After 10 seasons in the NFL spent with three different franchises, veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams has learned to get a pretty good feel for the way a team is connected. For the team's vibes, if you will.
And coming out of the Seahawks' offseason workout program, which ended Wednesday with the final practice of mandatory minicamp, Williams likes what he's seeing.
"I feel it a lot," Williams said of the way the team is connected. "I'm going into Year 11, so I've played a lot of football and been on a lot of teams, and not only am I seeing that we have a very talented team right now, one thing that stands out above the talent is just the connection. That's something I've been trying to talk to the guys about, that's really going to take us to that next level where we want to go. I've told them that I've been on tons of talented teams that we had great players at all positions, but we just didn't have that same connection.
"Those small things like having connection and being able to communicate on and off the field kind of helps you get to that next level."
That level of connection was one of the first things head coach Mike Macdonald pointed to on Wednesday when asked to assess his team's offseason. Two of the main goals Macdonald has for his team are to be tough and connected, and while the tough part is hard to judge in May and June with no pads on, the connectivity part is evident to Macdonald.
"The feeling you want going into the whole offseason program, we wanted to be tough and connected," Macdonald said. "I think we're on our way to being tough. We haven't had to prove it yet with pads on, but definitely feel like we're a connected group. I think we've made a lot of strides confidence-wise in the schemes we are running and understanding what's expected and just how we roll here in general.
"So I'm really excited about this group. They're a lot of fun to coach. I think I speak for the whole coaching staff when I say that. It's good that we're going into a break here so you can kind of regather and take a breath and then kind of recalibrate going into camp, but I tell you what, I think I speak for the whole team, we're really excited to get this team going starting in training camp."
While practices this week were mandatory, the rest of the offseason program, which began in April, was voluntary, and part of Macdonald's optimism is the buy in shown by players, all of whom took part in at least some, if not all, of the offseason program. Throughout the league, the vast majority of players show up for offseason workouts, but more often than not, at least a few veterans stay home, sometimes due to a contract dispute, or other times simply because as proven veterans, they choose to enjoy a little extra time at home. But this offseason, the Seahawks had zero no-shows.
"We're a young team, and these guys have like a gravity about them. They just really have a great spirit about them," Macdonald said. "We're young, but I feel like we're mature. Then we do have a great couple of vets that, they don't have to be here and they could say, 'Hey, look, I'm a vet, I got my money, I know what's expected of me. I can show up and everything is great.' You can do that, and there are guys that do that, it is what it is, but our guys really decided to be invested in these young guys, and they care about where this team goes. Man, that fires you up."
Williams agreed that it mattered having all the veterans in attendance, saying, "I think it is a big deal. Obviously, this part is mandatory, but throughout all of OTAs, the vets have been doing a good job of showing up. There's been times where they've missed a few days, but just the overall vibe of the team, it just feels like everyone is locked in and wants to be here."
Another way that connection has grown, Williams explained, is through players sharing in meetings their motivation for playing the game.
"Something that's been helping us grow that connection throughout OTAs is in the defensive room, coaches have been having some of the guys go up to the front of the room and talk about their why—why they like playing football, why they like showing up every day," he said. "They put up pictures of their family, pictures of them when they're young and just talk about what's their driving force."
While the reasons behind this level of connection are varied, the end goal is the same--using it to build a team that can perform at its highest level, resulting in more wins. And while there's a long way to go before the start of the regular season, the early returns are encouraging.
"Just the way we practice, everyone just being together as one," tackle Charles Cross said. "We're out here working towards the same goal. Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to take advantage of the opportunities we have. And I feel like we're doing that, I feel like we're on the right track to do what we want to do."
The Seahawks kicked off day one of minicamp with a workout on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29), cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and linebacker Drake Thomas (42) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) and wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2), quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2), quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver John Rhys Plumlee (17) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Josh Ross (47) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29), cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Zach Charbonnet (26) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Zy Alexander (17) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang (49) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) and safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) and safety D'Anthony Bell (23) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) participated in a workout on day one of minicamp on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
