2 NFC West players named potential \
2 NFC West players named potential "best players at their position"
The Seattle Seahawks are constantly jockeying for position in the NFC West. In 2024, the division was captured by the Los Angeles Rams, who possessed the tiebreaker over the Seahawks after both teams matched records of 10-7. Moving forward, which NFC West competitor possesses the more ascending talents will have the upper hand in the division-title race.
Pro Football Focus recently compiled a list of which players have a chance to become the best at their respective position in 2025. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, none of their in-house talents qualified. Making matters worse, San Francisco 49ers guard Dominick Puni, and Rams EDGE Jared Verse both made the list.
"Puni was a revelation for the 49ers last season, finishing with the sixth-best overall grade among qualified guards at 80.5," Dalton Wasserman wrote. "A major factor in that success was his effectiveness in Kyle Shanahan's outside zone scheme — his 82.1 outside zone run-blocking grade ranked fifth among all guards. With another year of development in Shanahan's system, both as a run blocker and pass protector, Puni could soon challenge for the top spot at the position."
The Seahawks were out-gained by the 49ers 228-52 on the ground in a Week 6 defeat. Puni played a large role in that dominant showing. Furthermore, 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy was not sacked in that contest. Puni helped stonewall Mike Macdonald's defense.
"Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse is poised to build on his outstanding 2024 season," Wasserman continued. "His 89 pressures, including the postseason, led the NFL. He was also one of just two qualified edge defenders — along with T.J. Watt — to earn at least an 80.0 grade in both run defense and pass rushing. The only blemish on his resume was a league-high 21 missed tackles."
Verse probably won't be the best EDGE in the league this season, given the elite talent at the position. Myles Garrett, Watt, Aidan Hutchinson, and Micah Parsons would like a word. Still, Verse's dominant rookie campaign spells bad news for the Seahawks moving forward.
The Seahawks need to start stacking similar young talents throughout their roster, or they risk falling behind.
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