Seahawks Wrap 2026 Camp Day 2 as Kupp, O'Connell Deliver Big Plays

Q: Which Seahawks backup helped himself more on Day 2—Patrick O’Connell with the interception or D’Anthony Bell in the safety battle?

D’Anthony Bell probably helped himself more on Day 2, even though Patrick O’Connell had the flashier single play. O’Connell’s leaping interception was one of the best highlights of practice and reinforced what Seattle already knows: he is a reliable depth linebacker who can make plays and has survived on the roster bubble for years through versatility and special teams value. But his path is crowded. Ernest Jones IV is entrenched, and the competition behind him includes Drake Thomas and Tyrice Knight, with O’Connell still fighting for one of a limited number of linebacker spots in a defense that often keeps only a few true off-ball linebackers heavily involved. Bell’s strong day appears more consequential because opportunity and need are lining up for him right now. With Nick Emmanwori still out after ankle surgery, Bell is getting meaningful work in big nickel packages, the exact role that can win him a clear place in the secondary rotation. Julian Love’s public praise of Bell’s intelligence, versatility and ability to handle “everything” the defense asks is especially important because it suggests trust from both teammates and coaches in a role that demands flexibility. So O’Connell made the more memorable play, but Bell likely gained more ground in an active roster battle. His performance came in a thinner, more unsettled safety competition, and it came while Seattle is actively looking for someone to absorb real snaps until Emmanwori returns.

3 articles · Updated · Seahawks.com · Jul 27

Day 2 of Seattle's 2026 training camp was led by Cooper Kupp, who made the session's top offensive play with a diving one-handed sideline catch from Sam Darnold.
Year 10 has not dulled Kupp's impact: teammates called him a leader and "an extra coach" in the receiving room as he continued to set the tone on offense.
Patrick O'Connell supplied the defensive highlight with a leaping interception off Darnold, underscoring the Seahawks' depth beyond their established front-line stars.
D'Anthony Bell also drew attention on the back end, with Nick Emmanwori sidelined after ankle surgery giving Bell more chances in big nickel packages.
The session also highlighted Seattle's veteran and rookie energy, from praise for DeMarcus Lawrence's leadership to fifth-round guard Beau Stephens firing up the crowd.