As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in a familiar yet challenging position: picking last in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. It's a double-edged sword-success comes with the price of limited access to top-tier prospects. Seahawks fans dreaming of snagging South Carolina's standout cornerback, Brandon Cisse, might need to temper their expectations.
NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. recently updated his mock draft post-free agency, and it doesn’t look promising for Seattle. He's pegged the Kansas City Chiefs to swoop in and grab Cisse just three slots before the Seahawks make their move.
Seattle had its eyes on Cisse, a dynamic athlete known for his knack for disrupting passes. The Seahawks even met with him at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he shares a connection with Nick Emmanwori, having played 7-on-7 together. Cisse was also spotted at the NFC Championship Game against the Rams, fueling speculation.
With the Chiefs trading Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson, Cisse seems like a perfect fit for them at pick 29. Meanwhile, the Seahawks, who lost Riq Woolen to the Eagles, are looking to bolster their cornerback depth. They've retained Josh Jobe and added Noah Igbinoghene, but their long-term strategy might include Tennessee's Colton Hood, according to Kiper's predictions.
Drafting is never an exact science. A prospect's success hinges on many factors, including the environment they step into. Fortunately, the Seahawks have defensive masterminds Mike Macdonald and Aden Durde to guide whichever young talent they bring in.
While missing out on a top target like Cisse might sting, the Seahawks have a knack for making the most of their picks. Whether they land their ideal choice or pivot to another promising player, Seattle's future remains bright. The draft is full of what-ifs, but with their strategic approach, the Seahawks are poised to remain competitive.