The Seattle Seahawks are entering the 2026 offseason with a fresh perspective, and it’s shaping up to be a pivotal year for the franchise. Unlike last year, when the Seahawks focused heavily on offense in the draft, this year’s strategy seems to be leaning towards bolstering the defense. With only four picks in hand, each decision carries significant weight.
In 2025, Seattle made a bold move by trading away key players like quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf, while releasing Tyler Lockett. They brought in Sam Darnold as the new QB1 and used their first-round pick on offensive lineman Grey Zabel. This year, however, the focus is expected to shift dramatically.
Seattle’s free agency period has seen more departures than arrivals, with notable players like running back Kenneth Walker and edge rusher Boye Mafe moving on. The Seahawks haven’t made big moves to replace these stars, which means the draft will be crucial for filling these gaps.
With limited picks, general manager John Schneider needs to hit the mark, especially early on. The edge rusher position stands out as a key area of need. While the team still has Derick Hall, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Uchenna Nwosu, the latter two are getting older, and injecting youth into this critical role is essential.
There’s been speculation about the Seahawks targeting a cornerback first, but considering they already have talents like Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe, the urgency may not be as high as it is for an edge rusher.
Mock drafts have floated names like Missouri's Zion Young and Texas Tech's Romello Height. Young, a towering presence at 6'6" and 260 pounds, might not be the most athletic, but his physical attributes are hard to ignore. On the other hand, Height, at 6'3" and 240 pounds, would need to rely on speed to succeed against NFL tackles, and while he’s quick, he might not possess the elite speed required.
For Seahawks fans, the draft is always an exciting time. John Schneider has a reputation for making unexpected yet impactful choices, and this year promises to be no different. As Seattle looks to strengthen its defense, all eyes will be on how Schneider navigates this crucial draft.