Iowa's Beau Stephens Faces Uphill Battle After Seahawks Camp Standout Emerges
DES MOINES — The first week of Seattle Seahawks training camp has brought good news for the defending Super Bowl champions, but for former Iowa Hawkeye Beau Stephens, the path to playing time just got a lot tougher.
Stephens, a fifth-round draft pick out of Iowa in 2026, entered camp with a real chance to compete for a starting guard spot. The Seahawks offensive line had a glaring weakness at right guard, where Anthony Bradford struggled for three straight seasons. But Bradford has turned heads during the first week of practice, flipping the script and locking down his job.
That leaves Stephens, a promising rookie from the heartland, on the outside looking in for now.
How Anthony Bradford Changed the Narrative
Bradford entered his fourth NFL season under pressure. He had been a starter for three years but was widely viewed as the weak link on Seattle's offensive line. According to Seahawks On SI reporter Jeremy Brener, Bradford has been one of the top performers in camp so far.
“Seattle loves to control the game by winning at the line of scrimmage, and that could become an easier task for them should Bradford step up his game this season,” Brener wrote.
If Bradford continues this trajectory, the Seahawks will have little reason to replace him. That directly impacts Stephens, who was seen as a potential starter precisely because of Bradford's struggles.
What This Means for Beau Stephens
Stephens, a native of Iowa City, was considered a steal on Day 3 of the draft. He anchored the Hawkeyes offensive line with power and technique, earning All-Big Ten honors. But the NFL is a results business, and Bradford's resurgence means Stephens will likely need to wait his turn.
To be clear, Stephens has not played poorly. His placement on this list is less about his own performance and more about the reality that Bradford has seized the opportunity. For a rookie drafted in the fifth round, every snap in camp matters. If Bradford remains consistent, Stephens may spend his first season developing on the bench or as a reserve.
Still, Iowa fans know Stephens has the grit and work ethic to keep pushing. The Seahawks have a history of developing late-round picks, and a strong preseason could still earn him a rotational role.
Other Iowa Connections in Seahawks Camp
The Seahawks have long valued players from Iowa and the Midwest. While Stephens is the only former Hawkeye on the roster this season, the team's culture of toughness and discipline fits the mold of Iowa football.
Seattle also features linebacker Tyrice Knight, who has been a standout in camp. Knight, a 2024 draft pick, has 145 tackles and 3.5 sacks in two seasons and is pushing for more playing time behind starters Ernest Jones and Drake Thomas.
“He has been having a great camp,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said. “There are ways to get him out there. He is definitely applying pressure right now, which is great.”
Knight's emergence shows that Seattle is willing to reward hard work and performance, which bodes well for Stephens if he continues to develop.
Running Back Jadarian Price Shines as First-Round Pick
Another bright spot for the Seahawks has been first-round running back Jadarian Price. The rookie has already taken over first-team reps and turned heads with explosive plays, including a run that caught veteran linebacker Drake Thomas off guard.
“He's good man,” linebacker Ernest Jones said with a wide smile when asked about Price.
Using a first-round pick on a running back is a bold move, but early returns suggest Seattle may have found a game changer.
Secondary Depth a Concern for Seattle
On the negative side, the Seahawks secondary has been hit hard by injuries. Second-year safety Nick Emmanwori, a versatile playmaker, remains sidelined after offseason ankle surgery. His absence has forced Seattle to explore adding veteran safety Donovan Wilson for depth.
Emmanwori can line up in multiple spots, including the slot, making his absence a major blow. Without him, the secondary lacks the flexibility that made it dangerous last season.
What's Next for Stephens and the Seahawks
Training camp continues through August, with preseason games beginning soon. For Beau Stephens, the next few weeks are critical. He needs to show coaches he can be a reliable backup and push for snaps if Bradford falters.
Iowa fans will be watching closely. The state has a proud tradition of sending players to the NFL, and Stephens has the pedigree to succeed. But in the NFL, opportunity is everything. Right now, Bradford has seized it.
Stephens will need to keep working, stay ready, and hope his moment comes.