubiak’s play-action scheme, with weapons like Cooper Kupp, gives Darnold a chance to match that output, provided he stays consistent.
Reviving the running game hinges on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, bolstered by Zabel’s blocking and Kubiak’s run-heavy system. Smith gave some additional assessment of the offensive line.
“I think they have the personnel for this scheme to be able to run block,” Smith said. “I love Grey Zabel as a move blocker. This is a great system for him And he plays with some nastiness, too. I think Christian Haynes has a really good chance to rebound. Whatever reason last year just didn’t work out, I thought he played okay when he had his opportunities. He had some penalties but I wish he would have gotten more chances last year but for whatever reason it just didn’t happen. He is my pick to win the right guard job.
And I actually think [Olu] Oluwatimi is a better athlete than we’ve advertised .His agility testing was actually pretty darn good coming out of Michigan. I think he played well second half and was a catalyst for that run game awakening some in the second half.”
The NFC West remains the NFL’s toughest division, with the 49ers and Rams as heavyweights. Seattle’s bold offseason—trading Geno Smith for Darnold—signals a push to contend, but cohesion is key. The 2025 draft class, led by Zabel and third-round QB Jalen Milroe, blends immediate impact and long-term upside. Milroe’s dual-threat ability could ignite the red zone, though his passing needs polish.
For the defense, Smith stressed a fast start under Mike Macdonald’s aggressive scheme, with Byron Murphy II’s growth and DeMarcus Lawrence’s leadership driving expectations. Anything less than a top-five finish would disappoint.
Watch the full interview below!
Video
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