With Seahawks training camp kicking off next week, Seahawks.com is counting down, in no particular order, 10 of the most intriguing storylines, position battles and players heading into the 2025 season. So far, we've looked at the return game, tight end, safety, the running game, linebacker, receiver, cornerback and offensive line, and today we turn our attention to the defensive front. Check back tomorrow when we wrap things up with quarterback.
Key Defensive Line/Outside Linebacker Additions: DeMarcus Lawrence (free-agent signing) Rylie Mills (fifth-round pick).
Key Defensive Line/Outside Linebacker Departures: Dre'Mont Jones (released, signed with Titans), Roy Robertson-Harris (released, signed with Giants).
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As the Seahawks defense made a second-half surge last season, helping the team win six of its final eight games, one of the keys to that success was the play of the defensive front.
With a deep rotation of linemen and outside linebackers, led by veterans Leonard Williams, a Pro-Bowler last year, and Jarran Reed, the Seahawks recorded 24 sacks over that eight-game span while allowing 99.8 rushing yards per game. Prior to the bye, the Seahawks had 21 sacks and allowed 139.4 rushing yards per game.
And the Seahawks have every reason to believe their defensive front will once again help the defense be a strength of the team in 2025. By re-signing Reed and veteran nose tackle Johnathan Hankins in the offseason, the Seahawks made sure that their defensive front is coming back mostly intact, though one notable change saw Seattle release Dre'Mont Jones in a salary cap-related move, replacing him with veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, a three-time Pro-Bowler in Dallas, including in 2022 and 2023.
Larwrence will join an edge rotation that includes Boye Mafe and Derick Hall, who combined for 14 sacks last season, and when healthy, Uchenna Nwosu, among others. The interior line is led by Williams and Reed, and will include contributions from Hankins and others, but the one player in that group who might be the most intriguing lineman heading into camp is second-year defensive tackle Byron Murphy II.
Seattle's first-round pick in 2024, Murphy had, from a statistical standpoint, a fairly quiet rookie season, recording 36 tackles, two tackles for loss and half a sack in 14 games, nine of them starts. But those numbers don't show the full impact Murphy had, often doing a lot of the dirty work in the middle of the line to free others up to make plays.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald noted multiple times last season that Murphy was playing at a very high level despite modest statistical production, but he also wants to find ways to put Murphy in positions to make plays more often this year.
"Byron is going to be a great player in this league," Macdonald said at the end of the 2024 season. "He's already is a great player in this league. He's going to have a great career, he's in a great room so his role can skyrocket and it'll be what he makes of it, and he'll create that. But this guy's a three-down player, he's done a great job.
"I'm watching this guy do what he does at practice every day, every pass-rush rep. AD (Aden Durde), those guys are doing the same thing. He does the stuff at a high level, he plays really hard, he's a great technician for being how young he is. Just tough as nails going out there and playing the last game not 100 percent and working through it. Production-wise, I know the sacks aren't there and the pass rush reps, but like every time this guy's taken a three-technique pass rush rep, that means Leonard Williams isn't on the field. And right now, I think Leonard is probably the best interior d-lineman in the game. So, it's like what do you want to do? We have to be more creative to get him on the field, but he'll earn those opportunities, and the production will be there in the long run. I'm convinced of that. This guy's a really good player."
Murphy's playmaking ability won't really show up until pads go on in training camp, but even in offseason workouts, he was showing the coaching staff that he is ready to take his game to the next level in his second season.
"I think the next level for him is just consistency," Durde said last month. "I felt for him, he had a certain role, like a first and second down role, some third down reps. I think he can make a big jump to become an every-down D-tackle and affect the game on all downs and distances. You kind of saw glimpses of it last year, but it's just building that consistency, that mental conditioning, physical conditioning. Understanding what type of situation you're in for that position because there are lots of different things that can happen. And then he plays more, kind of different techniques inside."
The Seahawks defensive line was a strength of the team last year, especially in the second half of the season; a Year 2 leap from Murphy could help that group really become something special.
A day after reporting for training camp, the rookies participated in a practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on July 16, 2025.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh during practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Isas Waxter (36) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Isas Waxter (36) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86), wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) and cornerback Isas Waxter (36) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang (49) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Federico Maranges (62) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks rookies hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jalan Gaines (56) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks rookies hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang (49) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) and running back Jacardia Wright (31) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu during practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Amari Kight (79) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker D'Eryk Jackson (46) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jalan Gaines (56) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde during practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) hit the field for practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald during practice on July 16, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
