Full Breakdown
Seahawks Draft Bud Clark and Julian Neal: Confidence Meets Culture
4/26/2026, 1:21:57 PM
Core Draft Selections and Immediate Reactions
On Friday night the Seattle Seahawks used the No. 64 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select TCU safety Bud Clark. The team also added fellow TCU defensive back Julian Neal later in the second round, bolstering a secondary that already includes Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori and veteran Julian Love.
Background: Culture-First Draft Philosophy
Since the Super Bowl win, Seattle’s front office—GM John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald—has emphasized personality as much as talent. Their scouting process looks for “swag, confidence, but humility” and “core competitive fundamentals,” a mindset reinforced by scouts Josh Graff and Ryan Florence during pre-draft visits.
Player Profiles: Clark’s Versatility and Neal’s Draft Journey
Bud Clark, a 6-foot-1, 188-lb safety, logged over 1,200 snaps in the slot, 700 in the box and 400 at free safety, showing positional flexibility. Julian Neal impressed Seahawks staff in his combine interview; assistant head coach Leslie Frazier told him he was “most likely” to be drafted by Seattle, a prediction Neal later confirmed.
Data & Statistics: Clark’s Production and Measurables
Clark recorded 15 interceptions, two pick-sixes and 21 pass breakups across his four college seasons, with a senior year tally of four interceptions, a pick-six, seven pass breakups, one sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. At the NFL combine he ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and posted a 38-inch vertical jump.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Macdonald praised the newcomers, noting they “have swag, they’ve got confidence, but they have humility.” Schneider added Seattle “added two Seahawks through and through guys—competitors, athletes, tough,” underscoring the picks’ alignment with the culture-first approach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It wasn't a surprise at all,” — Julian Neal, TCU safety
- “They've got swag, they've got confidence, but they have humility.” — Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks head coach
- “We added two Seahawks through and through guys,” — John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks GM
- “I love his backpedal,” — Michael Bumpus, former NFL receiver
What’s Next: Projected Roles and Integration
Seattle plans to rotate Clark across slot, box and free-safety duties, complementing Witherspoon and Emmanwori, while Neal will compete for nickel and sub-package snaps. Both will undergo the organization’s cultural onboarding to reinforce humility and confidence as the secondary aims to sustain the franchise’s championship momentum.
