Field Gulls
Just three and a half weeks remain in the deadest part of the NFL offseason until the rookies for the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks report for training camp, with veterans set to report the following week.
For the second time in three offseason, Seattle added a college All-American guard into the mix as competition on the interior of the offensive line. This year it was Beau Stephens, added in the fifth round, after the Seahawks used a third round pick in 2024 on Christian Haynes.
There was, of course, fan excitement in the wake of the selection of Stephens that he could lay claim to the starting right guard spot, giving fans who have hoped to see Bradford sent to the bench what they have long wanted. However, as Field Gulls own Ted Zahn covered earlier this offseason, that seems more likely in 2027 than in 2026.
Bradford still struggles at times, with no shortage of social media users quick to upload blooper-worthy lowlight reels in the wake of games, making the question what reason should have have for optimism when it comes to Bradford’s on-field performance this year.
The answer to that question comes in two parts. The first part is more general in nature, and is rooted in the simple fact that the overwhelming majority of young offensive linemen struggle upon entering the NFL. There is no shortage of linemen who had difficulty making the adjustment from college to the NFL, especially younger players who did not have enough playing time in college to hone the finer parts of their craft, or who simply had to effectively relearn how to play their position.
Offensive line is a position where players need three to four years to develop, meaning Bradford falls into the upswing in that category. In addition, offensive linemen, like many other positions, tend to peak in their late twenties, and still just 25 years old entering the 2026 season, meaning there’s likely still room for upside.
But, what specifically could improve? Will some magical development be needed for fans to see an on field improvement in 2026 similar to what Bradford showed in 2025?
The answer to those questions lies in understanding the development curve for offensive linemen at a level of detail that goes beyond simply age and accumulated experience. Specifically, it’s necessary to understand the root of a specific player’s struggles and whether those root causes can be addressed.
In the case of Bradford, one of the biggest impediments to his success was the fact that he entered the league with underdeveloped technique when it comes to pass blocking NFL-caliber pass rushers. Various evaluations of his college tape led to the following pre-draft analyses:
Can improve leverage consistency. Played in a run-heavy offense so pass pro reps have been limited. Can improve hand placement. -Gabe Brooks, 247Sports Scouting Analyst
Lacks footwork in space. Late with his hands. Must sink his butt at the line of scrimmage. -Tony Pauline, ProFootballNetwork...
