The Seahawks will practice under the lights on Saturday night as part of Seahawks Football Fest at Lumen Field, but before they take the show across Lake Washington to Lumen Field, they were back in action at the Virginia Mason Athletic center once again in a practice that highlighted several members of the rookie class.
Here are six takeaways from Day 9 of Seahawks camp:
1. Nick Emmanwori is on a hot streak.
After Nick Emmanwori picked off a pass in the end zone, despite a shove in the back from fellow second-round pick Elijah Arroyo, the intended target on the deep pass, he spun the ball to celebrate, which cornerback Devon Witherspoon took as an invitation to join in on the celebration, kicking the ball to the sideline as it stood up spinning.
The kick was an impromptu moment from Witherspoon, but the spinning ball celebration was something Emmanwori was considering for the next time he made a big play in training camp after turning in a pair of interceptions already this week.
"I've been thinking about celebrations throughout the week a little bit—I've been making plays, making turnovers, so I wanted to do something for the camera," Emmanwori said. "I knew I was going to spin the ball; I didn't know he was going to kick it though. That's Spoon for you."
It's important to remember that it's still the first week of August and that Emmanwori has yet to play in a preseason game, let alone one that counts in the standings, but a week and a half into his first training camp, it's impossible not to be excited about what he can bring to the defense.
2. Tory Horton "is going to be the steal of the draft" according to one teammate.
Rookie receiver Tory Horton, a fifth-round pick out of Colorado State, wasn't able to show what he could do during offseason workouts and minicamp, the result of a knee injury sustained in his senior season. But back to full strength at training camp, Horton has been showing why he was such a highly productive receiver before the injury, recording 167 catches for 2,267 yards and 16 touchdowns in his two full seasons at Colorado State before the injury.
And on Friday, Horton had his best day yet, making several highlight-reel grabs, including a leaping catch over the middle between two defenders, and a great catch and toe-tap finish in the back of the end zone in seven-on-seven drills.
"It's unfortunate he had an injury in college which kind of hindered his draft process, but I'm glad we got him in Seattle," said Emmanwori. "I think he's one of the best receivers I've seen as far as just growing and developing. You saw him today, he was making all types of plays. I can salute him for that. I think he's going to be a great player for us.
"He had a catch across the middle, a catch in the red zone. Even though I'm on defense, I'm like, 'That's a crazy catch right there. Just giving him props for that. I'm just glad we got him, honestly. I think he's going to be the steal of the draft. Once we get on the field, he'll definitely show what he can do."
3. Are they booing? No, they're saying Oooouzts, Oooouzts.
A tight end in college, Robbie Ouzts is making the transition to fullback as he prepares for his first NFL season, and until Friday that transition has focused on blocking. But after waiting a Week, Ouzts had his number called in the red zone, taking a handoff for a short touchdown run.
Fans celebrated the score with a loud "Oooouzts," and for Ouzts, the carry was his first since high school, he said.
"It's awesome," Ouzts said of getting a carry. "It's a dream come true. My last carry was in high school. A little bit rusty at it, but we worked on it a little bit today in our walk-through. I'm excited to see where that play goes."
Of hearing fans chanting his name a week into his first NFL camp, Ouzts said, "It's a surreal feeling."
And Emmanwori, Horton and Ouzts weren't the only rookies making plays. Quarterback Jalen Milroe had something of an up and down day, missing on a few throws he would surely like back, but he also uncorked a couple of nice deep balls for completions to receivers Tyrone Broden and Steven Sims, the latter going for a touchdown. Additionally, Elijah Arroyo was productive in the passing game yet again, a regular occurrence for the rookie tight end.
4. Devon Witherspoon turned in an impressive pick.
Usually, when a 6-foot-4 receiver is lined up across from a 6-foot corner in one-on-one coverage, that's a matchup that favors the offense, so it was hardly a surprise when, during a red zone session, Sam Darnold decided to throw a fade into the back of the end zone towards Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The problem for the offense was that the aforementioned 6-foot corner was two-time Pro Bowler Devon Witherspoon, and despite giving up four inches to the veteran receiver, Witherspoon was able to position himself in a way to keep Valdes-Scantling from making a play on the ball, then elevate to make the interception.
5. Sam Darnold is looking increasingly comfortable, especially throwing to his top two targets.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is learning not just a new offense but also new pass catchers in his first year in Seattle, so naturally there will be plenty of growth to take place throughout training camp as the offense builds towards Week 1. Darnold has enjoyed a solid camp already, but what is most encouraging is that he looks to be settling into the offense and improving with each passing day. In particular, Darnold had a great day targeting his top two receivers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. He connected with both frequently, including a long gain to Kupp after the veteran receiver ran a great route to get wide open, as well as a perfectly placed pass to Smith-Njigba, who got past Riq Woolen with a nifty double move, for a touchdown.
There will still be some ups and downs for Darnold and the offense as that unit continues to progress, but his increasing chemistry with his top two targets is an encouraging sign.
6. Ernest Jones IV was back.
After a few days away from the team due to what head coach Mike Macdonald described as a personal matter, inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV was back on the field on Friday. Jones, who had knee surgery in the offseason, has been limited in the team portion of practice, and was again on Friday, but he also turned in an impressive play when he was on the field, reading a screen perfectly then flying through blockers to get into position for what would have been a tackle for loss were full tackling permitted in practice.
Also back with the team, though not practicing, was left tackle Charles Cross, who had surgery earlier this week to dislocated finger.
The Seahawks held another training camp practice in front of the 12s at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on August 1, 2025.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) and tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) and tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Keydrain Callahan (17) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) and wide receiver Steven Sims (84) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Steven Sims (84) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 1, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
