Seahawks Stay Put At No. 32 To Land Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price
Seattle stood firm at the end of a chaotic first round, selecting running back Jadarian Price to bolster its offense.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
The opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft delivered its usual mix of anticipation and unpredictability, as teams across the league made franchise-altering decisions. For the defending champions, the Seattle Seahawks, the final pick of the first round carried added significance.
Holding the 32nd selection, Seattle ultimately chose Jadarian Price out of Notre Dame, adding a promising offensive piece to a roster coming off a championship season in the NFL.
General manager John Schneider acknowledged afterward that the team had initially explored moving out of the pick. However, shifting trade dynamics in the moments leading up to their selection altered those plans.
In the end, the Seahawks remained at No. 32 and made a decision they believe strengthens their long-term depth at a key offensive position.
1. Trade Talks Fade As Draft Chaos Unfolds
Seattle entered the late stages of the first round open to trading back, hoping to accumulate additional assets. According to Schneider, there were discussions in place that suggested movement was a real possibility. However, those opportunities quickly disappeared as other teams ahead of Seattle engaged in active trade negotiations. The rapid sequence of deals reshaped the board and limited viable options for the Seahawks. As the clock neared their selection, the market around the pick had become increasingly unpredictable. With fewer realistic trade partners available, Seattle opted to remain in position. The final decision reflected both timing and evaluation, as the Seahawks determined that standing pat offered the best available outcome.
2. Price Emerges As A Standalone Choice
Once Seattle committed to staying at No. 32, the focus shifted to player evaluation. Price had remained on the board despite a strong collegiate résumé and growing interest from multiple teams. Schneider noted that the running back “stood alone” in their assessment at that stage of the draft. The organization viewed him as a clear fit based on talent, character, and competitiveness. Price spent his college career at Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, where he developed into a reliable offensive contributor over three seasons. He rushed for nearly 1,700 yards during his collegiate career, sharing backfield duties with Jeremiyah Love, who was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
3. Filling A Key Offensive Need In Seattle
Price arrives in Seattle with an opportunity to play a meaningful role immediately. The Seahawks’ backfield underwent change this offseason after the departure of Kenneth Walker III, who left in free agency. Walker, the Super Bowl MVP, signed a three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving a significant void in Seattle’s rushing attack. The Seahawks believe Price can help stabilize that position group, even if his role evolves gradually. His combination of vision, speed, and consistency made him an appealing option late in the first round. For a team fresh off a championship, the goal is to maintain competitiveness while continuing to build for sustained success. Price’s selection reflects that balance between present needs and future planning.