The Seahawks and the league's other 31 teams are back from the NFL Scouting Combine and are now gearing up for free agency, which begins next week. And with the NFL offseason heating up, now is a great time to open up the mailbag and answer some questions from you, the fans. As always, thanks to everyone who asked questions this week, and apologies if I wasn't able to get to yours this time around. And remember, the mailbag is always open for submissions at Seahawks.com/mailbag, or you can always hit me up on Twitter/X at @johnpboyle.
@MrEd315 asks, "In your opinion, which positions should the Seahawks address in free agency, and which should be filled in the draft?"
A: It's pretty easy to look at the roster of the Seahawks, or any other team, and identify some needs heading into free agency and the draft. For example, the Seahawks need to add at tight end and safety, after releasing Will Dissly, Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams, and with Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson both set to become free agents next week. Linebacker and interior offensive line both are potentially positions of need depending on how things go in free agency with Jordyn Brooks, Bobby Wagner, Evan Brown, Phil Haynes and Damien Lewis.
But if identifying the needs is the easy part, figuring out the best way to address them is much more complicated, and it's why general manager John Schneider and his player personnel department are making those decisions and not you, me, or anyone else throwing around their opinions on social media.
I'm not going to pretend I know all the specific plans for filling out the roster, but in general terms, I would say that teams like to address a lot of their needs in free agency, at least in some capacity, prior to the draft to avoid reaching for specific positions in the draft. That doesn't mean the Seahawks need to spend huge money on every position, but finding good value signings that could fill in several of those holes on the roster can be very good for the draft process.
And on a somewhat related note, CelestialMosh asks, "What would be the biggest position of need at this point with the 16th pick?"
A: To ask what the biggest need at this point is in relation to the draft is something of an exercise in futility because, by the time the draft rolls around, a lot of those needs will have been addressed. But even if there are still needs in the draft, the Seahawks won't necessarily make a decision at No. 16 based on need. That, as Schneider has outlined in the past, is how mistakes get made. Having been in the draft room for all of Seattle's picks last year, I can tell you that for pretty much every one of their picks, the Seahawks legitimately took the top player on their board rather than pick for need. Now, it's worth noting here that, as Schneider has explained, the Seahawks build their draft board based on their team, meaning need is somewhat of a factor in how they grade players, so it's somewhat baked into the formula, so to speak. But once the board is set and the picks start happening, I would expect that the Seahawks will again make a decision based on who they have graded highest, not on what position they feel needs more help in that moment.
Ghost Alaria from Portland asks, "Why did the Seahawks choose to part ways with Quandre Diggs and Will Dissly? They were doing a good job?"
A: An unfortunate reality of the NFL and its salary cap is that, every year, pretty much every team has to make some difficult decisions, some of which involve releasing good players in order to create more cap space. Quandre Diggs was really good player last year, Jamal Adams has been an impact player when healthy, and while his role decreased somewhat last year, Will Dissly has been a great Seahawk both on the field and as a leader. Those players being released isn't a sign that they can't still play, and as we've seen in the past, it doesn't always guarantee their Seahawks careers are over, but as things stood with the new league year coming up, a hard decision was made to move on from those players in order to create more cap space. Everyone involved, from the front office to players to fans, knows this is part of the game, but that doesn't change the fact that human beings, and their families, are affected by these decisions and it can be tough on all involved.
@Listen_Stupid asks, "We all know it probably won't happen, but if Seattle wanted to move up to No. 3 in the draft, what would we have to give up?"
A: I like that you prefaced this question by pointing out how unlikely it is to save me from doing it, but just for fun, let's look at some draft pick value charts to see what it would take to move up from 16 to 3…
The short answer is: a lot. For those who don't waste a lot of their time on draft hypotheticals—and good for you for that—there are several different versions of draft pick value charts that assign points to each pick, and as you might expect, the picks near the top are worth a heck of a lot more than even mid first-rounders. For example, the chart on Pro-Football-Reference has the third pick valued at 2,200 points, compared to 1,000 points for the No. 16 pick, which Seattle currently holds, and there are a few other sites out there that have similar values. Overthecap.com, meanwhile, uses a slightly different chart that has No. 3 valued at 2,443 points and 16 at 1,595, so either way, we're talking about a big difference, one that wouldn't be made up just by adding a bunch of picks from this year's draft. Big moves up in the first round almost always require dipping into future draft picks, namely first-rounders, and a team looking to make a big move up from No. 16 would no doubt be looking at giving up a future first-rounder, and then some.
For a somewhat comparable recent example, the Texans moved up last year from No. 12 to No. 3 in a trade with Arizona, and despite not having as far to move up, the Texans still had to give up that 12th pick, No. 33 overall (the Seahawks don't currently have a second-rounder) and 2024 first and third-round picks in exchange for the No. 3 pick plus a fourth-rounder in last year's draft. And in 2021, the 49ers gave up that year's 12th overall pick, 2022 first and third-rounders and a 2023 first-round pick to move up to No. 3 in order to select quarterback Trey Lance. And again, in both of those examples, teams were moving from No. 12 to No. 3, so the price would likely be even steeper for the Seahawks to move up from 16. Is it impossible, I suppose not, but my strong suspicious is that I just wasted my time and yours looking all of that up.
@MarcSheehan006 asks, "What are the chances the Seahawks trade back in the first round?"
A: Now we're talking. Unlike that last question about a hypothetical first-round trade, this scenario feels much more likely. As always, whether or not the Seahawks move back depends on several factors, including who is left on the board. For example, if the Seahawks are on the clock and have five players left on their board with similar first-round grades, and have a trade partner looking to move up three or four spots, then they might very well pull the trigger knowing they'll still get a player they really like. Conversely, if there is one player standing out above all others at 16, then they probably won't want to deal. For example, the Seahawks had an offer for the No. 5 pick last year, but they really, really wanted Devon Witherspoon so John Schneider quickly called back that team’s general manager to tell him, “We’re picking." A year earlier, the Seahawks also had a chance to move back, but decided to stay put and take Charles Cross.
With no second-round pick, general manager John Schneider will no doubt at least consider possibilities to move back and add some extra Day 2 draft capital, but only if the situation is right, and of course, if there is even a willing partner looking to move up.
@GoChawks1 asks, "Didn't Mike Macdonald coach Mike Morris at Michigan? Did he have any comments on coaching him now?"
A: Macdonald did indeed coach Morris for one season during his year as the Wolverines' defensive coordinator, and while he has mentioned reuniting with Morris briefly, he hasn't yet gotten into detail, with the media anyway, on his plans for Morris, who missed almost his entire rookie year due to injury.
Morris, however, has talked about playing for Macdonald and was thrilled with the news that his former defensive coordinator was taking over in Seattle.
"I was so happy," Morris said after Macdonald was hired, "I know the guy we're going to get, and I know everything that he put into Michigan and everything he put into the defense at Michigan and everything that he's going to put in to now."
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle. In six seasons, Dissly totaled 127 receptions, 1,421 yards and 13 touchdowns with Seattle.
Washington tight end Will Dissly scores a touchdown against Montana in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington's Will Dissly, left, is brought down by Utah's Jaylon Johnson on a 28-yard, first-down pass play to the Utah two yard line late in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Seattle. Washington won 33-30. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington tight end Will Dissly (98) against Penn State during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Washington tight end Will Dissly participates in the Bench Press at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Washington tight end Will Dissly runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Washington tight end Will Dissly runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
Tight end Will Dissly was drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and would go on to play six seasons in Seattle.
