Full Breakdown
Seahawks Seek Explosive Running Back Options in 2026 Draft
3/28/2026, 4:27:03 PM
Current Needs and Context
The Seattle Seahawks are in search of a running back to enhance their offensive capabilities, particularly to address the loss of explosive plays following Ken Walker's departure to the Kansas City Chiefs. In the 2025 regular season, Walker ranked sixth in the league for explosive runs, defined as runs exceeding ten yards, with 33 such runs on 221 attempts. The Seahawks are facing a limited pool of veteran options and may need to rely on the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft to fill this gap.
Evaluating the 2026 Draft Class
An analysis of the 2025 draft class reveals that only three running backs achieved an explosive run rate above the decade average of 16%. Among these, Jadarian Price stands out as a leading candidate for the Seahawks. Price not only leads the 2025 class in explosive run rate but also excels in missed tackles forced, a critical metric for evaluating running back effectiveness. His performance in these areas compares favorably to previous high picks made by Seahawks General Manager John Schneider, including Rashaad Penny and Zach Charbonnet.
Key Metrics for Running Backs
The evaluation of running backs extends beyond explosive run rates. Price's ability to force missed tackles and gain yards after contact is noteworthy. He ranks first in missed tackles forced among the 2025 class, indicating his potential to break tackles and create additional yardage. Although his yards after contact per attempt is 3.95, which is decent but not exceptional, it positions him second among his peers in the draft class.
Alternative Candidates
While Price is a strong candidate, the Seahawks have also shown interest in Jonah Coleman from Washington. Coleman's 2025 statistics are less impressive due to a PCL injury, but his 2024 performance suggests potential, with a 4.34 yards after contact per attempt and a leading missed tackle forced rate. Another notable prospect is Nicholas Singleton from Penn State, who demonstrated a 19% missed tackle forced rate in 2024, further expanding the Seahawks' options.
Conclusion: Strategic Considerations for the Seahawks
The Seahawks face a critical decision in the upcoming draft regarding their running back selection. Jadarian Price emerges as the most compelling option for adding explosive plays to their running game, supported by his strong performance metrics. However, the team must weigh this against the potential of other candidates like Coleman and Singleton, who may offer different advantages. The Seahawks' approach will likely be influenced by their assessment of these players' past performances and their fit within the team's offensive strategy.
