2 key Seahawks struggling early during 2026 NFL training camp

Championship teams understand that defending a Super Bowl title is often more difficult than winning the first one. That is precisely the outlook the Seattle Seahawks have entered during the opening weeks of 2026 training camp. Sure, much of the focus has understandably centered on Sam Darnold’s continued evolution. However, the most revealing developments have emerged in the trenches. Through the first stretch of padded practices, two offensive linemen have found themselves under increasing scrutiny.

Heightened expectations

After capping off a remarkable 17-win season with a Super Bowl LX win, the Seahawks entered the offseason determined to keep their championship window wide open. General manager John Schneider resisted the temptation to overhaul the roster. He prioritized continuity by retaining key contributors, including wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. They also navigated the backdrop of the franchise’s pending $9.6 billion sale to the Khosla family.

Training camp has also presented opportunities for players lower on the depth chart. With Zach Charbonnet and beginning camp on the physically unable to perform list, additional reps have been available throughout practice. That competitive environment has highlighted one unexpected concern.

Instead of questions surrounding skill-position depth, the Seahawks have experienced growing inconsistency along the offensive interior. Two key linemen have struggled to establish momentum against one of the league’s deepest defensive fronts.

OL Christian Haynes

The talented interior lineman entered camp hoping to establish himself as a dependable contributor. Instead, he has repeatedly found himself overmatched during one-on-one pass-protection drills. The result has been frequent interior pocket collapse.

For an offense built around timing, rhythm and efficient decision-making, pressure up the middle is especially damaging. Darnold thrives when he can step confidently into throws, climb the pocket and deliver accurately downfield. Interior penetration eliminates those opportunities.

Haynes’ lateral mobility remains an asset when blocking in space, particularly on outside-zone concepts and second-level assignments. However, athletic ability alone cannot compensate for inconsistent anchoring against powerful interior defenders.

Upper-body strength has become an issue. Too often, Haynes has allowed defenders to gain leverage into his chest. Better hand placement, stronger core balance and improved leverage will all be necessary if he hopes to regain ground over the remaining weeks of camp.

OL Anthony Bradford

Yes, Haynes has battled for consistency in a reserve role. Anthony Bradford’s situation, though, carries even greater urgency. Unlike Haynes, Bradford entered training camp with an opportunity to firmly establish himself as Seattle’s starting right guard. Instead, his first week of padded work has been uneven.

Bradford’s raw power continues to stand out whenever Seattle runs downhill. He creates movement at the point of attack and can overwhelm defenders. Those traits remain valuable within an offense committed to maintaining offensive balance.

Pass protection, however, tells a different story. During full-team periods and individual drills, Bradford has occasionally struggled against defensive line movement. Defensive linemen such as Rylie Mills have forced Bradford into compromised body positioning before attacking open rushing lanes.

Balance has been another recurring issue. Bradford has occasionally overextended while attempting to recover against quicker interior rushers. Those small technical lapses create immediate opportunities for defenders to penetrate the pocket. Competition behind Bradford has also intensified as Beau Stephens continues making a strong impression.

Seattle’s passing game require quarterbacks to confidently step into throws. Interior pressure disrupts all three. If Bradford cannot stabilize his pass protection, the coaching staff may decide that greater consistency outweighs superior physical traits.

Competition matters

Training camp exists specifically to identify weaknesses before games begin to count. Every difficult rep against Murphy, Mills and Seattle’s talented defensive front offers valuable teaching opportunities.

Neither player’s struggles should be viewed as permanent verdicts. Haynes still possesses the athletic profile to become an effective interior blocker. Bradford likewise remains capable of winning the starting right guard job.

Seattle’s coaching staff would undoubtedly prefer both players respond positively rather than forcing difficult personnel decisions. After all, championship teams rarely repeat without quality offensive line depth.

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