Full Breakdown
Seattle Seahawks Draft Jadarian Price: Evaluating the Rookie Running Back’s Potential
5/4/2026, 12:02:27 PM
Seahawks Select Jadarian Price at No. 32
Seattle Seahawks selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to fill the void left by Kenneth Walker III and to pair with Zach Charbonnet.
Draft Room Dynamics and Target Shifts
Seattle’s original target was San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. After the Miami Dolphins moved to the 27th spot, the Seahawks stayed at 32, explored trades with Tennessee (pick 35) and New York (pick 37), but both fell through. Tennessee later moved to 31, prompting concerns they might select Price before Seattle.
Player Profile
Price appeared in 41 games at Notre Dame, recording 15 receptions for 162 yards and three touchdowns. He graduated early from high school to join the Irish. Reports list his age as 22 in one source and 24 in another. In high school at Denison, he caught 64 passes, 55 in his final 22 games.
Statistical Profile
Price’s college receiving average was 10.8 yards per catch. By comparison, former Seahawk RB Kenneth Walker had 19 receptions in 33 college games and later 133 catches in 58 NFL games. Price’s high-school total of 64 receptions suggests a stronger receiving background than his college output.
Third-Down Role and Team Impact
Analysts note that a running back who can reliably catch passes and stay on the field can improve a team’s third-down efficiency, a factor that influenced the decision to draft a pass-oriented back like Price.
Official Statements & Responses
General Manager John Schneider said Price was essentially the only viable target at the end of the first round after trade discussions fell through. A former high-school coach praised Price’s character, describing him as an exceptionally honorable individual. Former Notre Dame teammate Jeremiyah Love made a light-hearted comment about Price’s move to the Pacific Northwest and questioned Seattle’s appeal.
Criticism & Opposition
Analyst Brendon Nelson highlighted concerns about Price’s pass-blocking, noting that he was often leaky in protection at Notre Dame and was frequently removed from third-down duties. Nelson also questioned whether limited college receptions reflect a lack of route-running skill or simply situational usage, urging Seattle to define his role in the passing game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the most honorable man” — former high-school coach
- “kind of stood alone” — John Schneider, Seahawks GM
- “felt bad” — Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals RB
- “What’s so good about Seattle?” — Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals RB
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on Price’s age (22 vs. 24). Public data on his pass-blocking technique and the Seahawks’ intended third-down usage remain limited.
What’s Next
Price is expected to team up with Charbonnet in Seattle’s backfield. The article notes that his role will not be clear until he sees playing time.
