Full Breakdown
Seahawks Rookie Minicamp Introduces 2026 Draft Class
5/3/2026, 10:49:26 PM
Camp Overview
The Seahawks conducted a two-day rookie minicamp at the VMAC in Renton, featuring the eight players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, seven undrafted free-agents, a group of second-year players and 44 tryout participants. Coach Mike Macdonald called the 100-minute sessions a “jump” from the first practice and said the drills began to look like “professional football out there.” Seahawks legend Richard Sherman visited on Day 1 to give pointers to rookie cornerback Julian Neal.
Draft Picks in Action
Running back Jadarian Price (1st-round, 32nd) caught passes in space-play drills; safety Bud Clark (2nd-round, 64th) displayed a “contagious spirit” in helmets-off walk-throughs; cornerback Julian Neal (3rd-round, 99th) worked left corner and led a breakdown cheer; guard Beau Stephens (5th-round, 148th) played right guard and will train both guard spots; receiver/returner Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (6th-round, 199th) contributed on offense and special teams; cornerback Andre Fuller (7th-round, 236th) rotated between slot and outside; nose tackle Deven Eastern (7th-round, 242nd) moved among defensive tackle positions, with GM John Schneider noting his A-gap pass-rush upside; cornerback Michael Dansby (7th-round, 255th) primarily played right corner with a mistake-free practice.
Undrafted free-agent Tyrone Broden, a 6-foot-5 former receiver, began a transition to cornerback, with coaches highlighting his lateral quickness and special-teams value.
Coaches’ Assessment
Macdonald described the minicamp as a “microcosm for the whole team,” noting that the new talent adds excitement to a squad “seeking to repeat as Super Bowl champions.” He emphasized line flexibility and praised the players’ energy. GM John Schneider expressed enthusiasm for adding a versatile interior lineman in Eastern, citing his potential as both a run stopper and pass-rusher.
Key Numbers
- Eight draft selections (Rounds 1-7).
- Practice length: roughly 100 minutes per day.
Implications for a Title Defense
The minicamp provided the first on-field evaluation of the 2026 class, revealing each rookie’s fit within offensive schemes, defensive packages and special-teams units. Versatility and enthusiasm are viewed as assets for a team aiming to sustain its championship momentum while integrating new contributors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Players did a great job,” — Mike Macdonald, Coach
- “Yeah, I think (general manager) John (Schneider) said he’s the opposite of an energy vampire,” — Mike Macdonald, on Bud Clark
- “That was awesome,” — Mike Macdonald, on Richard Sherman’s visit
- “Our coaches were very excited to add an A-gap player that can get up and down the line of scrimmage and have some upside as a pass-rusher,” — John Schneider, General Manager
Next Steps
Rookies will have a week off before rejoining the veteran roster for the final phases of the offseason program. Beau Stephens will continue training at both guard positions, and the coaching staff will further assess each rookie’s role as the team prepares for training camp and the upcoming season.
