Mel Kiper Jr. gives Seahawks a lackluster grade for 2026 NFL Draft class originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Seattle Seahawks came into the 2026 NFL Draft with just four selections. It was no secret that John Schneider was trying to trade down and accumulate more ammo.
But, he didn't do so in Round 1 or in Round 2. He was able to add four picks to reach eight on the draft, but the players he took didn't exactly excite.
At least, in the opinion of ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., who gave the Seahawks a lackluster B- grade for their draft class, which is a good bit lower than their classes in previous years.
"Seattle Seahawks: B-," Kiper writes. "Seattle added picks, but there aren't many chances to make an impact beyond the top two rounds."
The Seahawks took Jadarian Price, a running back who was the backup at Notre Dame to Jeremiyah Love in the first round. With the Seahawks likely trying to trade down, that was a bit of a letdown of a pick.
They took Bud Clark, a safety out of LSU, in Round 2. He's a fine player and was a nice pick for the Seahawks. Julian Neal in Round 3, and should compete in the cornerback room for a starting job with Josh Jobe.
On Day 3, they took offensive guard Beau Stephens, wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., CB Andre Fuller, defensive tackle Deven Eastern, and CB Michael Dansby.
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Those aren't the worst depth additions, but they lack the spark that some other teams got from their Day 3 selections. It wasn't a bad group of prospects, just not that exciting.
Seattle's draft class this year was lackluster, and it's thanks in part to being the Super Bowl champions and being forced to pick at the end of each round.
But the pick of Price in Round 1 was a bit of a reach despite their need and the chance to trade down for better capital. Overall, it wasn't a bad draft from Seattle, just one that lacked the impact of other draft classes around the league.
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