The NFL Draft process is a marathon of evaluation, and the Seattle Seahawks are deep into their final sprints. With the 2026 selection meeting just weeks away, the team continues to bring its top targets to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center for closer evaluation. The Seahawks confirmed on April 13, 2026, that three additional prospects have completed official pre-draft visits, adding to their coveted top-30 list of potential draft picks.
The new arrivals are Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson, NC State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland, and Missouri linebacker Zion Young. Official visits represent a critical phase in the pre-draft ritual, where prospects undergo in-depth interviews, medical examinations, and meet with coaches and front office personnel in a more intimate setting than the NFL Scouting Combine.
For General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Mike Macdonald, these visits are about more than just measurables and game tape. They provide an opportunity to assess football IQ, personality fit, and the intangible drive that separates good college players from successful NFL professionals. Here's a closer look at what each of these three visitors could potentially bring to the Pacific Northwest.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
The Seahawks' perennial interest in running backs continues with Emmett Johnson's visit. Johnson emerged as a workhorse for the Cornhuskers, showcasing vision, patience, and one-cut explosiveness that have historically thrived in Seattle's offensive schemes. His pass-catching ability out of the backfield further increases his value for an offense looking to diversify under offensive coordinator Brian Fleury.
Although the Seahawks have invested in the running back position in recent years, their draft philosophy under John Schneider emphasizes creating competition and finding value. Bringing in a player of Johnson's caliber for a top-30 visit signals genuine interest and diligent evaluation of a deep running back class. Johnson represents a potential mid-to-late round option who could contribute immediately on special teams while developing behind established veterans such as Kenneth Walker III.
Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State
The Seahawks' focus on bolstering their interior defensive line is unmistakable, and Brandon Cleveland's visit illustrates this priority. Cleveland built a reputation at NC State as a powerful, disruptive force against both the run and the pass. His ability to anchor against double teams and collapse the pocket from the inside aligns perfectly with Head Coach Mike Macdonald's defensive vision.
Seattle has sought to deepen and fortify its defensive front, and Cleveland's size, strength, and refined technique make him a compelling prospect. His official visit suggests the Seahawks see him as a versatile fit for their multiple-front defense, capable of playing various techniques along the line. With interior defensive tackles in high demand in this draft, Cleveland's inclusion on the top-30 list highlights his significance to Seattle's draft strategy.
Zion Young, LB, Missouri
Seattle's linebacker corps is undergoing a transition that blends established veterans with ascending youth, and Zion Young's visit indicates the team's desire to infuse athleticism and versatility at the second level. Young was a standout at Missouri, known for his sideline-to-sideline range, physical tackling, and improved coverage skills.
In Macdonald's defensive scheme, linebackers must be communicative, intelligent, and adaptable--diagnosing plays quickly, fitting run gaps, and covering effectively in both zone and man schemes. Young's athletic profile and football acumen suggest he could meet these demands. His visit offered coaches a chance to assess his mental processing and potential fit within a complex defensive system. Depending on Seattle's board position, Young could emerge as a developmental prospect with special teams upside or an immediate contributor.
Reading Between the Lines of Seattle's Top-30 Visits
Official pre-draft visits are strong indicators of interest but not guarantees of selection. Teams use their allotment of 30 visits on a blend of prospects--first-round targets, mid-round values, late-round or priority free agents, and sometimes smokescreens to mask true intentions. Nonetheless, the focus on running back, defensive tackle, and linebacker in this latest trio suggests a clear priority on both immediate needs and long-term roster construction.
The Seahawks' defensive line remains a key area for reinforcement, and the linebacker visit emphasizes the team's caution in ensuring depth and athleticism. Running back, a position where Seattle has sought competitive depth, also remains firmly in focus.
For fans, these names now transcend mere scouting report entries; Emmett Johnson, Brandon Cleveland, and Zion Young have walked the halls of the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, met with coaches and executives, and demonstrated a desire to become Seahawks.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, every detail gains significance. The confirmation of these three visits adds clarity to the profile of players drawing Seattle's attention--hard-nosed runners, disruptive interior defenders, and dynamic linebackers. While much of the visit's evaluation occurs behind closed doors, this public confirmation underscores a franchise operating at full speed to build for future success. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the Seahawks' trajectory, and for these prospects from Nebraska, NC State, and Missouri, Seattle is now a definitive destination on their NFL journey.