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Two Seahawks Players Poised for Breakout Seasons
Rylie Mills and Kenny McIntosh could make big impacts for the defending Super Bowl champions in 2026.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl victory, and two young players - defensive lineman Rylie Mills and running back Kenny McIntosh - are primed to take on bigger roles in 2026 after dealing with injuries earlier in their careers. Mills, a fifth-round pick in 2025, flashed his potential with a sack in the Super Bowl, while McIntosh, a seventh-round selection in 2023, has the explosiveness and versatility to provide a boost to the Seahawks' backfield.
Why it matters
The Seahawks are looking to build on their Super Bowl win, and the emergence of Mills and McIntosh could be crucial in their quest to repeat. Both players have the talent to make an impact, but injuries have slowed their development so far. If they can stay healthy, they could provide a significant boost to the Seahawks' defense and offense, respectively.
The details
Rylie Mills was a standout at Notre Dame, finishing his college career tied for ninth all-time in sacks. However, a torn ACL in college landed him on the non-football injury list to start his rookie season in 2025. He did not play until December, but made his presence felt in the Super Bowl with a sack. Mills is a physical specimen at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, and with a full offseason to get healthy, he is poised to become a rotational disruptor on the Seahawks' defensive line. Kenny McIntosh was a versatile back at Georgia, rushing for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 504 receiving yards in 2022. The Seahawks selected him in the seventh round in 2023, but injuries, including a torn ACL, have slowed his start. However, when he has been healthy, he has shown the ability to be an explosive and dynamic playmaker, averaging 5.5 yards per carry in 2024. With questions surrounding the Seahawks' running back depth, 2026 could be McIntosh's opportunity to emerge as a key contributor.
- Rylie Mills was drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Mills recorded his first career sack in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots in February 2026.
- Kenny McIntosh was drafted by the Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
- McIntosh suffered a torn ACL in July 2025, keeping him out of the Seahawks' Super Bowl run.
The players
Rylie Mills
A defensive lineman drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Notre Dame. He finished his college career tied for ninth all-time in sacks at Notre Dame and was a team captain in 2024, helping lead the Fighting Irish to the national title game.
Kenny McIntosh
A running back drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia. He was one of the most versatile backs in the country in college, rushing for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 504 receiving yards in 2022.
The takeaway
The Seahawks have found success by developing young talent, and Mills and McIntosh represent the next wave of players who could make a significant impact for the defending champions. If they can stay healthy and continue to improve, they could be key pieces in the Seahawks' quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
