Seahawks Training Camp 2025: What to Watch Lakeside By Peter Duncan-Bey,

Seahawks Training Camp 2025: What to Watch Lakeside By Peter Duncan-Bey, Sportswriter for The Facts Newspaper

As Training Camp opens Wednesday, July 23 and runs through August 12, Seahawks fans have every reason to tune in with curiosity and cautious optimism. This year’s camp isn’t just about installing plays—it’s about establishing identity. With a reshaped roster, retooled coaching staff, and a locker room hungry to build on last year’s foundation, every snap counts at the VMAC.

1. New QB Room, New ExpectationsVeteran Sam Darnold enters camp as QB1 after inking a three-year, $100 million deal, looking to reboot his career in a system that prioritizes timing, mobility, and smart reads. All eyes will be on how quickly he adapts to offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system. Rookie Jalen Milroe brings athletic upside and raw explosiveness, while Drew Lock adds continuity and insurance. Expect reps to be monitored closely—especially in red zone drills and during pressure simulations.

2. Offensive Line Shake-UpWith former cornerstone DK Metcalf now gone via trade, Seattle invested heavily in the trenches. Tackles Charles Cross and Abe Lucas are locked in, but the interior line remains a puzzle. Rookie Grey Zabel could line up at either guard or center depending on how camp shakes out. Josh Jones and a mix of veterans will need to prove they can protect Darnold and get push in the run game. This unit holds the keys to the offense’s ceiling.

3. Tight End & Fullback InfluxThe departure of Noah Fant opens the door for a tight end-by-committee approach. Elijah Arroyo, AJ Barner, and veteran Eric Saubert will rotate early and often to determine who becomes Darnold’s safety net in play-action. Meanwhile, Brady Russell is transitioning from tight end to fullback—offering potential versatility in run packages. Seattle’s retooled backfield blocking scheme will rely heavily on who proves reliable in short-yardage and misdirection sets.

4. Receiver Corps: Uncharted TerritoryWith Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading the group, the real intrigue lies in the supporting cast. Jake Bobo, a breakout star last year, enters camp with strong chemistry and crisp route running that keeps him squarely in the mix. He’ll battle Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Steven Sims, and other young receivers for WR3/WR4 duties. Bobo’s ability to consistently find soft spots in zone coverage could be key, especially as Darnold finds his rhythm.

5. Defensive Front & Linebacker CoreSeattle’s pass rush got a major boost this offseason with the addition of DeMarcus Lawrence, joining Leonard Williams and ascending talent Boye Mafe. On the second level, Ernest Jones IV continues to develop into a true field general, while rookie Jamie Sheriff has already drawn buzz as a hybrid defender with sideline-to-sideline range. This front seven has the pieces to become one of the most disruptive in the NFC.

6. Rookies & Youth MovementThe 2025 draft class—11 deep—features high-upside contributors like Zabel, Milroe, and Nick Emmanwori. How quickly they adjust to pro speed will determine if Seattle’s depth chart tilts toward youth. The team’s track record of trusting rookies makes this camp especially important for those on the bubble.

7. Coaching Scheme & Culture ShiftHead coach Mike Macdonald made his mark in 2024 by transforming Seattle’s defense into one of the league’s most efficient and versatile units. His ability to adapt and elevate young defenders was on full display down the stretch, and history suggests his Year Two defenses only get stronger. Expect crisper communication, more disguise pre-snap, and a renewed focus on red zone stops.

On offense, Klint Kubiak brings a system built around heavy pre-snap motion, zone runs, and play-action—a perfect match for what I outlined in my previous article “ What Seattle’s Loaded Running Back Room Likely Means in 2025.” With Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh, and rookie Damien Martinez, Seattle boasts one of the deepest and most versatile backfields in the league. Expect Kubiak to lean on that depth early and often, giving the offense a physical identity that complements Macdonald’s aggressive defense.

Bottom Line for Fans:From quarterback chemistry to wide receiver battles, and from trench wars to scheme installs, this camp is the birthplace of the 2025 Seahawks identity. It’s not just practice—it’s purpose. And for the 12s, the time to tune in is now.