Seahawks Draft Defensive Lineman Rylie Mills from Notre Dame

Seattle, WA — The Seattle Seahawks bolstered their defensive line by selecting Notre Dame defensive end Rylie Mills with the 142nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.

The Seahawks acquired the pick through a trade that sent quarterback Sam Howell to the Minnesota Vikings. Mills, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 296 pounds, brings versatility and depth to Seattle’s defensive front.

In his final season at Notre Dame, Mills recorded 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss before suffering a torn ACL during the College Football Playoff. However, the player conveyed optimism during a conference call with reporters, stating, “My knee is really ahead of schedule. I know I talked to [the Seahawks] doctor out there, and my knee is doing awesome. I’m walking around really well and I’m starting to run.”

Mills was a captain for a Fighting Irish team that reached the National Championship game last season. Over five years at Notre Dame, he started 35 games, totaling 108 tackles, 17 sacks, and 26 tackles for loss.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Mills’ strengths, saying, “Mills has the size, strength, and demeanor of a 3-4 defensive end. He’s aggressive and physical but plays off blocks effectively.” While acknowledging some areas for improvement, Zierlein noted, “Mills could become a three-down rotational piece provided there are no lingering issues from the knee injury.”

Mills joins a Seahawks interior line that includes established players like Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, and Byron Murphy II, as the team aims to enhance its defensive capabilities in the upcoming season.