The Seattle Seahawks made a bold move to close out the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, selecting Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick. The selection, confirmed by multiple sources including the official Seahawks website, came as a surprise to many draft analysts who had projected Price to go in the second round. General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Mike Macdonald clearly saw an opportunity to add a dynamic weapon to their backfield that they couldn't pass up.
In this article, we will break down what Jadarian Price brings to the Pacific Northwest, why Seattle pulled the trigger at this spot, and what this means for a running back group already featuring some intriguing talent.
The Player: Jadarian Price
Price emerged as one of the top running backs in college football during his tenure at Notre Dame. A four-star recruit from Texas, Price quickly established himself as a versatile and explosive back. Officially measured at 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds at the combine, Price combines a compact and powerful frame with exceptional burst and acceleration through the hole.
During the 2025 college season, Price rushed for 1,247 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Beyond his rushing prowess, he caught 38 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns, displaying the receiving skills that make him a valuable three-down running back in the NFL. Scouts have praised his vision, patience, and ability to evade defenders in tight spaces. Although his 40-yard dash time was in the low 4.5 seconds range, Price's game speed is notably faster due to his quick acceleration and football instincts.
Another attribute that likely appealed to Seattle was Price's pass protection. Unlike many backs who struggle to pick up blitzes, Price is known for his willingness and effectiveness in pass blocking, a skill highly valued in today's NFL to secure playing time from the outset.
Fit in Seattle's Offense
Seattle's backfield entering the draft was already a subject of lively discussion. Kenneth Walker III, known for his home-run threat capability, has experienced injury setbacks and inconsistency over his first two NFL seasons. Zach Charbonnet provides a strong physical presence but has yet to seize the starting role definitively. The Seahawks also have younger backs on the roster but none with the immediate upside Price offers.
By spending their No. 32 overall pick on Price, the Seahawks signal their intention for him to compete for meaningful snaps right away. Offensive Coordinator Brian Fleury now gains the flexibility to deploy Price in multiple facets--between-the-tackles runs, receiving check-downs, jet sweeps, and screens. Price's ability to line up out wide or in the slot complements the Seahawks' existing weapons like wide receivers Cooper Kupp, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and DK Metcalf, adding a new layer of creativity to the offense.
Seattle has a storied tradition of featuring backs who contribute as runners, blockers, and receivers--Marshawn Lynch and Shaun Alexander being prime examples. Price's blend of power, agility, and catching ability fits the modern NFL requirement for versatile backs, especially within Seattle's increasingly zone-blocking scheme.
Why Seattle Drafted a Running Back in the First Round
The selection of a running back with the last pick of the first round raises some eyebrows in today's NFL, where the position often is downgraded in draft value. However, Schneider's history shows he isn't afraid to diverge from consensus opinion when he identifies a special talent.
Seattle has bolstered its offensive line through free agency and internal development, making it primed to maximize a back who can consistently hit the hole hard. Investing an early pick in a running back like Price is a strategic move to bolster the offense and alleviate pressure on their quarterback.
The Seahawks aim to improve their play-action passing by establishing a reliable ground game, which keeps defenses honest and helps control possession time. Price has demonstrated the ability to make defenders miss and break big runs, traits that could transform how Seattle sustains drives and converts in the red zone.
Expert Opinions and Draft Context
Draft analysts are generally positive about Price's selection. While some predicted he would be a late first or early second round pick due to the depth of the running back class this year, several scouting experts consider Price the most complete back available.
One NFC scout commented on Price's complete skill set: "He might not have the top-end speed of some prospects, but his quick feet, vision, and all-around skill set make him a future 1,000-yard rusher. Seattle got good value with their pick."
Price's production at Notre Dame came against consistently strong defenses, making his transition to the NFL's rigorous competition more promising. His ability to perform week after week against high-caliber opponents enhances confidence in his pro potential.
Impact on Seahawks' Running Back Depth Chart
Currently, Kenneth Walker III is the Seahawks' starter, but with his injury history and a contract year ahead, competition is sensible. Zach Charbonnet offers a complementary style as a heavier power runner, but Price's balanced skill set--power, speed, and receiving--may earn him a quick path to a featured role.
Early in the season, expect Price to be used as a change-of-pace back while acclimating to the professional level. As he gains experience, the workload could shift significantly in his favor, especially if he demonstrates the dynamism projected.
Additionally, his receiving and blocking skills make him valuable on third downs and passing situations, offering Seattle a mismatch weapon out of the backfield and improving the offense's versatility.
The Bigger Picture for the Seahawks
This pick represents a broader strategic vision for Seattle as they continue to rebuild under Mike Macdonald. The defense has been retooled for speed and versatility, and the offense is following a similar philosophy of adaptable, multifaceted players.
Price's all-around skill set fits this mold perfectly, providing Seattle with a Swiss Army knife-type player who can impact the game in multiple ways.
For Price personally, joining a franchise with a proud running back heritage offers a motivating backdrop to launch his professional career. The Seahawks' fanbase, long yearning for a revitalized offense, now has fresh hope.
Conclusion
Selecting Jadarian Price at No. 32 overall sends a message: The Seattle Seahawks believe the right running back can elevate their offense to a new level. Price's talent, versatility, and work ethic align with Seattle's team-building ethos and offensive needs.
Early indications are promising that Price could become a central figure in the Seahawks' backfield, helping the team regain playoff relevance.
As the 2026 NFL Draft continues, Seattle fans can look ahead with optimism. Jadarian Price's arrival is a significant step in the Seahawks' pursuit of excellence--and he might just be the catalyst that turns the franchise's fortunes around in the immediate future.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the draft unfolds. For now, the Pacific Northwest welcomes a new star in the making: Jadarian Price, the Seahawks' pick to energize their offense.