Bump: The Seahawks OL who will make the biggest jump

The offensive line has once again been a big storyline for the Seattle Seahawks this offseason.

After another year of struggles in the trenches, improving the O-line figured at the center of Seattle’s offseason plans. But there hasn’t been much change at this point. Free agent addition Josh Jones, who figures to be the team’s No. 3 tackle, remains as the only notable addition to the line.

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That could change during the upcoming NFL Draft when the Seahawks have five picks in the first 92. But regardless of whether or not they add to the offensive line in the draft, it’s become clear the team will be relying on improvement from within moving forward.

General manger John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald have both expressed belief a new offensive coaching staff that includes offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and offensive line coach John Benton can get more out of the young players currently on the roster.

Which Seahawks offensive lineman will make the biggest year-over-year jump in 2025? Seahawks Radio Network analyst and former NFL wide receiver Michael Bumpus was posed that question during his Four Down Territory segment Thursday on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy.

“I think it’s gonna be (Christian) Haynes,” Bumpus said, “and I think it’s gonna be Haynes because of the way that his body is and the way that he plays the game. He’s really quick on his feet. I had to go back and watch some of his college film. He’s great getting to that second level.”

The right fit

The 6-foot-2, 318-pound Haynes was a third-round pick and the first off three offensive linemen selected by the Seahawks in last year’s draft. Yet his 167 snaps played in 2024 were less than sixth-rounders Sataoa Laumea and Michael Jerrell.

Haynes had his chances to earn playing time. The University of Connecticut product spent multiple weeks in a time share at right guard with season-opening starter Anthony Bradford. But when Bradford went down with a season-ending injury in Week 11, it was Laumea who got the nod at right guard for the final six weeks of the season.

However, Bumpus said Haynes’ agility and ability to block in space make him a good fit for Kubiak’s wide-zone offensive scheme, and that the conversation surrounding the third-round pick might be different had Kubiak been the play-caller in 2024.

“Everyone’s going to improve, but the way he plays the game now fits this type of offense,” Bumpus said. “If Kubiak were here last year, I really believe that Christian Haynes would have got more opportunity to be that guy at the guard spot.”

Former Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said last season that power was something Haynes needed improve on. Bumpus sees that as something that’s fixable with a full offseason of focus.

“A year (with an) offseason eating, getting muscle, building and doing all that good stuff while keeping that agility that he has will allow him to take a big step,” Bumpus said. “I hope it’s him because he was a high draft pick for these guys last year, but the more I look into it, the more I think Haynes will be the guy to make the biggest jump.

“Will it be big enough to start over a rookie they bring or maybe a late veteran (free agent)? Who knows, but I think Haynes is a guy.”

Hear the full conversation at this link or in the audio player near the top of this story. Listen to Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.

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