Imagine a college football star, poised for greatness, only to have their dreams shattered by a devastating injury. That’s exactly what happened to Rylie Mills, a defensive lineman from Notre Dame, whose ACL tear in the College Football Playoff seemed to derail his promising career. But here’s where it gets inspiring: just over a year later, Mills not only made it to the NFL but recorded his first career sack in the Super Bowl. How did this remarkable turnaround happen? Enter the Seattle Seahawks and a strategic trade involving Sam Howell that set the stage for Mills’ redemption story.
Mills’ journey to the NFL was anything but straightforward. After his injury cut short his college career, he slipped to the fifth round of the draft, where the Seahawks saw an opportunity. Seattle, known for its formidable defensive front, made a bold move on Day 3 of the draft, trading up 30 spots to secure Mills. And this is the part most people miss: the trade involved sending backup quarterback Sam Howell to the Minnesota Vikings, who then flipped the pick in a series of moves that ultimately benefited the Seahawks in unexpected ways.
Mills’ rookie season was a testament to resilience. Despite starting late due to his recovery, he made an immediate impact. In Seattle’s Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots, Mills played just five snaps, but two of those resulted in sacks—a 40% efficiency rate that showcased his potential. When asked about his future during Super Bowl media week, Mills expressed excitement for a full offseason to learn Mike Macdonald’s defense. ‘It’s been really cool to feel like myself again and have that time to develop and get better,’ he said, highlighting the challenges of returning from a major injury.
Here’s the controversial part: Had Mills not been injured, he likely would have been drafted much higher. Instead, the Seahawks landed a potential long-term asset at a bargain. His development in the 2025 season will undoubtedly be one of Seattle’s most exciting storylines to watch.
But how did the Seahawks pull this off? It started with general manager John Schneider’s savvy maneuvering. Seattle traded Howell and their fifth-round compensatory pick to the Vikings for the 142nd overall pick, which they used to select Mills. The Vikings, in turn, traded the pick to the Los Angeles Rams, who drafted linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul Jr. In a surprising twist, Paul was waived and eventually landed on the Seahawks’ practice squad. Meanwhile, the Vikings turned Seattle’s pick into two sixth-round selections, drafting linebacker Kobe King and tight end Gavin Bartholomew—neither of whom has made a significant impact so far.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: The Seahawks’ use of compensatory picks—their first since 2020—was key to this strategy. Comp picks aren’t just about drafting players; they’re about increasing draft capital to make moves. For instance, Seattle traded their fourth-round comp pick to the Patriots, then flipped it to the Browns for two later picks, which they used to select guard Bryce Cabeldue and wide receiver Tory Horton. Fullback Robbie Ouzts was their only compensatory pick without a trade attached.
In the end, the Seahawks turned their comp picks and Sam Howell into Mills, Horton, Ouzts, and Cabeldue—a haul that underscores Schneider’s ability to maximize value. While they won’t have comp picks in 2026, a conservative free agency approach could bring them back into the comp pick pool by 2027.
So, a tip of the cap to the Vikings and former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, now with the 49ers. Their role in Seattle’s Super Bowl success might not be obvious, but it’s undeniable. But here’s the question for you: Was the Seahawks’ trade for Mills a stroke of genius, or did they simply get lucky with an injured prospect? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
