The wait for the next generation of Seattle Seahawks is finally over.
Friday morning at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Kirkland, the team's 2026 rookie class reported for the first official on-field work of their professional careers. Rookie minicamp is a two-day event running May 1-2, and for a franchise that just underwent one of the more fascinating offseasons in recent memory, these practices carry more weight than just a meet-and-greet with the playbook.
This is the first chance for head coach Mike Macdonald, general manager John Schneider, offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, and defensive coordinator Aden Durde to work directly with the new talent. It's also the first time fans get to see the future in action -- even if it's just in shorts and helmets.
Who's in the Building?
The Seahawks confirmed eight draft picks will participate in the minicamp, along with seven signed undrafted free agents and a group of tryout players hoping to earn a camp invite.
The 2026 draft class is headlined by second-round pick Jalen Milroe, the dynamic quarterback from Alabama. Milroe joins a quarterback room that includes veteran Sam Darnold and Drew Lock, giving Seattle an intriguing blend of experience and raw upside. Milroe's mobility and arm talent made him a polarizing prospect, but the Seahawks clearly see a project worth investing in. Macdonald and Fleury will use this weekend to begin installing the offense and gauging how quickly Milroe processes information at the NFL level.
Beyond Milroe, the draft class includes several players who could push for immediate roles:
Nick Emmanwori, the rangy safety from South Carolina, should compete for snaps in a secondary that returns Julian Love and D'Anthony Bell but could use depth behind them. Emmanwori's length and ball skills suit Durde's versatile defensive schemes.
Chris Paul Jr., the linebacker from Ole Miss, brings sideline-to-sideline speed to a corps that already features Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs could earn him sub-package playing time early.
Offensive linemen Grey Zabel and Mason Richman add versatility to a unit that returns staples like Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas at tackle but could benefit from increased depth inside. Zabel's experience at tackle and guard makes him a valuable developmental swing piece.
Receiver Tory Horton, a big-bodied target from Colorado State, joins a receiver room that added stars like Cooper Kupp and Rashid Shaheed this offseason. Horton's size and contested-catch ability provide a new dimension to the passing game.
While cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett enters his third season, rookies Michael Dansby and Andre Fuller will compete for depth roles behind Devon Witherspoon and the projected starters.
The undrafted free agent class includes intriguing names such as defensive lineman Deven Eastern, tight end Lance Mason, and running back Jadarian Price. These players enter minicamp with an uphill climb but a real chance to earn a roster spot in a team that values competition.
What Macdonald and the Staff Are Looking For
This isn't training camp. The pads aren't on. There's no tackling or live scrimmaging. But for Macdonald, who embarks on his second season as head coach after a 10-7 debut in 2025, rookie minicamp is about evaluation beyond physical performance.
"It's a great time of year," Macdonald said via the team's official site ahead of camp. "You get to see how they learn, how they take coaching, how they interact with teammates. The football part will come, but we're really looking for who can process information quickly and who loves the game."
Fleury, the first-year offensive coordinator, will have a particularly busy weekend. Installing even a simplified version of his system for a group including a rookie quarterback, receivers adjusting to pro route concepts, and linemen learning new blocking schemes is no small task. The Seahawks come off a season where the offense showed promise but lacked consistency. The hope is that this rookie class -- combined with veteran additions like Kupp, Shaheed, and running back Jacardia Wright -- can elevate the unit into a more dynamic threat.
On defense, Durde will work with young defensive backs and linebackers in a scheme emphasizing disguise and versatility. Seattle finished 2025 ranked 12th in total defense, according to league data, but Macdonald seeks more turnovers and disruption up front. Rookie defensive end Aidan Hubbard and defensive tackle Rylie Mills will get their first taste of NFL drill work this camp.
Tryout Players and UDFAs: The Lifeblood of Camp
One integral part of rookie minicamp is the tryout players -- unsigned hopefuls given a two-day audition. Each year, some earn spots and contribute. For example, receiver Cody White began his career as an undrafted free agent. Fullback Robbie Ouzts and defensive lineman Brandon Pili also entered the league without draft pedigree and made impacts.
This year's tryout group includes names worth watching. The Seahawks value special teams contributors in these situations, and with key special teams players departing last season, opportunities abound.
The seven signed UDFAs enter minicamp with contracts and initial chances to stand out. Players such as defensive tackle Bubba Thomas and guard Beau Stephens possess the physical tools to stick, though technique and football IQ will determine who advances to training camp.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the 2026 Roster
Rookie minicamp sets the tone for the offseason. The Seahawks are in an intriguing position: a veteran core led by Sam Darnold, wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, and safety Julian Love remains, but the front office clearly seeks young contributors to emerge.
The 2025 season ended in the wild-card round of the playoffs, respectable but insufficient for a front office hungry for more. GM John Schneider reshaped the roster aggressively this offseason, adding proven veterans like Kupp, Shaheed, and pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence while restocking talent through the draft.
The success of this strategy hinges on the rookies' adaptation. If Milroe develops into a franchise quarterback, Emmanwori becomes a long-term safety partner for Love, and several UDFAs progress, Seattle could be a strong NFC West contender.
But it all starts here, in the quiet of a May morning in Kirkland -- no pads, no crowd, no pressure -- just whistles and the first footsteps of a new era.
Blake Pain covers the Seattle Seahawks for Field Gulls.
