The Seattle Seahawks launched their 2026 NFL Draft with a high-impact selection, signaling a strategic shift toward bolstering their offensive ground game. With the 32nd overall pick--the final selection of the first round--General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Mike Macdonald chose Notre Dame's dynamic running back, Jadarian Price. The official video capturing Price's draft call perfectly encapsulates the drama and emotion that define draft night for players and fans alike.
"I'm ready to ball," Price declared during the call, his voice resonating with the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.
The Seahawks' official channels released footage capturing the moment Price, surrounded by family and friends, transitioned from hopeful suspense to pure joy as he realized he was officially a member of the Seahawks. It's these moments that highlight why the NFL Draft remains one of the most thrilling events in professional sports--and for Seattle, this pick could reshape their offensive identity for seasons to come.
Why Jadarian Price Was the Perfect Pick at No. 32
Prior to the draft, many analysts expected the Seahawks to prioritize defensive reinforcements--particularly along the defensive line or in the secondary. However, Schneider and Macdonald's decision to select Price, a versatile and explosive back, speaks volumes about their vision for Seattle's offense.
At 5-foot-11 and 212 pounds, Price blends a powerful lower body with quickness and explosiveness, making him effective both between the tackles and in open space. His collegiate career at Notre Dame featured a rare ability to excel in both gap and zone running schemes, making him an ideal fit for offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's diverse offensive system.
Beyond his physical traits, Price's patience and vision stand out. Despite Notre Dame's offensive line experiencing inconsistencies, Price consistently identified cutback lanes and made defenders miss, creating yardage out of seemingly impossible situations. This combination of vision and acceleration promises to make him a challenging matchup for defenses that commit too aggressively to stopping the run.
The Emotional Draft Call That Captured Hearts
The Seahawks have cultivated a tradition of releasing heartfelt draft call videos, and Jadarian Price's reaction ranks among the most moving. As Price received the call, his face shifted from disbelief to elation. He quietly mouthed "no way" before hearing the official announcement.
"Seattle Seahawks, you're on the clock with the 32nd pick," came the voice.
Then, confirmation followed: "We're going to take you."
Price responded with tears and laughter, embracing the family members who shared the moment. His words afterward--"I've been waiting for this my whole life"--highlighted the powerful mix of relief and excitement that only the draft can deliver.
How Price's Arrival Alters the Seahawks' Backfield Landscape
Jadarian Price's addition immediately alters the Seahawks' running back room dynamics. Seattle has invested substantially in this position in recent years, previously anchored by Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. While both remain on the roster, Walker's injury history and Charbonnet's inconsistent production left room for fresh talent.
Price enters with the pedigree and expectations of a first-round pick, viewed not merely as a complementary back but as a potential three-down star capable of handling 20-plus carries a game. His pass-catching skills out of the backfield add an aspect of explosiveness Seattle's offense has sometimes lacked.
Though the Seahawks' offensive line continues evolving, Price's ability to evade tacklers and gain yards after contact will be essential, especially in a competitive NFC West featuring strong defensive fronts like those in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Additional Draft Moves Signal a Run-Focused Offense
Seattle's Day 1 draft did not end with Price. The Seahawks added Iowa guard Beau Stephens with a fifth-round pick, a selection notable for adding physicality to the interior line. Stephens is well-regarded for his run-blocking prowess, a perfect complement to Seattle's intent on establishing a dominant ground game.
This tandem--an explosive running back paired with a formidable interior lineman--underscores Seattle's commitment to building through the trenches and enhancing their rushing attack. After relying heavily on quarterback Sam Darnold's arm during recent seasons, this marks a deliberate philosophical evolution under Macdonald and Fleury aimed at creating more balanced, sustainable offense.
Breaking Down Price's Key Strengths
Scouting reports on Jadarian Price emphasize his exceptional balance and footwork in traffic. While not the biggest back in this draft class, his physicality belies his size. At Notre Dame, Price routinely converted short gains into explosive plays by maintaining relentless leg drive through arm tackles.
His speed may be good rather than elite, but his sudden burst of acceleration is elite. Upon reading run-blocking schemes, he quickly reaches top speed--a trait making him especially dangerous on outside zone and stretch plays, staples in Brian Fleury's offense.
Price also demonstrated improvement as a pass protector in his final collegiate season--a critical skill for running backs aiming to stay on the field in passing situations. Coaches praised his tenacity when facing blitzing linebackers, a quality that should earn him playing time on third downs early in his NFL career.
The Bigger Picture for Seattle's Offense
The Seahawks find themselves at an intriguing juncture. Coming off a competitive 2025 campaign under Mike Macdonald, the roster still features areas that require addressing. The selection of Price at No. 32 signals a front office belief in winning football through the trenches and a powerful running game--a strategy that has proven effective for several championship contenders.
Price will face competition in training camp but carries the clear expectation of being a long-term answer at running back. Should he fulfill his potential, Seattle's offense could become one of the most balanced and feared units in the NFC.
For now, though, the spotlight remains on Jadarian Price. The draft call video immortalizes not just the joy and relief of a dream realized but also the hunger of a player ready to build a lasting NFL legacy.
"I'm ready to ball," he said.
With this pick, the Seahawks look ready to let him do exactly that.