The Seahawks 2024 training camp begins with new intensity under Mike Macdonald, as DeMarcus Lawrence impresses and Kenneth Walker III returns to full health.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The air at the VMAC felt different Saturday. As Mike Macdonald's first training camp as head coach got underway, a new standard of intensity was immediately apparent, personified by the relentless motor of new edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. Adding to the buzz, star running back Kenneth Walker III was a full participant, looking explosive after being limited by a past ankle injury. It was a day of fresh starts, loud pads, and a clear message: the 2025 Seahawks are here to work.
He's the best drill player I've ever seen in my life.
The biggest takeaway from Day 1 was the immediate impact of DeMarcus Lawrence. The veteran pass rusher was a force of nature in every drill, drawing effusive praise from his new head coach. 'He's the best drill player I've ever seen in my life,' Macdonald told reporters, setting a high bar for the entire defensive unit. This is precisely the kind of tone-setting leadership GM John Schneider envisioned when signing him. For a defense that ranked 14th last season and is installing a new system, Lawrence's veteran presence and non-stop motor could be the catalyst for a significant leap forward.
While the defense was setting the tone, the offense had its own reasons for optimism. Seeing a fully healthy Kenneth Walker III cut and accelerate without limitation was a massive boost. 'He looked great,' Macdonald confirmed, easing fears about any lingering effects from his ankle issue. K9's health is paramount for an offense breaking in a new quarterback, Sam Darnold, and a completely retooled receiver room featuring Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The offensive shift was further underscored by the recent release of tight end Noah Fant. The move, which frees up cap space, signals confidence in new OC Klint Kubiak's system and paves the way for rookie Elijah Arroyo to earn a significant role.
It wasn't all positive news on the injury front. Veteran nose tackle Johnathan Hankins, a key offseason signing for the defensive interior, began camp on the non-football injury (NFI) list with a back issue. While Macdonald expressed confidence that Hankins would be ready for the regular season, his absence is notable. More concerning is the status of Uchenna Nwosu, whose availability for Week 1 is reportedly in doubt as he continues to recover from a knee injury. These situations, combined with the roster churn of releasing Fant and signing rookies like Arroyo and DB Nick Emmanwori, highlight the fluid nature of the roster as the team builds towards September.
The first day of camp set a clear tone of intensity and change. While the energy is palpable, the real test begins now. Can Sam Darnold command this revamped offense? Will the defense, led by its new star pass rusher, live up to the hype? And can the team navigate early injuries to key veterans? The journey back to the top of the NFC West has officially begun, and it promises to be a fascinating watch.
