The Seattle Seahawks made a move to get back into the fifth round, since their original fifth (and fourth round) pick(s) were sent to the New Orleans Saints in order to obtain the services of Rashid Shaheed. A worthy trade, but one that wasn't going to stop Seattle from finding their way back. After a trade with the Cleveland Browns, which saw the Seahawks surrender their 2027 fourth rounder, the Seahawks drafted Iowa guard Beau Stephens.

Seattle's offensive line took a considerable leap forward in year two of the Mike Macdonald era, but right guard was always shaky at best. As we have done for all the other Seahawks picks, we at Seahawks Wire are grading the selection of Beau Stephens from Iowa.

As I said in the paragraph above, right guard was shaky. Why? Anthony Bradford was starting. To his credit, Bradford locked in and provided solid support in the second half of the season, especially in the playoffs. But if there was a weak link, we knew where to find it. Beau Stephens will likely provide backup to Bradford, if not challenging him outright for the position in a training camp battle. Regardless, Bradford's contract expires at the conclusion of the 2026 season and this appears to be his heir apparent. Seattle addressed a need for this year and beyond. I like it. Plus, tremendous value. Stephens was ranked as the 87th best prospect and the Seahawks got him at No. 148 overall.

To trade back into the fifth round to get a guard who could start for you is excellent asset management. Regardless of whether it works out, the opportunity cost is low. Glowing reviews about the human leader and All-American player earn the highest grade, from me, of their four picks so far.

Beau Stephens is a versatile and tough guard. The offensive coaching staff will appreciate his physicality. With Anthony Bradford entering a contract year, Stephens is a worthwhile pick.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: 2026 NFL draft: grading Seahawks pick of Beau Stephens