Seahawks’ strategic gambit revealed as they set sights on Georgia Bulldogs duo in a daring draft, aiming to reignite their defensive might

The Seattle Seahawks are no strangers to making bold moves in the NFL Draft, and the 2025 draft class offers a significant opportunity for the franchise to strategically reshape their team. In their latest effort to revitalize their roster and, more specifically, their defense, the Seahawks are setting their sights on a duo from one of the most dominant college football programs in recent history—the Georgia Bulldogs. This bold draft move signals a clear intent to address their defensive woes and return to their roots as a hard-hitting, playoff-contending team.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seahawks are reportedly focused on selecting Jalen Carter and Broderick Jones, two standout stars from Georgia’s championship-winning defensive and offensive lines. Both players have been integral to the Bulldogs’ success over the past few seasons, and their potential to translate their dominance to the professional level has caught the attention of Seattle’s front office.

In this article, we will analyze the strategic reasoning behind the Seahawks’ focus on these two players, how they fit into the team’s needs, and what their additions could mean for Seattle’s future.

The Need for Defensive Strength: A Critical Position for the Seahawks

The Seahawks’ defense has historically been a cornerstone of their identity, especially during the “Legion of Boom” era that dominated the NFL in the early 2010s. That defense was known for its tenacity, physicality, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses with a relentless pass rush and strong secondary play. However, in recent years, the Seahawks’ defense has taken a step back. Though they’ve had some success, particularly with their secondary, their pass rush and run defense have often been inconsistent, leading to missed playoff opportunities.

A significant focus for Seattle in the 2025 Draft will be to restore the strength of their defense, specifically by improving the interior of their defensive line. The combination of a powerful pass rush and an ability to control the line of scrimmage will help the Seahawks become a more complete and competitive team. This is where Jalen Carter, a defensive lineman from Georgia, comes in.

Jalen Carter: A Defensive Game-Changer

Jalen Carter is widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in college football. As part of Georgia’s ferocious defensive front, Carter has been a force to be reckoned with, disrupting the pocket, stifling the run game, and pressuring opposing quarterbacks at will. His explosive power, quickness, and technical skills make him a game-changer who can single-handedly transform a defensive unit.

For Seattle, Carter is an ideal fit for their defensive line. The team has struggled at times with their interior pass rush, and Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket will help provide the necessary push from the middle of the line. Carter’s exceptional strength and motor would complement the edge rushers in Seattle, such as Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor, allowing the entire defensive front to be more disruptive.

In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Carter is a phenomenal run-stopper. His ability to absorb double teams and clog up running lanes will significantly improve the Seahawks’ defensive line against powerful running backs, something that has been a vulnerability in recent seasons. With Carter anchoring the middle of the defense, Seattle can expect better overall performance in both pass rush and run defense.

Carter’s leadership on and off the field is another aspect that appeals to the Seahawks. Head coach Pete Carroll values players who bring not only physical skills but also a strong mental approach to the game. Carter’s intensity, work ethic, and experience playing in big-game situations make him a natural fit for the Seahawks’ culture. He can become the centerpiece of Seattle’s defense, helping to anchor the line and provide an identity for a unit that has shown flashes but needs consistency.

Broderick Jones: A Major Offensive Line Upgrade

While the Seahawks are focused on revitalizing their defense, they also recognize the importance of protecting their franchise quarterback, Geno Smith, and ensuring that the offense can stay on track. To that end, the team is also targeting Broderick Jones, an imposing offensive tackle from Georgia, in the 2025 Draft.

Jones has been one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in college football, standing out as a key part of Georgia’s physical and dominant offensive line. With the Bulldogs, Jones has consistently been praised for his ability to protect the quarterback and create space in the run game. His strength, agility, and ability to sustain blocks make him a perfect fit for an NFL offensive tackle.

For Seattle, adding Jones would address one of their most significant needs: improving their offensive line play. Over the past few seasons, the Seahawks have had issues with protecting their quarterbacks, especially in pass protection. Geno Smith, who has experienced a resurgence in his career, has shown that when given time in the pocket, he can lead an explosive offense. However, with the Seahawks’ offensive line struggles, the team has often found themselves in precarious situations, especially in crucial moments of games.

Jones’ addition would provide immediate stability at left tackle, allowing Smith more time to survey the field and make plays. Furthermore, Jones would provide a boost to the Seahawks’ running game, which has been inconsistent over the past few years. With a strong and reliable tackle like Jones, running back Kenneth Gainwell could benefit from the improved blocking, leading to more consistent runs and the ability to move the ball on the ground.

Additionally, Jones’ potential as a long-term anchor on the offensive line would be invaluable. The Seahawks are in a transition period with their roster, and adding a young, talented player like Jones could solidify the offensive line for the next decade, allowing the team to build an offense around him for years to come.

The Strategic Gambit: Why This Duo Makes Sense

The Seahawks’ interest in Jalen Carter and Broderick Jones represents a bold and calculated strategic move. It is clear that Seattle is seeking to make significant upgrades to their team in key areas, and these two Georgia Bulldogs provide the type of high-impact talent that could dramatically change the trajectory of the franchise.

1. A Balanced Approach to Building a Contender

Seattle has made significant strides in recent seasons, but they have yet to truly return to the elite level they reached during the early years of the Russell Wilson era. In the 2025 Draft, the team is prioritizing two key areas: their offensive and defensive lines. This balanced approach is indicative of Seattle’s desire to build a more well-rounded, competitive team that can contend for a Super Bowl.

With Carter anchoring the defensive line and Jones strengthening the offensive line, Seattle will have the foundation needed to be competitive in both the trenches. The front seven on defense will be significantly improved with Carter’s addition, while the offensive line will get a boost in both pass protection and run blocking with Jones. Together, these two players will help the Seahawks address some of their most pressing needs and provide a platform for sustained success.

2. The Georgia Connection: Championship Mentality

One of the most compelling reasons for Seattle’s interest in Carter and Jones is the pedigree that these players bring from Georgia. The Bulldogs have won two consecutive national championships, with both players being key contributors to that success. The winning culture, discipline, and mental toughness that come with being part of a championship program are invaluable traits for the Seahawks.

Both players are battle-tested and have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, which is exactly what Seattle needs as they aim to get back to the playoffs and ultimately challenge for another Super Bowl. The Georgia connection also means that both players understand the level of preparation required to succeed at the highest level, making their transition to the NFL smoother and more seamless.

3. Long-Term Contention and Salary Cap Flexibility

By drafting Carter and Jones, the Seahawks are also positioning themselves for long-term success. Both players are young and have the potential to anchor their respective positions for the next decade. This would allow Seattle to focus their salary cap resources on other areas of need while keeping two of the most important positions solidified.

In particular, Jones’ ability to protect the quarterback and Carter’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses will give the Seahawks the foundation they need to remain competitive for years. This will also give the team the flexibility to make moves in free agency and bolster other areas of the roster, such as wide receiver or cornerback, without worrying about the offensive and defensive lines.