The future is now. In a few days, the next wave of NFL stars storms into the Steel City for the 2026 Draft. The Seattle Seahawks arrive as defending champs—rare air—and they’re juggling cap freedom, core retention, and the need to inject fresh, cheap talent into a loaded roster. With only four picks, the fewest in the league, Seattle sits at 32 as every contender’s trade‑up target for that coveted fifth‑year option. And while the temptation to move down will be real, projecting trades without knowing the board is pointless. So this mock sticks to the four original selections. Let’s get to it.
Round 1: Pick 32: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
With the lack of quality depth at the tailback position in this year’s Selection Meeting, General Manager John Schneider and friends give the GEQBUS some backfield help, their first first-round pick of a running back since 2018 (Rashad Penny). The understudy to consensus number one running back prospect Jeremiyah Love for the last three seasons, Price projects as a perfect fit for new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury’s version of the Wide-Zone offense. At 5’11, 203 pounds, and a 4.5 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine earlier this winter, the former Golden Domer doesn’t offer the explosiveness or third-down proficiency of his former teammate (only 15 receptions in his collegiate career) but has the elite vision, play strength (4.2 yards after contact), and shiftiness to be a starter at the next level–or at least until Zach Charbonnet is fully healthy from the knee injury he suffered last postseason against the San Francisco 49ers. And when Charbonnet potentially walks next off-season, there’s already an in-house candidate to replace his production. A smart pick that many insiders predict will happen on Draft Day.
Round 2: Pick 64: EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson
On the opposite end of the spectrum, this EDGE class is like Baskin-Robbins–there are 32 varieties. From bendy, athletic tweener types to heavy-handed run defenders, this year’s crop of pass rushers has something for every front office and coaching staff. Since Coach Mike Macdonald’s time with the Michigan Wolverines, “pressure” has been the word to describe what he likes to do defensively, with his magnum opus being Super Bowl LX, where the “Dark Side” brutalized Drake Maye to the tune of six sacks. After Boye Mafe’s departure to the Cincinnati Bengals and Demarcus Lawrence’s uncertain future, let’s pair Coach Mac with a player who can wreak havoc in the backfield. Enter TJ Parker.
A two-year starter at Clemson, Parker’s potential was recognized early, as he was named a Freshman All-American for his school-record 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023 while in a rotational role. He then followed it up in 2024 with another school record, forcing six forced fumbles alongside 11 sacks (9th nationally) and 19.5 TFLs (5th). He disappointed slightly last season, with only five sacks and 9.5 TFLs while starting all 13 games, lowering his stock.
Evaluators are wondering which Parker he’ll be on the next level–the 2024 edition or last year’s muted production. Luckily, his elite upper-body strength, premium edge-setting in the running game, and NFL wingspan should give him a solid floor. Some elite coaching to expand his rushing plan and moveset, and some reps in certain third-down packages to start, and he should develop into a solid NFL starter opposite of veterans Uchenna Nwosu and Derrick Hall. He projects as a Trey Hendrickson-type player, which may not be sexy, but in the second round, you could do worse.
Round 3: Pick 96: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
Riq “The Freak” Woolen is gone to the City of Brotherly Love, so the corner room needs some fresh blood, and Muhammad fits the bill. A two-year starter for the Longhorns’ multiple coverage scheme, Muhammad is a smooth athlete with the coverage skills to match in both man and zone. A fiery competitor, Muhammad’s slight frame of 182 pounds holds him back from making an impact at the catch point against bigger-bodied receivers and tackling in the open field at times. Also, his on-ball production leaves much to be desired (only three picks and no forced fumbles over three college seasons). But he has the technical foundation, SEC experience, and versatility (having played the boundary and slot as well as returning kicks) to be a key part of defensive coordinator Aden Durde’s back end, alongside Devon Witherspoon and newly re-signed Josh Jobe.
Round 6: Pick 188 (from Cleveland Browns): WR Dillon Bell, Georgia
At this point in the draft, it’s fun to take a gamble on traits. Luckily for the 12s, It’s no secret that John Schneider loves traits–and this wideout is chock full of them. An NFL-type body (6’1, 210 pounds) with an RAS (relative athletic score) of 9.4 out of 10, Bell’s explosiveness–buoyed by his 88th percentile vertical and 82nd percentile broad jump–stood out on tape. As a former running back, he’s a natural with the ball in his hands on sweeps and reverses, but lacks polish in his route tree. He’s been compared to Deebo Samuel during this draft process, and given OC Fleury’s time in the Bay Area, this seems like a match made in heaven. With more extensive coaching, there’s hope he can become one of these rare “wide backs” who are game-breakers in space, while developing into a true X receiver who can draw away premier perimeter coverage from 2025 All-Pro Jaxson Smith-Njigba.
The Seahawks aren’t stopping at four picks next weekend. Even with a stacked roster and no screaming needs, they could still use some interior line muscle and a safety to replace Coby Bryant, now in Chicago. That’s the cost of winning a championship. Coaches get poached, players get paid, and suddenly you’re balancing two timelines: the vets who can help you win right now, and the next wave who’ll keep you in the fight later. Last year’s draft haul showed they know exactly where they’re headed. We’ll get another clue Thursday night.
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