Promising Seahawks rookie could have a massive impact in 2024

The Seattle Seahawks walked away from the 2024 NFL draft with eight new players but only one selection in the first 80 picks. First-round pick Byron Murphy II was considered one of the blue-chip prospects in this year's draft class and should have no trouble making an impact along the defensive line as a rookie.

Beyond Murphy, it's tough to say whether or not we'll see any other rookies start for Seattle this season. Third-round pick Christian Haynes should be in the mix at right guard, but he'll first have to beat out Anthony Bradford . There is someone who believes Haynes could be a difference-maker this season, though. Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings listed Haynes as one of 32 rookies who could have a massive impact in 2024:

"Christian Haynes was graded as a fringe first-round prospect on my board, and the Seahawks got him in Round 3. Byron Murphy II could have just as great of an impact in a rotation with Jarran Reed and Leonard Williams, but there’s no reason Haynes can’t start. At around 6’3″, 317 pounds, Haynes is a hyper-dense mauler with the combined explosiveness and rotational freedom to pummel opponents into submission. He can pull, pass protect, and control gaps and he immediately upgrades Seattle’s interior line."

Haynes, the 60th-ranked prospect on the Pro Football Focus big board , moves quite well for a guard and excels as a zone-blocker. Cummings considered him a "fringe first-round prospect" and there seems to be a consensus that the Seahawks got good value out of their third-round selection.

Despite Haynes' upside, Bradford is bigger, stronger and more experienced than the rookie. The battle at right guard is one to keep an eye on when training camp opens up in a few weeks.