The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft with the confidence that comes from being the reigning Super Bowl champions. After their victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the Seahawks are looking to bolster their roster for another title run.
Seattle doesn't have a wealth of draft picks this year, largely due to aggressive trades that helped secure their championship. Notably, they traded away their fourth- and fifth-round picks to the New Orleans Saints for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, whose contributions were vital to their success.
Despite limited picks, Seattle holds selections on days one and two, giving them a shot at top-tier talent. General Manager John Schneider might trade back from one of these early picks to gain additional selections later, a strategy he's not shied away from in the past.
The running back position is a hot topic for the Seahawks following the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs. While Emanuel Wilson has been signed on a short-term deal and George Holani is returning, the team could still look to the draft to strengthen this area.
Zach Charbonnet, recovering from a torn ACL, will likely miss the start of the season, increasing the need for depth. Prospects like Mike Washington Jr. from Arkansas and Jonah Coleman from Washington are potential targets.
The interior offensive line remains a focus for the Seahawks. Grey Zabel, last year's first-round pick, shined at left guard, but other positions could use upgrades.
Center Jalen Sundell is solid but replaceable, and right guard Anthony Bradford struggled last season. Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon and Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech are prospects that could address these needs.
Seattle's secondary was a strong point last season, with stars like Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, and Julian Love leading the charge. However, the departures of Cobny Bryant and Riq Woolen in free agency mean depth is needed.
While they’re not expected to seek day-one starters, adding talent in the later rounds could be crucial. Names like Chris Johnson, Davison Igbinosun, Tacario Davis, and Domani Jackson are worth watching for cornerback depth, while Bud Clark, Treydan Stukes, and Kamari Ramsey could bolster the safety position.
The defensive line was a cornerstone of Seattle's success, with a robust rotation making them tough to handle. Losing Boye Mafe to the Bengals leaves a gap at edge rusher, and potential draft targets like Derrick Moore from Michigan and Malachi Lawrence from UCF could fill that void.
Seattle has a history of drafting well, with recent first-round successes like Grey Zabel, Byron Murphy II, and Devon Witherspoon. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a later first-round pick in 2023, recently earned Offensive Player of the Year honors. The Seahawks have also found gems in later rounds, such as Emmanwori, AJ Barner, and Derick Hall, showcasing their knack for building a championship-caliber roster.
With a reputation as one of the sharpest drafting teams in the league, the Seahawks may not have a surplus of picks this year, but their selections could still play pivotal roles in their quest for back-to-back titles.