Seahawks’ 2026 NFL Draft Class: A Strategic Rebuild for Super Bowl Defense

The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear mission: reinforce a roster depleted by free agency while positioning themselves for another Super Bowl run. With only four original picks—later expanded to eight—the team made calculated moves to address critical gaps, particularly at running back and safety. The result is a draft class that blends immediate impact with long-term potential, setting the stage for a competitive 2026 season.

Key Takeaways from the Seahawks’ 2026 Draft Class

• First-round splash: Jadarian Price, the No. 2 running back in the draft, fills the void left by Kenneth Walker III’s departure.
• Defensive focus: Five of eight picks target the secondary and defensive line, addressing free-agency losses.
• Value picks: Late-round selections like Emmanuel Henderson Jr. And Beau Stephens offer high-upside depth.
• Trade flexibility: Seattle leveraged its limited capital to acquire additional picks, including a sixth-rounder from Cleveland.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1, Pick 32: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

The Seahawks didn’t hesitate with their first-round pick, selecting Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price to revitalize their backfield. Price, the consensus No. 2 running back in the 2026 class behind his teammate Jeremiyah Love, brings a rare combination of speed and vision. Despite not starting for the Fighting Irish, he rushed for 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, showcasing his ability to thrive in a committee.

His arrival is particularly timely. With Kenneth Walker III now in Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL, Price steps into a system that values versatility. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised Price’s “leadership and resiliency,” noting his ability to “elevate those around him”—a trait that could redefine Seattle’s rushing attack.

“With Kenneth Walker III gone and Zach Charbonnet recovering, Seattle needs more juice in the backfield. Getting Jadarian at No. 32 would be a reasonable—wait for it—Price to pay.”

— Adam Rank, NFL.com

Round 2, Pick 64: Bud Clark, S, TCU

Seattle doubled down on defense in the second round, selecting TCU safety Bud Clark, a ball-hawking playmaker with 15 career interceptions. Clark’s seven picks in 2025 tied for the NCAA lead and his 20 passes defended over four years highlight his coverage skills. His addition bolsters a secondary that lost key contributors in free agency, including Jamal Adams.

Clark’s instincts and range craft him an ideal fit for Macdonald’s aggressive scheme. “He’s a chess piece,” said Seahawks general manager John Schneider. “You can move him around, disguise coverages, and let him attack.”

Rounds 3–7: Depth and Upside

The Seahawks’ later picks reflect a mix of positional need and developmental upside:

• Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas (Round 3, No. 99): A physical corner with 4.4-speed, Neal projects as a nickelback in Year 1.
• Beau Stephens, G, Iowa (Round 5, No. 148): A mauling run-blocker who could compete for a starting guard spot.
• Emmanuel Henderson Jr., WR, Kansas (Round 6, No. 199): A 6’3″ receiver with contested-catch ability, adding size to Seattle’s WR corps.
• Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo (Round 7, No. 236) and Michael Dansby, CB, Arizona (Round 7, No. 255): Late-round fliers with special-teams potential.
• Deven Eastern, DT, Minnesota (Round 7, No. 242): A space-eating nose tackle to clog interior gaps.

Why This Draft Class Matters

The 2026 draft wasn’t about quantity for Seattle—it was about precision. The Seahawks entered the weekend with just four picks but exited with eight, thanks to a 2024 trade that netted Cleveland’s sixth-rounder. This flexibility allowed them to address immediate needs (running back, safety) while investing in long-term projects (offensive line, receiver).

Most critically, the class reflects the team’s Super Bowl-or-bust mentality. Price and Clark are Week 1 contributors, while the late-round picks offer the kind of developmental upside that has fueled Seattle’s past success (e.g., DK Metcalf, a second-round pick in 2019).

FAQ: Seahawks’ 2026 Draft Class

1. Why did the Seahawks draft a running back in the first round?

Seattle’s backfield was decimated by free agency. Kenneth Walker III’s departure to Kansas City left a gaping hole, and Zach Charbonnet’s ACL recovery created uncertainty. Price’s selection ensures the Seahawks have a dynamic, young backfield duo for 2026.

2. How does Bud Clark fit into Seattle’s defense?

Clark’s versatility aligns with defensive coordinator Aden Durde’s scheme. He can play deep safety, in the box, or even as a slot defender, giving Macdonald the flexibility to disguise coverages and blitz from multiple angles.

3. What’s the biggest question mark for this draft class?

Health. Charbonnet’s recovery timeline remains unclear, and if he’s not 100% by Week 1, Price could face a heavy workload. Similarly, Stephens and Henderson Jr. Will need time to develop—critical for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

4. Did the Seahawks make any trades during the draft?

No. Despite speculation they’d trade down from No. 32, Seattle stood pat, prioritizing Price’s value over additional picks. The team did, however, acquire Cleveland’s sixth-rounder in a 2024 trade, which they used on Henderson Jr.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Seahawks?

The 2026 draft class is a foundational piece of Seattle’s offseason, but the work isn’t done. The team still needs to address the offensive line (Stephens is a start, but depth is thin) and potentially add a veteran receiver to complement Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Training camp will be pivotal, especially for Price and Clark, who must quickly adapt to the NFL’s speed.

One thing is certain: the Seahawks didn’t just draft for 2026. They drafted for the next three years. And if Price’s college tape is any indication, the 12s have reason to be excited.

For more on the Seahawks’ draft class, including player profiles and analysis, visit Seahawks.com.