Seahawks 2026 Draft Class Superlatives
The 2026 Seattle Seahawks draft class is in. John Schneider made his classic maneuvers and turned four original picks into eight total, like the classic Dai Vernon cups and balls magic routine.
Let’s break down this class of seven prospects using superlatives.
‘Whatever It Takes’: Andre Fuller Looking to Soar for Seahawks’ Defense, Special Teams
Since he played his last snap at Seminole Ridge High School, Andre Fuller’s football journey has been a unique one, taking him to multiple locations while playing multiple positions along the way.
Tabbed as a zero-star recruit, Fuller started his college chapter at Arkansas Pine Bluff, enrolling with the FCS level Golden Lions in 2020. The COVID pandemic pushed the scheduled season to the spring in 2021, and after appearing in 16 games over two seasons with the program, he entered the transfer portal, signing up for a little “MAC-tion” with the Toledo Rockets, where he emerged as a late-blooming starter and garnered All-Mac First-Team recognition as a senior.
While his path was by no means easy and featured plenty of detours on and off the field, Fuller’s unexpected ascent from zero stars to the pros became more than a dream on April 25 when, after recouping three selections with trade downs, the Seattle Seahawks selected him with the 236th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
‘Definitely Fast’: NFL Dreams Renewed, Emmanuel Henderson Ready to Fly With Seahawks
Once a prized four-star running back recruit, Emmanuel Henderson Jr.’s visualizations of an NFL career stalled out as a special teams standout with few chances to prove himself on offense over the course of three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
But thanks to the new rules in college sports that allow players to hit the transfer portal each spring without penalties such as sitting out a year, Henderson - who switched to receiver early in his college career - decided to bet on himself with one year of eligibility remaining. Leaving football royalty behind in Tuscaloosa to join the far less-heralded Kansas Jayhawks, he hoped more chances to show off his elite 4.4 speed and improved receiving skills as a pass catcher would pay off with scouts watching closely.
While such gambles don’t pay off for every player who hits the portal looking to bolster their pro stock with a change of zip code and uniform, Henderson achieved his goal and then some, emerging as an electric big play threat for the Jayhawks as a vertical threat and kick returner. Putting his name squarely on the map, his once-dormant NFL aspirations reawakened, as the Seattle Seahawks made that dream a reality by selecting him with the 199th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Beau Stephens Ready to Bring ‘Mauler’ Mentality to Seahawks’ Offensive Line
Surprises are the name of the game when it comes to the NFL Draft, and as Iowa Hawkeyes guard Beau Stephens learned on Saturday, Day 3 takes that lack of predictability to a new level.
With picks flying off the board early in the fifth round, Stephens sat out his couch alongside family and friends scrolling on his phone, seeing several other guard prospects coming off the board. Throughout the pre-draft process, the Seattle Seahawks had stood out as a team with great interest in him, including bringing the player to town for an official visit, but without the team having any selections in the fourth or fifth round, he began to wonder how long he would have to wait to hear his own name called.
But just like that, a caller ID from Washington unexpectedly popped up on his phone. With Stephens still on the board, general manager John Schneider and the Seahawks decided to dig into their stash of 2027 picks to trade back into the fifth round, acquiring the 148th overall pick from the Browns to draft him.
Seahawks Wrap Up 2026 NFL Draft With Trio of Seventh-Round Selections
Stocking up on seventh round picks with a pair of Day 3 trade downs, the Seattle Seahawks put a bow on their latest draft class by getting a jumpstart on the priority undrafted free agent process, selecting a trio of players with the 236th, 242nd, and 255th picks of the 2016 NFL Draft.
After acquiring picks from the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers with trade downs from 188th and 216th overall, the Seahawks continued to add to their secondary by snagging Toledo cornerback Andre Fuller and Arizona cornerback Michael Dansby while also investing a mid-seventh round pick on versatile Minnesota defensive tackle Deven Eastern to wrap up their eight-player haul.
Seahawks Trade Back, Select Kansas WR Emmanuel Henderson With Pick 199 in 2026 NFL Draft
Once again plugging a hole created by a departed free agent, moments after trading down with the New York Jets to recoup a seventh-round selection, the Seattle Seahawks bolstered their special teams depth by tabbing Kansas receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. with the 199th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Originally starting his college career at Alabama, Henderson played three seasons for the Crimson Tide, mostly starring on special teams as a gunner on punt coverage with a handful of kick and punt return opportunities, producing 10 tackles during that span. Seeking more snaps on offense after a limited role in Tuscaloosa, he transferred to Kansas before his senior season and posted career-highs in receptions (45), receiving yards (766), and touchdowns (five) with the Jayhawks while adding a kick return for a touchdown.
Seahawks Trade Up to Pick No. 148, Draft Iowa G Beau Stephens
With the right prospect falling far enough to justify forking over a future draft pick, the Seattle Seahawks slid back into the fifth round to acquire the 148th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, using their newly-added selection on Iowa guard Beau Stephens.
After biding his time as a reserve in his first two seasons on campus in Iowa City, Stephens emerged as one of the best zone blocking guards in college football over the past two years, including earning All-American honors as a senior in 2025. Along with allowing no sacks and 13 pressures in pass protection, he earned a top-10 zone run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, spearheading the Hawkeyes run game with a blend of athleticism and physicality.
‘Dream Come to Reality’: Certified Ball Hawk Bud Clark Hyped to Join Seahawks’ Star-Studded Defense
Growing up during the peak of the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl years under coach Pete Carroll, like many youngsters with dreams to play in the NFL down the road in the mid-2010s, Bud Clark idolized the vaunted “Legion of Boom” secondary.
Emerging as a top recruit at Alexandria Senior High School in Louisiana, Clark aimed to model his game after one of the esteemed members of that illustrious, star-studded defensive backfield, desiring to bring the physical tenacity Kam Chancellor once did inflicting pain on opponents to more than earn the nickname “Bam Bam.” After briefly committing to Virginia, he took his talents to Forth Worth, joining an always tough TCU program instead, looking to make a similar impact to his idol.
Six years later, Clark will now get to don the same blue and action green that Chancellor once rocked in the Pacific Northwest, seeing a “dream come to reality” landing with his desired team as the 64th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
‘Meant To Be’: Destiny Brings Julian Neal, Seahawks’ Dark Side Defense Together
The main story of the Seattle Seahawks’ offseason, at least since the confetti got swept up from the Super Bowl parade down Fourth Avenue, has been the names that have left the building to wear different colors. Ken Walker III, Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe, and Riq Woolen all bolted in free agency as part of the typical post-Lombardi Trophy exodus.
While Woolen was not a perfect cornerback or technician, you just don’t see size and length like that very often at the position. So, while he was frustrating at times with penalties and missed tackles, it’s a little nervy to let that kind of pure athleticism and physical gifts leave the team as Seattle did allowing him to sign with Philadelphia.
But if there was a player in the 2026 NFL Draft that could properly replace Woolen as the token long-armed corner that looks like he’s from the same lab where they made Captain America, it’s Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal.
Seahawks Trade Down, Select Julian Neal With 99th Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Finishing off Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with a flurry of activity at the tail end of the third round, the Seattle Seahawks recouped a sixth-round draft choice by trading down with the Pittsburgh Steelers, dropping down four selections to nab Arkansas CB Julian Neal with the 99th overall pick.
Starting off his collegiate career at Fresno State as a safety and sub-package linebacker, Neal transitioned to cornerback during his second season with the Bulldogs and enjoyed a breakout junior season in 2024. Ready to step up his game against top competition, he entered the transfer portal and took his talents to Arkansas, instantly being plugged in as a starter on Day 1 playing on the boundary.
Seahawks Land Ball-Hawking DB Bud Clark With 64th Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Continuing their efforts to replace departed former starters in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks once again opted to sit pat and make their native selection at the end of the second round, snagging TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After losing Coby Bryant to Chicago in free agency last month, Seattle made a play for a talented ball-hawking defensive back in Clark who racked up interceptions in bunches for the Horned Frogs after rebounding from a couple injury-shortened seasons to begin his collegiate career, offering many of the strengths of his predecessor in the secondary. Over his final four seasons on campus, he intercepted a whopping 15 passes, returning two of them for touchdowns, and registered 20 additional pass breakups, always finding a way to get his paws on the football while aggressively shooting passing lanes in coverage.
2026 NFL Draft: Best Players Available for Seahawks Entering Day 2
While the Seattle Seahawks weren’t able to trade down as they hoped to recoup an additional draft pick or two in Thursday’s opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager John Schneider landed one of his preferred prospects to fill a major need at pick No. 32, nabbing explosive Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price as a natural replacement for Ken Walker III in the backfield.
Since Seattle didn’t manage to find a trade partner to move down, Schneider currently has only three more draft choices at his disposal, but two of those (No. 64, No. 96) are slated for Day 2. That’s great news in a draft class that features underwhelming depth overall, as the majority of their selections land in the sweet spot to find starter-caliber talent in the second and third round.
All options will be on the table for Schneider and company, as he likely will continue to seek out trade down possibilities with hopes of adding another pick on Day 3, where the Seahawks currently have just one pick (No. 188) in the sixth round. But staying put and choosing quality over quantity may be the best strategy for the defending champions at this point, especially with a handful of projected first rounders remaining available going into Friday.
Which prospects stand out as the best available targets for the Seahawks heading into Day 2 in Pittsburgh?
‘That’s My Bread and Butter’: Jadarian Price Eager to Bring Dynamic Skill Set to Seahawks’ Backfield
Like any incoming NFL hopeful, with consensus No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza being the exception to the rule, Jadarian Price didn’t know where he would land once the 2026 NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday night.
But throughout the pre-draft process, the Seattle Seahawks stood out as an interested suitor for his talents, sending several coaches and scouts to South Bend for an extended look at Price’s pro day workout. Among those who met with him, Thomas Hammock, who had recently left his head coaching post at Northern Illinois to join Mike Macdonald’s staff as the new running back coach, hit it off with the explosive prospect.
Their conversation continued a few weeks later via Zoom, with Hammock making sure to remind Price of when his Huskies came into Notre Dame Stadium and pulled off the upset in 2024, joking with the young back that he would have given him the ball more to avoid the defeat.
Seahawks Bolster Backfield, Select Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price With 32nd Pick
With best player available and arguably the team’s biggest need converging for the second consecutive NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks wound up sticking and picking with their 32nd overall pick, landing dynamic Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price.
Seattle entered Thursday night with hopes of being able to trade down from No. 32, but several teams leap-frogged them back into the first round, including the New York Jets trading up for pick No. 30 and the Tennessee Titans moving up for pick No. 31, leaving no deal in place for general manager John Schneider to pull the trigger and land additional picks.
2026 NFL Draft Tracker: Will Seahawks Make First Round Selection at Pick No. 32?
Bringing in another exciting group of prospects from the college ranks, the 2026 NFL Draft will finally kick off from Pittsburgh on April 23, with a whopping six teams not holding selections in the first round.
Among those that will have a selection on Thursday night, the Seahawks hold the No. 32 spot at the tail end of the round by virtue of winning Super Bowl LX in February. But with only three other selections in the remaining six rounds, general manager John Schneider hasn’t been secretive about the franchise’s desire to move down and recoup draft assets, making it anyone’s guess whether the team actually makes a selection or not on Day 1.
Set to wait 31 picks before going on the clock regardless, assuming Schneider doesn’t pivot and unexpectedly trade up, Seattle will have plenty of time to weigh its options and call around seeking a potential trade partner.
How will the opening round play out? Check out our 2026 NFL Draft tracker early and often for the latest on every selection around the league.
Which Players Could Seahawks ‘Stick & Pick’ at No. 32 in 2026 NFL Draft?
John Schneider hasn't been secretive about his desire for the Seahawks to trade down from pick No. 32 at the end of the first round to acquire extra picks.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith examines a handful of prospects who could make Seattle's Executive of the Year change his mind if they remain available on Thursday night, including a trio of highly regarded cornerback talents.
5 Burning Questions for Seahawks Heading Into 2026 NFL Draft
With the Senior Bowl, scouting combine, and official visits all in the rearview mirror and OTAs kicking off across the league, the 2026 NFL Draft will finally commence on Thursday, April 23, providing an opportunity for the Seattle Seahawks to add young talent to their roster after capturing a Super Bowl title in February.
Unfortunately for general manager John Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks currently only have four selections, their fewest entering a draft since 2021. By virtue of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the team also picks last in the first, second, and third round, a “reward” for reaching the top of the NFL mountaintop for the second time in franchise history that will undoubtedly complicate efforts to move down the board with less valuable selections.
One day away from the opening round kicking off in Pittsburgh, even if the Seahawks potentially won’t pick on Thursday night, there are still plenty of questions left to be answered this weekend as Schneider and Macdonald conduct their third draft together.
Analysis: Ranking Seahawks’ Positional Groups by Long-Term Stability
The Seattle Seahawks are fresh off the ultimate high, hoisting a Super Bowl trophy. But, even championship rosters come with expiration dates. As Seattle turns the page toward the 2026 season and beyond, the question isn’t just how good this team is right now, but how sustainable that success will be.
From looming free agents to aging veterans and thin positional depth, some areas of the roster are far more secure than others. With that in mind, here’s a full ranking of every position group on the Seahawks, ordered by how stable their future truly is.
‘It’s No Secret With Us’: Seahawks Hoping to Trade Back in First Round, Plus Other Pre-NFL Draft Takeaways
Just four days away from kicking off the 2026 NFL Draft, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald aren’t planning to give away state secrets as they prepare for their third draft together.
With that said, however, since Seattle only has four draft picks heading into Thursday night, Schneider made sure to make it clear to potentially interested parties during the team’s annual pre-draft press conference on Monday that the Seahawks are indeed open for business trying to trade down from No. 32 overall to recoup a pick or two. In the event that does happen, it would mark the third time in his 17 drafts where the team has traded out of the first round completely, last doing so back in 2017.
“It's no secret with us, guys,” Schneider said with a wry smile. “I mean, we have four picks and we'll be looking to move back and people are usually understanding that, you know, I think we tend to trade backwards, trade back.”
Final Mock Draft: Seahawks Plug Immediate Holes, Keep Eyes on Future With Added Picks
After months of preparation for everyone from scouts to coaches to executives, the 2026 NFL Draft will finally kick off in Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23, ushering in the latest crop of college talent jumping to the pros.
Still basking in the glow of a Super Bowl LX championship, general manager John Schneider, coach Mike Macdonald, and the Seattle Seahawks will roll into the annual event lacking much firepower to work with, as the team currently holds only four selections after trading away a fourth and fifth round pick for receiver Rashid Shaheed at the trade deadline last October. That’s quite the departure from the past three drafts where they built a championship foundation with 29 total picks, including 11 last spring.
Down to the final couple days before the first round kicks off with the Raiders on the clock, Schneider and company undoubtedly have already been working the phones looking for potential suitors to trade up for the 32nd overall pick to recoup a selection or two, planning ahead with hopes the dominos fall right to be able to slide down.
How will Seattle’s 17th draft under Schneider’s watch unfold? And how many picks will the Seahawks ultimately make on the heels of capturing the Lombardi Trophy two months ago?
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