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NFL Draft 2026: Weighing the early options for the Seahawks’ top two picks

There is still a lot to happen before April’s NFL Draft. The NFL combine and free agency will significantly reshape the stocks and team needs around the league — including the Seattle Seahawks. Trade rumors continue to circulate, but the Seahawks currently hold only four draft picks, their lowest total since the disastrous 2021 Draft class that produced Dee Eskridge, Tre Brown, and Stone Forsythe.

A trade down from No. 32 has also been widely discussed. However, for that to happen, there must be a willing partner. You’ve likely heard the narrative that this draft class lacks overall depth, and because of that, the number of teams aggressively looking to move up after the top 12 could be limited. The main appeal of pick No. 32 is the fifth-year option attached to first-round selections — a valuable incentive for teams targeting a specific prospect.

With that in mind, here are some potential options for the Seahawks at picks No. 32 and No. 64.

Seahawks draft options at No. 32

KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

This is one of my favorite potential selections. Wide receiver is not Seattle’s most pressing need right now, but consider a scenario where the Seahawks are unable to re-sign Rashid Shaheed — Concepcion would be an excellent replacement. Tory Horton had problem with injuries and Cooper Kupp will be 33.

He is a dynamic returner and can produce from the slot or outside. He is an advanced route runner and a yards-after-catch machine. His biggest issue is concentration drops. Because he is always looking to generate extra yards after the catch, he sometimes starts transitioning upfield before fully securing the ball. That’s a coachable flaw.

Concepcion would add explosiveness and versatility to the offense while providing special teams value from Day 1.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

What’s better than one Nick Emmanwori? Two.

Just a joke. That comparison has come up frequently, though stylistically they are not identical. While McNeil-Warren has a similar physical frame to the former South Carolina safety, his game is built more on instincts.

He is an excellent tackler with strong ball skills, consistently forcing fumbles and creating turnovers. He reads quarterbacks well, understands his zone responsibilities, and has the ability to match tight ends in man coverage.

If Coby Bryant is not re-signed — and the market may offer him more than Seattle is willing to pay — McNeil-Warren would be a strong replacement option.

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Thieneman may be the closest stylistic comparison to Coby Bryant. He is an intelligent player often described as “a coach on the field,” which is extremely valuable in Mike Macdonald’s complex defensive system. He is versatile enough to play as a single-high safety, line up in nickel packages, or rotate down into the box. He consistently plays with high intensity and strong awareness.

Areas for improvement include disengaging from blockers and occasionally keeping his eyes in the backfield for too long, which can lead to delayed reactions in coverage. His stock could rise significantly after the combine.

Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

Defensive line is widely viewed as one of Seattle’s strengths. However, players like DeMarcus Lawrence, Leonard Williams, and Jarran Reed are not eternal. The team must continue building future talent alongside Byron Murphy, Rylie Mills, and others.

Miller would be a forward-thinking pick. He has significant upside but remains somewhat raw. His sack production does not immediately stand out, yet his versatility does. He can line up from nose tackle to 4i-technique — a valuable trait in Macdonald’s multiple-front defensive scheme.

This would be a long-term investment with scheme flexibility.

Seahawks draft options at No. 64

Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

In many mock drafts, Price is still available at No. 64, but that feels optimistic. He is more likely to go closer to No. 32 than No. 64, making him a strong target in a trade-down scenario.

Seattle currently has Zach Charbonnet under contract, but he underwent surgery on February 20 and optimistic projections suggest a return in the second half of October. Kenny McIntosh has struggled with injuries and roster stability. Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker holds leverage in contract discussions and could command significant value.

If Seattle ultimately moves on from its Super Bowl MVP, Price would be the ideal replacement. He shares Walker’s home-run ability and is an excellent fit in outside-zone schemes. He can avoid tackles in the backfield and accelerate quickly through creases.

Unlike Walker, Price is less improvisational but runs decisively, trusting his blocking. He also produced efficiently as Notre Dame’s RB2, meaning he enters the NFL with relatively low mileage.

Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Jalen Sundell finished the season strongly, so Seattle may not prioritize center early. However, this draft class offers quality Day 2/3 options despite lacking elite top-end prospects.

Jake Slaughter (Florida), Connor Lew (Auburn), and Logan Jones (Iowa) are also intriguing names. At this range, Hecht may offer the best combination of value and availability.

He lacks elite initial power but compensates with strong hand usage, footwork, agility, and athleticism — ideal traits for a wide-zone system. He processes well, takes strong angles, and handles stunts effectively.

Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

Barham might be one of the best schematic fits in the entire class for Seattle.

He is already an excellent run defender — physical, explosive, and disciplined — and offers significant upside as a pass rusher. Originally an inside linebacker who transitioned to EDGE, he brings coverage flexibility that would be valuable in Macdonald’s zone blitz and simulated pressure packages.

He remains raw as a pass rusher and needs refinement in his technique, but the upside is evident. Teams focused on long-term development may even view him as a late first-round talent.

Much will change between now and draft night. The Combine will adjust evaluations, Free Agency will reshape priorities, and trade conversations will evolve. But as it stands today, these are realistic and intriguing pathways for Seattle at picks No. 32 and No. 64.

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