Drake Maye has been named the starting quarterback ahead of Sam Darnold for the upcoming season, despite admitting to some struggles during the postseason. Maye’s exceptional performance throughout the 2025 NFL season, coupled with his impressive statistics, secured him the top spot. He achieved an 85.9 overall grade from PFF, ranking him sixth among all quarterbacks, with a remarkable 98.1 deep passing grade, placing him third in that category.
While Maye has faced tough defenses, including the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos, he demonstrated resilience that sets him apart. Kenneth Walker, the standout running back, has proven to be just as crucial, leading the league with a 91.1 PFF grade. Walker’s ability to break tackles is unmatched, posting 69 broken tackles despite having fewer carries than many of his peers, and he remains one of the only three running backs to have over 240 carries this season without a fumble.
On the receiving end, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has established himself as a key player for the Seahawks’ offense, ranking second among receivers in overall PFF grade with a 93.4. His 3.38 receiving yards per route run solidify his status as an essential target, evidenced by being targeted nearly a third of the time during snaps, and boasting an impressive 2.2% drop rate.
Returning from an ACL injury, Stefon Diggs has made a significant impact, leading the Patriots in receptions, targets, and yards. His season boasts an 84.4 PFF overall grade, showcasing him as one of the league’s top wide receivers.
Maye’s connection with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has been notable, highlighted by a 60% catch rate on deep targets, resulting in a high PFF receiving grade. Players like Dawson Knox, and guards like Zabel and Sundell have also made strides in their performances throughout the season, contributing to solid team dynamics.
The Seahawks defense has showcased strength with players like Nick Emmanwori, who demonstrated versatility and efficiency against the Rams, earning an impressive 89.9 PFF coverage grade. Love’s exceptional late-season surge as a safety also deserves recognition as he allowed minimal yardage in coverage, reinforcing Seattle’s defensive capabilities.
The narrative surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft season is picking up momentum, with tools such as the PFF Mock Draft Simulator allowing fans to explore the best prospects while strategizing for their favorite NFL teams. As teams gear up for the draft, anticipation builds for the next wave of talent that will enter the league.
The combined performance of players like Maye, Walker, and Smith-Njigba, paired with a strong defensive lineup, points to a promising future for the Seahawks and other teams prepared to capitalize on this talent surge leading into the next season.