Friday marked the first day of making their dreams come true for 50 players at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Drafted and undrafted rookies were on the VMAC practice fields out to make a lasting impression on the Seahawks coaching staff led by rookie head coach Mike Macdonald.
“First practice under our belt, but we’ll see a big jump from first practice to the second practice. Guys are enthusiastic. They’re into it. A lot of things will get cleaned up. It’s a big jump for these guys coming from all the combine training to now being here in the building and doing actual football,’ said Macdonald after Friday’s practice .” Tempo was good. We stayed off the ground. Guys are healthy. It’s a good day. It’s a great day. So we’ll kick it off with some meetings later and walk through and get back after it tomorrow. It was a lot of fun.”
Among the players looking to make their dream of playing in the NFL were the Seahawks 2024 drafted rookies, Byron Murphy II, Christian Haynes, Tyrice Knight, AJ Barner Nehemiah Pritchett, Sataoa Laumea D.J James, and Michael Jerrell. Like their counterparts, the eight were out to show the coaches that they made the right choice in drafting them.
While expectations are higher for the drafted players Macdonald believes the key to building a winning football team is the development of players regardless of how they made it onto the practice field.
“I take a lot of pride in the UDFA process. I told the guys last night, “It doesn’t matter where you start. Everyone’s got an equal opportunity.” There’s levels to it. Draft picks, there’s a little different levels, but that’s something we take a lot of pride in, in developing our guy,’ said Macdonald . “ But like I said, if you’re going to be here, we’re coaching you just like you’re on one of the 90 (90-man roster) and just like we would roster spots one through five. Absolutely, we’re excited about those guys for sure.”
As for the players here is what four of the team’s draftees had to say about their first day of rookie camp.
Byron Murphy II
On his first day of rookie minicamp
“For me, personally, I feel like I had a great day of practice, I feel like there are some things I need to work on. I’m still learning, I’m still getting into the groove of things. Overall, today I feel like I had a good day.”
On his head coach Mike Macdonald
“I love coach (Mike) Macdonald. I feel like he is very demanding. I feel like I want to play for a coach like that, a coach that pushes me and wants me to be great. I love it.”
On how he feels like the scheme and his talents will mesh
“I feel like the scheme, the defense we run, the position I am in will create a lot of one-on-one’s for me. With one-on-one’s, I feel like I can get a lot of sacks and have successful seasons and a successful career.”
G Christian Haynes
On not wearing pads and what he is trying to display and show as an offensive lineman
“Just technique-wise learning what the coaches want and showing that I can still move my feet, have my hands in the right placements. Showing that I am able to (be) a technique-sound player.”
On his what his first week has been like since being drafted
“It’s been surreal just trying to take everything in, but also trying to get ready for rookie minicamp, so no I am here. It’s been great from day one.”
LB Tyrice Knight
On his first day on the field since being drafted
“It felt good getting out there for the first day, able to get my feet wet, showing that I want to be here. I’m honestly looking forward to the next day to keep stacking days on days and make a better name for myself.”
On head coach Mike Macdonald
“He’s someone who is straightforward, he’ll get to the point. He has a good side, but you’re probably not going to meet that yet, but he’s pretty straightforward. I know he expects the best of me, and I respect him for that, I think we’ll get along pretty well.”
On what this past week has been for him
“It’s been pretty big for my family, more than me, they’re really proud of me, making mom and dad cry and stuff like that. Honestly, I’m glad I did the right thing staying straightforward and was able to make this happen. So I just have to continue to go forward so they won’t feel any regrets that I got to this point.”
TE AJ Barner
On what the last week has been like for him
“It’s been sick. A great place to be, great coaches, great football fans and great tradition too. Can’t ask for more than that.”
On if Ryan Grubb gave him a hard time about their faceoff in the national championship
“No, it was a great game. Two great teams, two great programs and that’s what happens when you get good people and good players together, there is going to be great competition. I just can’t wait to work with him.”
On his relationship with Jack Westover after playing against him in the national championship
“Jack’s (Westover) my guy. We were able to hangout during the pre-draft process too, just chop it up, talk ball and get to know each other too. He knows Seattle well and the state, he’s from here so even outside of football getting the lay of the land, it’ll be great to be with him.”
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