Hour 3 - Which Seahawk Has The Best Chance To Become The Next Superstar, Jeff Passan

Brock and Salk44mMay 19, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The hosts of Brock and Salk dive into a provocative question: despite the Seahawks' Super Bowl victory and a standout season, do they truly have a 'superstar' player? While Jalen Suggs-Nelson (JSN) was named Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year—making him a statistical anomaly—the hosts argue that the NFL's perception of 'superstar' status is shaped more by charisma, physical presence, and media visibility than pure production. They break down three top candidates: JSN, Devin Witherspoon, and Nick Eamonwari. JSN, despite elite numbers and a unique skill set, lacks the loud, iconic persona of traditional superstars. Witherspoon is a defensive force but struggles to gain recognition without interceptions. The real standout, according to the hosts, is Eamonwari—a 6'3", 220-pound safety with linebacker and edge rusher versatility, described as a 'skeleton key' player who can line up anywhere. His freakish athleticism, combined with a full offseason to refine his coverage skills, positions him for a leap into the Kyle Hamilton/Derwin James tier. The conversation then pivots to the Mariners, where Jeff Passan praises Colt Emerson’s electric MLB debut, calling him a franchise cornerstone with elite at-bats, defensive potential, and a rare combination of athleticism and plate discipline.

Key Takeaways
1

Nick Eamonwari’s 6'3", 220-pound frame and ability to play safety, linebacker, and edge rusher make him a 'skeleton key' player with elite upside.

2

Eamonwari’s success in year two hinges on improving his zone coverage, which could elevate him to Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James tier.

3

Colt Emerson’s 27% strikeout rate in AAA was likely due to a wrist issue—his MLB at-bats show elite hand speed and pitch recognition.

4

The Mariners’ young core (Emerson, Rodríguez, Raleigh, Young) could form the best middle-infield duo in baseball within 2–3 years.

5

The piggyback pitching strategy is a transitional tool for pitchers like Luis Castillo, helping them adapt to bullpen roles without a public demotion.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Is There a True Superstar on the Seahawks?

The league doesn't quite consider him a superstar because they managed to screw up his name and his award.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Nick Eamonwari: The Freakish X-Factor

He's a skeleton key player for the Seahawks. Lyle, you know what a skeleton key is? I shouldn't even ask. A skeleton key opens up all the locks in one house.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Colt Emerson’s MLB Debut and the Mariners’ Future

You want a guy who can battle. You want a guy who's going to be able to spit on close pitches. You want a guy who can spoil balls.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

The Piggyback Pitching Strategy

The hosts discuss the Mariners’ use of piggyback pitching, analyzing its purpose as a transitional tool for pitchers like Luis Castillo, allowing a soft landing into the bullpen without public demotion.

40:00
10 min

The Mariners’ Youth Movement and Franchise Potential

Passan emphasizes the Mariners’ long-term vision, with a young, talented core that could redefine the franchise. He calls the current roster a 'best run in franchise history' if it clicks.

High-Impact Quotes
was a skeleton key player for the Seahawks. Lyle, you know what a skeleton key is? I shouldn't even ask. A skeleton key opens up all the locks in one house.
Mike Salk5:46
Viral: 85.0
You want a guy who can battle. You want a guy who's going to be able to spit on close pitches. You want a guy who can spoil balls.
Jeff Passan26:54
Viral: 78.0
The league doesn't quite consider him a superstar because they managed to screw up his name and his award.
Mike Salk1:17
Viral: 72.0
Speakers

Hosts

Brock HewardMike Salk

Guest

Jeff Passan
Topics Discussed
nick eamonwari95%colt emerson debut92%seahawks superstar potential90%mariners young core88%superstar culture in sports85%piggyback pitching80%logan gilbert performance75%american league competitiveness70%
People & Brands

jeff passan

person

20xPositive

colt emerson

person

18xPositive

nick eamonwari

person

15xPositive

jalen suggs-nelson

person

12xNeutral

luis castillo

person

7xNeutral

devin witherspoon

person

6xNeutral

logan gilbert

person

6xPositive

mike mcdonald

person

5xPositive

julio rodriguez

person

5xPositive

cal raleigh

person

4xPositive

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