Before his players enjoyed a day off, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald noted that he was looking forward to the first padded practice of training camp when the team returned to action on Monday, referring to it as "a good chance to evaluate where we are as a football team."
No final evaluations will be made in late July, but Monday's practice was another important benchmark as the team builds towards the 2024 season, and coaches will no doubt have more information to work off of now that players are in pads and things are getting physical.
With that in mind, here are five observations from Day 5 of Seahawks training camp:
1. With pads popping and rain falling, it felt a bit like fall.
The Seahawks' season opener is still six weeks away, but it felt a little bit like fall when practice kicked off Monday. Not only did a steady drizzle give the day an autumn feel, but the sound of pads popping only added to the illusion that it was October and not late July.
As expected, the practice was considerably more physical than the previous four sessions have been, though players still aren't tackling to the ground. And as always, that was a welcome change for defensive players who can better show what they can do now that there's more hitting involved.
"It's been a while since we had the pads on so we're just getting back into it, but it was a good one," said outside linebacker Boye Mafe. "I was excited to see everybody out there and just see all the guys. Especially going through the offseason, getting ready for the season, it's like the next step. You have all OTAs to get ready, beginning of camp, but now it's like, 'All right, pads are on. Let's get to it.'
"It's definitely important. It's the next step. It's one thing to go out there and walk through the defense. It's one thing to, (go) fast, get through it with no pads and everything. But now, when the pads are on, that's the next step. Understanding that we can understand each other as players, understand who we can rely on, how everyone's play style is, will definitely help us in the long run. So now that you know what the guy to your left and the guy to your right is going to do, then you know how to play your own game."
2. Day 1 in pads was a good day for the defense.
The first four days of training camp has featured plenty of positives for both the offense and the defense, but what probably stood out the most in those practices was the play of quarterback Geno Smith and his weapons, who all seem to be thriving in Ryan Grubb's offense.
Day 5 of camp, however, saw the defense enjoy a strong day, making the most of a physical practice. Whether it was a diving Riq Woolen pass breakup early in practice or a leaping Julian Love interception on a pass intended for DK Metcalf, or Uchenna Nwosu shooting into the backfield to blow up a run play, there were a lot of defensive highlights on Monday.
"I think the defense did a great job today," receiver Tyler Lockett said. "Obviously, we were able to kind of include all of our installs up to this point today. And I think that the defense showed a lot of variety in their coverages and the blitzes. And I think for us, we got to just continue to learn how to be able to communicate, to pick those things up. But I think that the defense got after us a little bit today."
3. Bobo takes flight.
While Monday was a good day for the defense, the offense had its moments too, and none were better than a diving touchdown by Jake Bobo late in practice. As Bobo ran towards the end zone with cornerback Lance Boykin in coverage, Sam Howell lofted a pass towards the end zone that at first-glance appeared to be too deep, but Bobo, using all of his 6-foot-4 frame, dove and caught the ball with his fingertips, securing the catch as he slammed into the turf.
"I think that was at least top-five," Lockett said when asked where Bobo's catch ranked among those he's seen in camp. "I thought it was a great catch. That was a tremendous catch, and you see it, you got somebody like Bobo going into a second year that can make big time plays whenever you call his name. I think that alone just makes it tough for defenses to figure out what it is that you want to do. We bring our game to the table and the coaches figure out how to utilize everybody."
4. Charles Cross was a standout in one-on-one drills.
When asked about left tackle Charles Cross last week, veteran guard Laken Tomlinson said he couldn't wait to see what the former first-round pick would do when the pads came on.
"He's awesome, man," Tomlinson said. "He's a specimen. A ton of talent. So excited for this kid, especially working the way we're working right now. I'm excited to see him go out there and put them pads on."
With the pads going on, lineman battled in one-on-one pass rush drills Monday, and while plenty of players had good moments, one of the best performers snap after snap was Cross, who showed off the agility and strength that made him a top-10 pick two years ago.
5. A visit from a legend.
It's not unusual for Seahawks players to mingle with former players who attend practice, with various Seahawks Legends regularly making their way to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Less common, however, is seeing a Hall of Fame safety who spent the bulk of his NFL career with the 49ers as a guest at practice, but that was the case Monday when Ronnie Lott, one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, was on hand to watch practice and chat with players after, including Pro Bowl safety Julian Love.
So why, you might be wondering, would a 49ers Legend be taking in a Seahawks practice? As it turns out, Lott's daughter, Hailey, is engaged to defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
The Seahawks held their first padded practice of the 2024 training camp on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) and tight end Brady Russell (38) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Raiqwon O'Neal (79) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks offensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks offensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks offensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90), defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) and defensive end Nathan Pickering (57) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry (85) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonalda and coach Leslie Frazier at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) and safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and nose tackle Matt Gotel (77) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard McClendon Curtis (66) and linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) and defensive end Myles Adams (95) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Nick Harris (56) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) and tackle Stone Forsythe (78) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) and linebacker Sundiata Anderson (47) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Carlton Johnson (37) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Nelson Ceaser (46) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and linebacker Devin Richardson (43) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defense at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kobe Lewis (44) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defense at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge (1) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and center Nick Harris (56) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) and tackle Charles Cross (67) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard McClendon Curtis (66) and linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
