Over the past four seasons, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider has been a busy man at the NFL draft, selecting 38 players. That’s nearly ten fresh faces each year, a testament to how Schneider has sculpted a Super Bowl-winning squad. Most of Seattle's projected offensive starters for the 2026 season hail from these recent drafts.
On the defensive side, the Seahawks blend veteran savvy with youthful energy. While free agents and trades have brought in experienced players, the likes of Devon Witherspoon, Byron Murphy II, and Nick Emmanwori have emerged from these drafts as key defensive figures. They’re joined by younger talents poised to take on bigger roles soon.
This year, Schneider’s draft arsenal is lighter, with just four picks. But with a strong roster already in place, he seems content to wait and gather compensatory picks for 2027. It’s a strategic move that keeps Seattle’s future bright.
Now, could Schneider be eyeing more draft capital through a trade before next month’s draft? If so, who might be on the trading block? Pro Football Focus’s John Kosko recently highlighted edge rusher Derick Hall as Seattle’s top trade asset.
Hall, a second-round pick from Auburn in 2023, had a modest rookie year but exploded in 2024 with eight sacks. Although his sack numbers dipped last year, his impact on the field was undeniable.
Despite playing fewer snaps, Hall’s pressure and tackle stats remained impressive, and his pass rush win rate soared. He carried this momentum into the playoffs, adding a couple of sacks in three games.
Hall’s skill set is versatile-he’s a formidable pass rusher who can also handle run duties and drop into coverage. With one year left on his rookie contract, Hall’s continued development could make him a hot commodity in free agency, potentially out of Seattle’s price range.
Trading Hall now could help Seattle recover some of its missing draft picks. However, determining Hall’s trade value is tricky, as he hasn’t had a full-time role yet.
Last year, the Ravens traded Odafe Oweh for a mid-level player and a pick swap, moving up on day three of the draft. Schneider might be eyeing a similar deal for Hall.
A fourth-round pick could be a tempting return for Hall, but if the offer is lower, retaining him might be wiser. With Boye Mafe already gone and veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu aging, Seattle’s edge depth is a concern.
Ultimately, the decision may hinge on how defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald views other players. Last season, undrafted free agents Jared Ivey and Connor O’Toole saw limited action.
If they’ve shown potential, the need to keep Hall lessens. But that doesn’t seem to be the case right now.
With Mafe’s departure and Lawrence and Nwosu getting older, letting go of a talent like Hall seems risky. He might be Seattle’s most valuable draft asset, but unless the return is right, holding onto Hall could be the smarter play for the Seahawks this year.