The Seattle Seahawks seem to still be searching for another quarterback as the team is hosting UCF dual-threat athlete John Rhys Plumlee, per On3.com’s Pete Nakos. The information comes despite the Seahawks recently making a deal for quarterback Sam Howell.
“The Seattle Seahawks are bringing former UCF and Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee in for a top-30 visit, a source tells @On3sports,” Nakos detailed in a March 20, 2024 message on X. “He’s been working with Jeff Christensen in anticipation of next week’s Big 12 Pro Day.”
Why is this information important? The Seahawks only get 30 pre-draft visits, and we now know that the franchise is at least using one of them on a quarterback.
Plumlee is outside of the top quarterback prospects and is likely to be more of a day-three candidate in the 2024 NFL draft. The athletic quarterback could also become an undrafted free agent if Plumlee is not selected in the later rounds. It is also possible Seattle sees Plumlee as a Taysom Hill type player who could be used as an athlete all over the field rather than a quarterback.
NFL Draft 2024: UCF QB John Rhys Plumlee Is Being Trained by Patrick Mahomes’ Coach
Plumlee is an interesting prospect who played both basketball and baseball at UCF as well as Ole Miss. The dual-threat signal-caller is working with Patrick Mahomes’ quarterbacks coach Jeff Christensen before the draft.
“Plumlee did not receive an invite to last month’s NFL Combine, however, he’s been working with Patrick Mahomes’ quarterback coach, Jeff Christensen, in anticipation of next week’s inaugural Big 12 Pro Day at The Star in Frisco, Texas,” Nakos wrote in a March 20 story titled, “Seattle Seahawks bringing in UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee for top-30 visit.”
“The Seattle Seahawks hold seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 25 to April 27 in Detroit. Plumlee played in the East-West Shrine Bowl in February, leading the offense on a six-play, 78-yard touchdown drive on his first possession. He also earned practice player of the week honors for the West team.”
Potential Seahawks QB Target John Rhys Plumlee Posted 1,023 Rushing Yards & 12 TDs at Ole Miss in 2019
The quarterback passed for 2,271 yards, 15 touchdowns and 8 interceptions while completing 62.9% of his passes in 10 games for the Knights in 2023. Plumlee was also a significant threat with his legs adding 505 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.
The dual-threat quarterback posted 1,023 rushing yards and 12 TDs on the ground during his freshman season at Ole Miss in 2019. Plumlee transferred to UCF in 2022 after spending three years in the SEC at Ole Miss.
One of the biggest criticisms of Plumlee has been his durability. Plumlee loves to be a physical runner and at times this has increased the physical punishment the quarterback endured.
Seahawks Rumors: Seattle Remains Interested in Quarterbacks Despite Trading for Sam Howell
Seattle is still showing an interest in potentially bringing in another quarterback despite acquiring Howell to be Geno Smith’s backup. Plumlee could be a developmental option for the Seahawks as the team’s third quarterback. NFL Draft Diamond’s Ryan Vidales has a seventh round-priority free agent grade on Plumlee.
“Plumlee handles getting hit well and is not afraid to risk his body to gain a few extra yards,” Vidales explained in his pre-draft profile of Plumlee. “As a thrower, Plumlee has smooth arm movements, a quick, snappy release, and the ability to throw the ball from different arm positions, which might be due to his background in baseball.
“He has precise footwork, a fast setup, and throws the ball effectively when not in the standard position while moving or under pressure. Plumlee demonstrates excellent accuracy and placement for short passes but is less consistent when throwing to the mid and deep areas of the field.”
