The first day of the Seahawks’ rookie mini camp was like the first day of school, with the rookies, free agents, and Mike Macdonald’s coaching staff.  Everyone was brimming with wide smiles and eager to get to the work at hand . The players were determined to show the coaches they belonged, and the coaches were eager to see which players belonged. The Macdonald-led coaching staff was in full teaching mode.
DRAFTED PLAYERS WERE A STEP ABOVE
Close to 72 players were on the field, a mixture of drafted players, undrafted players who the Seahawks signed after the draft, and tryout players who were not drafted but were signed to participate in the two-day camp. It was obvious during the first day who were the drafted players. First-round draft pick Grey Zabel’s quickness, strength, and pop during offensive line drills showed why he is on track to be a starter. Zabel had most of his reps at guard along fellow draftees, Bryce Cabeldue and Mason Richman. Cabeldue saw reps at guard with Richman seeing the majority of his reps at both tackle positions. Cabeldue was asked about playing alongside Richman.
“It is definitely awesome knowing that the person right next to me, I can rely on, I could count on. The more plays we get to run, the more time we’re spending time watching film, going over the plays, we just keep building this camaraderie., ” Said Cabeldue .”The more you know, then the faster you’re going to be able to play. You have this camaraderie between the two of us, it just elevates us even more.”
POTENTIAL OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER
In addition to the online draftees, quarterback Jalen Milroe impressed onlookers with his poise in the pocket, ability to go through all of his progressions, ability to throw a tight and accurate spiral, and ability to use his feet when needed.  Tight End Elija Arroyo showed speed, agility, soft hands, and an ability to get downfield in passing drills and seven-on-seven noncontact scrimmages.  The other offensive draftees to shine were wide out Tory Horton Rick White III and running back Damien Martinez. Of the team’s two defensive draftees, Nick  Emmanwori showed his worth in coverage drills and scrimmages. An eye for the ball when in the box and an ability to get back in coverage were a few of the traits he showed on Day One.  Former Notre Dame defensive tackle  Rylie Mills is still recovering from a season-ending injury suffered in the first round of the College Football playoffs. Â
