The NFL Combine is the ultimate job interview for hundreds of prospects, and for teams like the Seattle Seahawks, it's a critical piece of the pre-draft puzzle. While the tape tells the primary story, the measurements, athletic testing, and interviews in Indianapolis can solidify a grade, raise a flag, or introduce a new name to a team's board. For a Seahawks franchise that has consistently prioritized building its defense from the outside in, the edge rusher group is always under a microscope.
According to Dom Skene of Seahawks Wire, part of the USA Today Network, three edge rusher prospects in particular made a strong impression on the Seahawks' contingent during the 2026 Combine workouts. While no official team statements confirm these interests, the reported attention aligns perfectly with Seattle's historical draft patterns and current defensive needs. Let's break down the trio of pass rushers who could be on Seattle's radar as the draft process heats up.
The Athletic Freak: Darius Vance, Ohio State
If there's a prototype for the modern NFL edge defender, Darius Vance spent the weekend in Indianapolis building a strong case that he is it. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds, Vance's frame is exactly what teams covet on the edge. But it was his athletic testing that likely sent Seahawks scouts back to their tablets to re-watch his Ohio State tape with renewed vigor.
Vance reportedly posted a blistering 4.48-second 40-yard dash, a number that is elite for a player of his size and puts him in rare company historically. His 1.55-second 10-yard split indicates a devastating first step, the kind that can embarrass offensive tackles before they've even settled into their stance. Combine that with a 38-inch vertical leap and a broad jump over 10 feet, and you have the profile of a player whose athletic ceiling is through the roof.
For the Seahawks, Vance represents the high-upside, high-risk/high-reward prospect they have occasionally taken a swing on. His college production was solid but not otherworldly, which is often the case with players whose physical tools outpace their technical refinement. Seattle's coaching staff, particularly under a defensive-minded head coach, would likely relish the challenge of harnessing that raw explosiveness and developing Vance's pass-rush plan. He fits the mold of a long, powerful LEO or defensive end who can set a hard edge against the run while developing into a primary pass-rush threat. If he's available when Seattle is on the clock in the first round, the temptation to add this caliber of athlete could be overwhelming.
The Polished Technician: Marcus Thorne, Clemson
While Vance wowed with his testing numbers, Marcus Thorne from Clemson impressed in a different, perhaps more immediately translatable way. Thorne didn't have the eye-popping 40 time, but his overall workout was described as smooth, powerful, and technically proficient--a direct reflection of his play on the field. At 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, Thorne possesses a compact, powerful build reminiscent of some of the league's most consistent pressure generators.
Where Thorne likely caught Seattle's eye was in the drills that simulate football movement. His agility in the bag drills, his ability to change direction without losing speed, and his powerful hands during the strike drills all point to a player who is already advanced in his technique. For a Seahawks team that has sometimes struggled with consistent pressure outside of schematic blitzes, a player like Thorne who can win with hand-fighting, leverage, and a diverse set of moves could be incredibly appealing.
Thorne's college tape shows a high-motor player with a non-stop engine, a trait the Seahawks have always valued. He plays with discipline against the run and has a knack for finding the quarterback. He may not have the "wow" factor of a top-five pick, but he profiles as a high-floor, Day 1 contributor who could slot into multiple roles across the defensive front. In a draft where Seattle might be looking for immediate impact rather than a multi-year project, Thorne's Combine performance likely solidified him as a safe, reliable target, potentially in the second round.
The Versatile Weapon: Elijah Soto, UCLA
The modern NFL defense demands versatility, and few prospects showcased a more diverse skill set at the Combine than UCLA's Elijah Soto. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Soto's build is leaner than the traditional defensive end, but his testing confirmed he has the athleticism to play a hybrid role. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash and exceptional times in the three-cone and short shuttle drills highlight rare change-of-direction ability for his size.
This is where the Seahawks' interest becomes particularly intriguing. Soto's profile is that of a player who can put his hand in the dirt as a pass-rushing end on obvious passing downs but also stand up and operate as an outside linebacker, dropping into coverage or coming off the edge. In an era where offensive schemes are designed to create mismatches, a defender like Soto who can counter that flexibility is a valuable commodity.
Soto's performance in linebacker drills was reportedly sharp. He moved fluidly in space, showed good instincts in coverage drills, and demonstrated the kind of football IQ that allows a player to wear multiple hats. For a Seahawks defense that has experimented with various sub-packages and hybrid fronts, a player of Soto's mold offers a schematic chess piece. He could be deployed as a blitzer from the second level, a spy on mobile quarterbacks, or a coverage player against athletic tight ends. His Combine showing proved he has the athletic baseline to do all of those things at the NFL level, making him a fascinating mid-round target who could fill a very specific and evolving need in Seattle's defensive playbook.
Why the Seahawks' Focus Makes Sense
The reported interest in these three distinct edge rusher archetypes is a textbook example of how the Seahawks operate during the draft process. They cast a wide net, evaluating every type of player that could fit their system, knowing that draft night often comes down to value and availability.
Seattle's commitment to building through the defensive line is well-documented. Since the franchise's defensive renaissance in the early 2010s, the pass rush has been the engine of the unit. While the names and faces on the roster have changed, the philosophical commitment to finding dynamic edge players has not. The Combine is a key venue for identifying which prospects have the physical and mental makeup to join that legacy.
As the draft approaches, the performances of Darius Vance, Marcus Thorne, and Elijah Soto in Indianapolis will be a significant part of their evaluation files in Renton. One could be the explosive first-round pick who becomes the face of the pass rush. Another could be the steady, productive second-day selection who contributes for a decade. The third could be the versatile weapon that unlocks new possibilities for the defensive coordinator.
According to the reporting, all three have taken a crucial step forward in that journey by making a positive impression on the Seattle Seahawks. Where it leads on draft day remains to be seen, but the Combine has once again helped clarify the picture for a team always on the hunt for its next great pass rusher.