The Seattle Seahawks added Donte Fowler Jr. in free agency following the 2026 NFL Draft. That acquisition should solidify the team’s edge rushing depth. But in a perfect world, an unknown rookie, such as Marvin Jones Jr., will emerge as a contributor to stabilize the position in the long run for Seattle.
Fansided’s 12th Man Rising’s Ernesto Cova argued Jones could be that player for the Seahawks.
On Monday, Cova referred to Jones as a potential “breakout player nobody expected.”
“The Seahawks value defensive versatility, and Jones can make an impact in both a two-point and three-point stance,” wrote Cova. “He’s still raw and needs to do a better job with his hands, but that makes him a blank canvas for Mike Macdonald and Aden Durde to mold into the type of do-it-all pass rusher they’d want for their heavy rotation of headhunters…
“Jones’ physical tools are enticing. If he shows a strong work ethic and coachability during rookie minicamp, he might as well be worth rolling the dice on. And with proven veterans like Lawrence and Fowler to mentor and coach him up, he might be one of the ‘Dark Side’ defense’s new gems in a year or two.”
At Oklahoma last season, Jones posted 21 combined tackles, including five for loss. He also had two sacks and one pass defense in 13 games.
Expectations for Seahawks Undrafted Edge Rusher Marvin Jones Jr.
Cova would have possessed a stronger argument on Jones if the Seahawks hadn’t signed Fowler on May 5. Seattle inking Fowler to a contract was an indication the team wasn’t completely confident in its edge rushing depth.
Fowler became part of that depth after the Seahawks didn’t address edge rusher during 2026 NFL Draft.
Still, Jones could be part of a long-term plan in Seattle.
“Unlike most teams, the Seahawks can afford to take their time with some of their younger players,” wrote Cova. “They didn’t need to draft or sign players who had to contribute right away, given that they were already set at almost every position after their Super Bowl-winning campaign.”
Jones didn’t live up to his lofty expectations coming out of high school. After transferring from Georgia and Florida State, Jones found a home at Oklahoma. But the edge rusher was a 5-star recruit in the 2022 class yet had eight sacks in 49 college games.
The Seahawks are betting on the pre-college potential still existing.
It’s hard to fault Seattle’s reasoning. Jones stands at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds at the 2026 NFL combine.
What Jones Could Provide Seahawks Edge Rushing Room
Even with the loss of Boye Mafe and some retirement talk around Demarcus Lawrence, Jones faces an uphill battle to the Seahawks roster.
But his physical traits make him worth the undrafted free agency flier. Jones has NFL-caliber athleticism thanks to his family genes. His father, Marvin Jones, was a New York Jets first-round pick at No. 4 overall in the 1993 NFL Draft.
“He has good size and comes from NFL bloodlines,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “His play strength and aggression at the point of attack are average, but his hands stay active and he gets off blocks when needed.
“So far, Jones has not been able to convert his traits into high-level production. His rush plan and toolbox do not stand out on tape.”
With the need at edge rusher, it makes a lot of sense for the Seahawks to give Jones an opportunity. Even if he doesn’t break out as a rookie, he possesses long-term potential.
Seahawks Undrafted Free Agent Dubbed Potential Breakout Player