Seahawks Land Dynamic Playmaker Jadarian Price at No. 32 Overall
The Seattle Seahawks kicked off their 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick on Thursday night, April 23. The first-round pick marks a significant addition to Seattle's backfield, as Price brings a rare combination of speed, power, and pass-catching ability that fits the Seahawks' evolving offensive identity.
General Manager John Schneider described Price as an immediate impact player who embodies the offensive versatility Seattle covets. "We identified Jadarian as a player who could come in and make an impact from Day 1," Schneider said in the team's official statement. "His ability to create yards after contact, his burst through the hole, and his natural hands out of the backfield fit exactly what we want to do offensively. We're thrilled to add him to the mix."
A Versatile Offensive Weapon
Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 210 pounds, Price is a compact, physical runner who demonstrated both durability and explosiveness during his collegiate career. In his final season at Notre Dame, he rushed for 1,147 yards and 11 touchdowns, boasting an impressive 5.8 yards per carry average. More notably, Price caught 52 passes for 568 yards and four touchdowns, proving his value as a dual-threat weapon capable of impacting the game as a receiver out of the backfield.
His quickness, timed at an outstanding 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, paired with sharp lateral agility and field vision, positions him as a mismatch for defenses. Notre Dame's usage of Price was notably diverse, featuring him on screens, wheel routes, and occasionally lining him up wide as a receiver, making full use of his agility and hands.
An NFC scout praised Price's versatility, calling him "a chess piece" due to his multi-faceted skill set. "You can line him up in the slot, motion him out of the backfield, hand him the ball on inside zone or outside zone -- he's got the versatility to do it all. That's rare for a back coming out of college."
Backfield Competition and Seattle's Offensive Strategy
Price will join a Seattle backfield that includes RB Cam Akers and Zach Charbonnet. Akers has been the team's lead runner over the last two years and remains a key offensive contributor, while Charbonnet has provided depth and limited explosive plays. Seattle's offensive scheme under coordinator Brian Fleury has shown increasing inclination toward dynamic, multi-dimensional backfield play, with an emphasis on creating mismatches in space.
Price's ability to play all three downs could help maintain freshness in the backfield while increasing Seattle's offensive unpredictability. His receiving skills will be valuable on third-down passing situations and screen plays, areas where the Seahawks have sought more consistent production in recent seasons.
Price's arrival also aligns with Seattle's investment in bolstering its offensive line depth, which aims to create opportunities for versatile backs who can exploit open lanes and stretch defenses vertically and horizontally. He joins a receiving corps led by Jake Bobo and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, both known for their playmaking capabilities.
Draft Strategy and Future Prospects
Seattle's choice of Price at No. 32 overall reflects a focused strategy to address a pressing positional need with a high-upside talent rather than risking value by waiting until Day 2. The Seahawks hold additional draft capital on Day 2, including picks No. 64 and No. 96, where they plan to target offensive line depth and defensive backfield competition.
Former Seahawk defensive end Cliff Avril is slated to announce Day 2 picks, providing a symbolic link to the franchise's successful past while generating excitement among fans eager to see the next wave of talent build the future roster.
John Schneider expressed optimism about the prospects on Day 2, noting, "We've done well there in the past, and we're excited about the board shaping up the way it has. Day 2 is where you can really build a team."
The Seahawks enjoy a reputation for scouting and developing talent in the mid-to-late rounds, recalling previous successes with players like wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, both of whom lived up to their draft hype and have been instrumental for Seattle's offense.
Fantasy Football and Fan Perspectives
From a fantasy football perspective, Price's selection instantly elevates his stock, particularly in dynasty and PPR formats. His prowess as a receiver out of the backfield provides a pathway to substantial weekly production even if his workload is initially shared. Analysts project him as a viable flex option by midseason, with upside toward RB2 status as he adapts to the professional level.
Seattle's commitment to featuring running backs in their passing game, evidenced by Cam Akers' 47 receptions in 2025, creates an encouraging environment for Price's skill set to flourish. For fans, Price's selection is a sign the Seahawks are targeting a modern, explosive offense capable of competing in the NFC West, a division known for high-powered attacks from teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.
With veteran quarterback Sam Darnold entering his age-34 season, adding versatile offensive weapons like Price underscores Seattle's intent to maintain a competitive, dynamic scoring attack in upcoming seasons.
Conclusion
Selecting Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick is a calculated, forward-looking move by the Seattle Seahawks. It addresses a core positional need, adds a multifaceted weapon to a promising offense, and reaffirms the franchise's commitment to building a team through a blend of savvy drafting and progressive offensive strategy.
As the 2026 NFL Draft continues, the Seahawks are well-positioned to add the supporting pieces necessary to compete in a challenging division. Jadarian Price may not have been the most headline-grabbing name at the position, but his versatility and skill set could make him an indispensable piece of Seattle's future success.
Stay tuned for ongoing coverage as the Seahawks continue to shape their 2026 roster and chart a path toward contention.
