Stacy Rost: 3 things the Jadarian Price pick says about Seahawks

During an interview last month with Wyman and Bob, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider appeared to laugh off early concerns about a lack of depth in the running back room.

“Is today… the 19th? March, right?” Schneider joked.

Seahawks 2026 NFL Draft Tracker: Keep up with picks and trades

By then, the Seahawks had signed former Packer Emanuel Wilson but hadn’t quite filled the role vacated by 1,000-yard rusher and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker II. Schneider added a belief he’d absorbed during his time in Green Bay about running back talent.

“That’s a position that you can find guys,” he said.

What he meant, presumably, is that Seattle didn’t need to overspend in free agency to bolster the room, nor would they need to make costly trades to fill out the position as the season progressed. It’s a position that can lean on pure athleticism, and a player who’s good enough can do enough with the right scheme, the right offensive line and the right coach.

Combine that with Schneider’s candor about trading back, and a Seahawks’ selection of a running back a No. 32 overall in the first round felt a bit less likely — no matter how many NFL analysts mocked Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price to them.

Draft Reaction: Seahawks’ pick of RB Price a merge of talent, need

A classic Seahawks twist! Seattle made their selection after all, and Schneider’s right. You can find guys. In this draft, though, it’s in the first round.

Here’s what the pick tells us and what you need to know.

The Seahawks probably couldn’t find trade partner or didn’t love any offers.

Back in 2020, the Seahawks selected Texas Tech linebacker Jordyn Brooks 27th overall and were fairly open afterwards about initially wanting to move back. It was a bit of a surprise since Brooks had been mocked as a late first or early second-rounder. Perhaps they could’ve gotten him then. But the problem? A better deal unfolded for the trade partner, the Green Bay Packers, who jumped one spot ahead to take quarterback Jordan Love, and the Seahawks were forced to make their pick. They were, of course, still happy with the selection of Brooks, but it doesn’t mean they didn’t seriously consider moving.

It’s hard not to wonder if a similar event unfolded Thursday night. The Seahawks had been so open about dealing and entered the night with just four picks. But the five picks ahead of them were traded, which probably limited opportunities.

There’s some uncertainty on timelines for returning players.

I believe Schneider when he heaps praise on George Holani and Wilson and the rest of the running back room. But there are real questions about health, and all the faith in the world doesn’t change that. Zach Charbonnet will be working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in January, which could mean a mid-season return. Mike Macdonald didn’t offer a timeline at all earlier this week when asked about Kenny McIntosh, who missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL.

Price brings something the Seahawks don’t already have.

I hate starting with two things that aren’t directly related to Price’s talent, because with tempting cornerback and edge rusher options on the board it’s clear the Seahawks valued him. So, let’s talk about that!

Price may not have college teammate and No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love’s immeasurable talent, which is what makes the latter a top-five pick, but he still brings a level of explosiveness that’s missed without Walker. Don’t read too much into a 4.49-second 40-yard dash.

“I think he plays a little bit faster than that,” Notre Dame beat reporter Pete Sampson told us during Bump and Stacy two weeks ago. “He was not somebody you ever saw get caught from behind. He was one of those guys where you thought he was going to, but he just kept running away from people.”

He can do it all.

All-American @Jadarian15 😤 pic.twitter.com/M6uSMhIKo1

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 24, 2026

Schneider has favored freak athletes, and Price falls into that category.

“He’s jacked,” Sampson added. “Body-type wise, he’s probably not dissimilar from the guy who walked out the door in Seattle.”

Schneider has also emphasized character with his picks, focusing on players who are smart, tough and reliable.

“Jadarian reminds me of Julian Love from a personality point of view,” Sampson said. “Julian Love was one of those guys — I remember covering him as a recruit and like, ‘alright, you’re gonna be a captain at Notre Dame and I know this your senior year of high school.’ His personality is rare in terms of leadership and maturity. He’s just unique that way. I think the guys at Notre Dame… it’s tough here, they’ve got to go to class, there’s a lot on their plate. But I think that prepares them for the NFL.”

More Seattle Seahawks and NFL Draft coverage

• Seattle Seahawks draft Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price at No. 32
• Brock: Rams’ QB pick at No. 13 overall a gift to Seattle Seahawks
• Rams pick QB Stafford’s potential successor 13th overall
• NFC West: Cardinals pick RB Love third overall in NFL Draft
• For third straight year, an OL from Washington state goes in 1st round

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