Imagine a college football star’s career derailed by a devastating injury, only to rise like a phoenix and sack a quarterback in the Super Bowl just a year later. That’s the story of Rylie Mills, the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive lineman whose journey from Notre Dame heartbreak to NFL glory is nothing short of remarkable. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Mills’ late start in the NFL a setback, or did it fuel his determination to prove the doubters wrong? Let’s dive in.
It was just over a year ago when Mills’ world turned upside down. During Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff opener against Indiana, he tore his ACL, abruptly ending his college career just as the team was marching toward the National Championship Game. While Notre Dame ultimately fell to Ohio State, Mills was left to rehab and rebuild, his draft stock in question. Fast forward to three weeks ago, and Mills found himself on the biggest stage in sports, recording his first career sack in the Super Bowl. Talk about a redemption story.
Mills’ impact in Seattle’s win over the New England Patriots was brief but impactful. In just five snaps, he contributed to two sacks, making 40% of his time on the field a nightmare for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. When Field Gulls caught up with Mills during Super Bowl media week, he shared his excitement for a full offseason to immerse himself in Mike Macdonald’s defense. ‘That’ll be great,’ Mills said. ‘I’m really excited. Coming in after surgery and all that, it’s been cool to feel like myself again and have time to develop.’
And this is the part most people miss: Mills’ injury likely dropped him in the draft, but the Seahawks saw an opportunity. They snagged him in the fifth round after a bold trade with the Minnesota Vikings, giving up backup quarterback Sam Howell and a compensatory pick. Seattle’s front office believed Mills could be a long-term piece in their already formidable defensive line, and so far, they’ve been right.
But how did this trade come together? The Vikings, who initially acquired Howell and Seattle’s pick, flipped the pick to the Los Angeles Rams, who drafted linebacker Chris ‘Pooh’ Paul Jr. In a twist of fate, Paul was waived and eventually landed on the Seahawks’ practice squad. Meanwhile, Minnesota used Seattle’s assets to draft linebacker Kobe King and tight end Gavin Bartholomew, though only Bartholomew remains on the roster due to injury. Here’s the kicker: The Seahawks’ compensatory picks—their first in five years—weren’t just about drafting players. They were currency, allowing Seattle to maneuver in the draft and land Mills, Tory Horton, Robbie Ouzts, and Bryce Cabeldue. It’s a masterclass in draft strategy.
Looking ahead, Mills’ development in his second season will be one of the most exciting storylines for Seattle’s 2025 draft class. But the bigger question remains: Can the Seahawks replicate this draft magic without compensatory picks in 2026? General Manager John Schneider’s conservative approach to free agency suggests they might be back in the comp pick game by 2027. Until then, a tip of the cap to the Vikings—and especially to former Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, now with the 49ers—for their role in Seattle’s success.
Now, let’s spark some debate: Did the Seahawks get the better end of the Sam Howell trade, or did the Vikings come out ahead with their draft picks? And how much of Mills’ success is due to his own resilience versus Seattle’s strategic vision? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
