Five Upcoming Talented Players on Seattle’s Radar for the Preseason Lineup
The Seattle Seahawks will open the preseason against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday evening. Week One of the preseason represents the Seahawks’ first opportunity in training camp to compete against another team. They’ll participate in joint practices later this month during the preseason timetable. There have been five standout players on offense worth monitoring versus the Raiders in Week One of the preseason. Those being rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, wide receivers Tory Horton, Ricky White III, and offensive linemen Jalen Sundell, Christian Haynes. These men are just five members of the 90 count Seahawks lineup for this upcoming NFL season this year.
Let’s start with Jalen Milroe; he has a 93-speed rating, which makes him the second fastest QB in the NFL, according to the roster for Madden 26. It is expected that Jalen Milroe to see the majority of snaps this season. With starting QB Sam Darnold not expected to start right away, Drew Lock is being claimed as the Seahawks’ signal caller. Milroe is also classified as a dual-threat, third-round rookie and could deliver fireworks for the Seahawks during the preseason matchups. Milroe’s athleticism is off the charts, even if he is far and away from starting real NFL games anytime soon.
Next is wide receiver Tory Horton, who has been among the best performers at training camp before this preseason. There are some whispers within the Seahawks nest that he could even dethrone Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a starting gig next to Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 11 personnel. A big-time showing for Horton in the preseason would keep the hype train going. The former Nevada and Colorado State standout has been working with the reserve offense. Horton is also one of the wideouts in the mix for overall playing time for the team as well.
Horton had transferred to Colorado State from Nevada ahead of the 2022 campaign and strung together two huge campaigns for the Rams. Across 2022 and 2023, Horton combined to record 167 receptions for 2,267 yards and 16 touchdowns. His 2024 season was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury. He hopes to be in tip-top shape and break into the first-team offense.
Now, for wide receiver Ricky White III, he has also made the occasional splash play at training camp practice. Even if he is more so competing for a roster spot. He’ll also need to be a difference maker on special teams. Preseason performances could ultimately decide his fate. Yet that will be left to be seen, starting either in tonight’s season or come the preseason and main season ahead.
Jasun Sundell is one of two offensive linemen that I will be spotlighting. The Seahawks have allowed him to compete with Olu Oluwatimi for the starting gig at center for the team. Even if Oluwatimi has been nursing a minor injury, and is not expected to play Thursday evening. This could allow Sundell an extended look, as well as giving him a bigger window of opportunity at that gig if he is able to secure that spot on the team.
Finally, we have Christian Haynes, who has gotten opportunities at both guard and center this offseason. The sophomore blocker doesn’t appear primed to win a starting gig at either spot. Even if he has been the third-string center, working behind Olu Oluwatimi and Jalen Sundell. Though a strong showing in the preseason could increase his chances of starting, though. That is left to be seen, starting with tonight’s game and beyond. Much like the other players that have been mentioned.
