Full Breakdown
Seahawks Draft Jadarian Price at No. 32: A Run-First Solution
4/25/2026, 5:44:25 AM
The Decision at No. 32
On April 24, 2026 the Seattle Seahawks used the final first-round pick (32nd overall) to select Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price. General manager John Schneider entered the draft intending to trade down, but five of the six picks preceding Seattle were traded away, leaving no viable partner. Schneider later explained that the flurry of trades “fell apart” and that Price “kind of stood alone.”
Why Seattle Needed a Running Back
The move addressed the loss of Kenneth Walker III, the 2024 Super Bowl MVP, who left for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. Additionally, Zach Charbonnet was recovering from a torn ACL, and Kenny McIntosh remained sidelined. The existing roster—Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and Kenny McIntosh—was deemed insufficient to sustain a run-heavy offense that powered Seattle’s recent championship.
Jadarian Price: College Production and Physical Profile
Price was a backup to Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall). In his final season he logged 674 rushing yards on 113 carries (6.0 YPC) with 11 touchdowns, added 2 receiving touchdowns, and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, averaging 47 yards per return early in the season. Other reports list 1,420 yards and 18 touchdowns on 233 carries, highlighting a statistical discrepancy. At 5 ft 11 in, 203 lb, he suffered a 2022 Achilles tear but returned to form. His 40-yard dash was recorded at 4.49 seconds, and scouts noted “home-run speed” and elite cut-back ability.
Official Statements from Seattle Leadership
Schneider praised Price as “a great player, great person” and emphasized the urgency of filling the running-back vacancy, stating the team “was important” to secure a talent who could contribute immediately. Head coach Mike Macdonald highlighted Price’s character, noting his “leadership, resiliency, humility, and commitment to Notre Dame.” Macdonald also reiterated Seattle’s identity as a “run-first” team and expressed confidence that the new backfield would sustain the offense while Charbonnet rehabilitates.
Criticism of a First-Round RB Selection
Analysts questioned the value of a first-round running back in a draft class described as “weak” and argued that the pick could have been used on a cornerback or edge rusher, positions where depth existed. Some observers labeled the move a “surprise” and warned that running backs often become “fumble liabilities” and have limited long-term upside compared with other positions.
On-the-Ground Reaction in Denison, Texas
Price received the call while surrounded by his mother Jessica Butler, teammates, and friends. He described the moment as “immediate tears and joy,” noting his mother’s battle with breast cancer as his primary motivation. The hometown declared January 20, 2026 — Jadarian Price Day, underscoring community pride.
Conflicting Statistics and Unresolved Details
Sources differ on Price’s total college production (674 vs. 1,420 rushing yards; 11 vs. 18 touchdowns) and on his kickoff-return totals (two vs. three touchdowns). His post-combine weight is reported at 203 lb, yet he intends to bulk to 210 lb for the NFL. These inconsistencies remain unverified.
What Lies Ahead for Price and Seattle
Price will sign a four-year rookie contract with a potential fifth-year option. He will compete with Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and the recovering Charbonnet for carries. Seattle’s offensive coordinator plans to integrate Price into the zone-run scheme that powered the Super Bowl win, while the team evaluates trade-down opportunities in later rounds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The person is outstanding. The competitor. He’s a Seahawk.” — John Schneider, Seahawks GM
- “We thought he had some opportunities for a minute. Fell apart. A lot of trading going on right ahead of us,” — John Schneider, Seahawks GM
- “I thought I would be a little more calm. But that phone call was a little different. When you get that phone call it’s just immediate tears and joy.” — Jadarian Price, draft prospect
- “You learn about the person, about the leadership, the resiliency, the humility, just the commitment to Notre Dame by staying there,” — Mike Macdonald, Seahawks head coach
- “You see Kenneth Walker III getting the Super Bowl MVP, I think it’s important.” — Mike Macdonald, Seahawks head coach
- “ I mean, sure, yes, there are people who will always argue against taking a running back that early in the draft.” — Seaside Joe, analyst
