The Seattle Seahawks defense took big strides under first-year coach Mike Macdonald.
But Tyrice Knight could be in line to take an even bigger step in Year 2 under the defensive-minded head coach. Pro Football Network deemed him a potential break-out candidate for the Seahawks in 2025.
Knight, the 118th overall pick of the Seahawks in the 2024 NFL Draft, had 88 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. The Seahawks went 10-7 but missed the playoffs despite the fact they finished 14th in the NFL in yards-against per game (332.7) and 11th in points-against per game (21.6).
Why Is Tyrice Knight A Seahawks Breakout Candidate In 2025?
According to writer Brandon Austin, Knight has the potential to break out with his ability to effectively defend the pass and opposing teams’ running games..
“Knight also contributed 10 pressures and two pass breakups, showing promise against the run and in coverage,” Austin wrote. “With Seattle lacking depth at linebacker heading into 2025, Knight is poised to lock down a starting spot and become a core piece of Macdonaldâs scheme.”
Although opposing passers had a 71.1 completion percentage against the middle linebacker, Knight missed just four tackles in 2024. He started seven of Seattle’s final eight games, helping it go 6-2 down the stretch, and earned a 64.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, which was 41st out of 84 LBs graded.
“Knightâs rookie-year production and versatility suggest heâs ready to take his game to the next level,” Austin wrote. “The Seahawks will be counting on him to help anchor their defense as they look to build on last seasonâs top-six finish in PFSNâs Defense+ metric.”
What Would Tyrice Knight’s Breakout Year Mean For The Seahawks Defense?
Knight was fourth on the Seahawks in tackles a season ago, behind Julian Love, Devon Witherspoon and fellow inside linebacker Ernest Jones.
Jones was named as “others receiving votes” on ESPN’s list of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL, which was unveiled Tuesday. That puts Jones among the top-30 interior linebackers in the game — even though PFF had him ranked behind Knight with a 60.7 grade that was just 54th.
With Knight poised to break out, after Jones and Love — who was named the 10th-best safety in the NFL by the ESPN list as judged by coaches, general managers and scouts.
Knight, and Jones, will benefit from having Leonard Williams occupying interior defenders, especially since Williams was named the sixth-best defensive tackle in football by the ESPN list.
Plus, Witherspoon is a two-time Pro Bowl slot cornerback.
So there is ample talent on the Seahawks defense. Plus, Macdonald is a brilliant defensive mind, who of course joined the Seahawks after serving as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, and should be deploy the extremely talented defensive unit with a full season in the Pacific Northwest under his belt.
All that is to say the defense should not be the issue in Seattle. If the Seahawks offense can put up points, with Sam Darnold and their reconfigured wide receiving corps, they have all the makings of a dark-horse contender in the wide-open NFC.
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