The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and for Seattle Seahawks fans, the speculation is finally over. The team's top pick, running back Jadarian Price, has officially joined the roster—and the early buzz suggests he could be a perfect fit for the offense Mike Macdonald is building.
Seahawks veteran Grey Zabel took to Instagram Stories after Price was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the first round, welcoming the rookie with open arms. Zabel's excitement reflects a core part of Seattle's identity: control the trenches, dominate the run game, and out-physical opponents. That first-round pick sent a clear message—this team is committed to a bruising, old-school style of football.
But the big question is whether Price—and the Seahawks' other seven draft picks—truly align with the culture Macdonald wants to establish. We'll be breaking down each selection, examining how they fit the coach's player profile, what roles they might play, and whether they can help Seattle return to its physical roots. First up: the new man in the backfield.
To get a real sense of what Price brings, look no further than a scouting report from his former Notre Dame teammate, Jeremiyah Love. "I think he is more explosive than me, ya know, from his first step. He can break more tackles than me too," Love said. For Seahawks fans, those words might stir memories of a certain candy-loving, hard-hitting running back: Marshawn Lynch.
And the comparisons don't stop at style. The numbers are strikingly similar. Lynch stood 5'11" and played at 215 pounds; Price is 5'11" and carried 210 pounds in college. Lynch ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash; Price clocked a 4.49. Both share a fearless mentality—lowering the shoulder, powering through contact, and refusing to go down easily. Just watch Price's highlight reel, and you'll see a run that looks like vintage Beast Mode.
What really sets Price apart is his contact balance. When defenders hit him, he doesn't crumble—he stays upright, keeps his legs churning, and fights for extra yards. Draft analyst Emory Hunt highlighted Price's acceleration and balance in his guide, calling the combination "explosive." That's exactly the kind of weapon Seattle's offense needs to rediscover its identity.
