Christian Haynes. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks finish final signings of rookie class

Originally posted on Pro Football Rumors | By Ely Allen | Last updated 5/17/24

The Seahawks have completed the signing of their rookie class, according to reports from Seahawks senior reporter John Boyle. The team had already signed six of their draft picks and 16 undrafted free agents. Now, with these final two contracts getting inked, Seattle can move on to other offseason activities.

Third-round offensive guard Christian Haynes was the first to sign this morning. In his six years at UConn, Haynes was a four-year starter for the Huskies, redshirting his first season in 2018 and seeing his 2020 season canceled due to Covid-19. He played exclusively at right guard in Connecticut, which sets him up perfectly for a position battle as a rookie.

Between tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, both of whom were acquired in the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Seahawks have a recent history of rookies starting on the offensive line. Last year’s rookie fourth-round pick Anthony Bradford was another such example, starting 10 games at right guard in 2023, but Haynes will have the opportunity to push Bradford for the job this summer.

Sixth-round offensive tackle Michael Jerrell isn’t likely to get the same opportunities. Cross and Lucas are firmly entrenched as Seattle’s starters, but Jerrell, a small-school lineman with quickness, length, and toughness, projects as an intriguing developmental piece in the NFL.

This concludes the Seahawks’ eight-man draft class. The eight players are:

Round 1, No. 16: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas) (signed)
Round 3, No. 81 (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
Round 4, No. 118: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP) (signed)
Round 4, No. 121 (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan) (signed)
Round 5, No. 136 (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn) (signed)
Round 6, No. 179 (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah) (signed)
Round 6, No. 192: DJ James (CB, Auburn) (signed)
Round 6, No. 207 (from 49ers through Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)