The Seattle Seahawks are heading into training camp with a pair of rookie battles that could matter right away in Week 1, and both of them sit in spots where the team needs answers after offseason departures.
At running back, first-round pick Jadarian Price is in the mix to help fill the void left by Kenneth Walker III, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Price will be competing with third-year pro George Holani and free agent addition Emanuel Wilson for touches, and the path to a role looks open enough for him to make noise early.
That opportunity is real, but it is not guaranteed. Zach Charbonnet is still a factor, though he is currently rehabbing a torn ACL suffered during the playoffs.
That could leave Price with a chance to grab a meaningful share of carries before Charbonnet is back in the fold. Still, Justin Melo made it clear the Seahawks are not planning to hand him anything.
"The Seattle Seahawks drafted Jadarian Price to eventually replace Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III. Price is the most dynamic ball carrier in the Seahawks' backfield, but reps won't be handed to him. The Seahawks also have George Holani and Emanuel Wilson preparing for Week 1."
Melo’s view is straightforward: Price has to earn his way into the rotation during camp, or he risks sliding down the depth chart once Charbonnet returns.
The other rookie fight is in the secondary, where second-round pick Bud Clark is trying to push Ty Okada for a spot next to Julian Love. Clark arrives with a reputation as a ball hawk from his time at TCU, but Okada is coming off a breakout campaign in 2025 and won’t make the job easy.
"The Seahawks also drafted former TCU safety Bud Clark in the second round. Julian Love will play the traditional safety role while Nick Emmanwori roams Mike Macdonald's defense as seen fit. That final starting spot will come down to a training camp competition between Okada and Clark," Melo wrote.
If Clark can get past Okada, it would give Seattle another young playmaker in a secondary that already has pieces in place. For now, though, both rookie battles are set to be decided on the practice field.
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