A lot of pundits have called on the Seattle Seahawks adding a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft. Some have floated Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price as a potential target at No. 32 overall at the end of the first round.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine didn’t completely rule out Price as a Seahawks target.
But Ballentine strongly argued against Seattle drafting Price in the first round.
“John Schneider only has four picks to work with in this draft. Spending the first one on a running back is simply a luxury they can’t afford,” wrote Ballentine.
“Instead, the Seahawks should focus on taking whatever cornerback or edge prospect is at the top of their board when they get on the clock. They can find a decent back at the end of the second or third rounds much easier than those positions.”
Analysts have linked the Seahawks to running backs in the draft because Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker left in 2026 NFL free agency. But Seattle also lost cornerback Riq Woolen and edge rusher Boye Mafe in free agency.
Seahawks Urged to Avoid RB Jadarian Price
GettyNotre Dame running back Jadarian Price could be an early Day 2 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
To be clear, Ballentine didn’t really argue anything against the Notre Dame running back prospect. The Bleacher Report analyst just doesn’t see the value at No. 32 overall.
At the idea of the Seahawks drafting Price at the end of the second round, Ballentine could significantly change his tune. Seattle could also move back from No. 32 to early in the second round through a trade.
But the analyst seemed to assume the choices for Seattle were either take Price at No. 32 or not at all. With those options, Ballentine argued for the team to avoid Price.
Price split opportunities with consensus top-5 prospect and fellow running back Jeremiyah Love during the 2025 season. Price didn’t see as many opportunities as Love, but Price took advantage of the times he touched the ball.
He averaged six yards per carry on his way to 674 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. He also had six catches for 87 yards and two additional scores.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Price the No. 39 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Both Jeremiah and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. placed Price at No. 2 on their running back rankings for the class.
“Tempo-driven back with smooth hips, elite vision and a nose for the end zone. Price is a more natural runner than his heralded teammate, Jeremiyah Love, but Price lacks Love’s pure explosiveness and pass-catching talent,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Price is highly instinctive, stacking moves to contour to run-lane spacing and avoid tacklers for as long as possible.
“Limited third-down value could cap his draft slotting, but his talent as a runner should make him an excellent complementary back.”
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GettyBleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine argued Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks should avoid Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price.
One could argue Price wouldn’t really be a luxury pick for the Seahawks at No. 32 overall. Depending on how the summer goes, Price could be in line to start in Seattle.
Ballentine, though, seemed to prioritize positional value, which running back typically doesn’t provide.
The Seahawks could find better positional value at cornerback or edge rusher late in the first round — the two other main needs Seattle has. The team could also use an upgrade at right guard.
Ballentine also has more faith in the current running backs on the Seahawks roster than the average analyst this April.
“Losing Walker hurts, but the cupboard isn’t bare. Zach Charbonnet is still on the roster and they signed Emanuel Wilson in free agency,” wrote Ballentine. “Adding a running back later in the draft could give them a solid trio to work with, but taking the second back on our big board, Jadarian Price, is a bit rich.”
The BR analyst might be in favor of the Seahawks targeting a prospect such as Toledo running back Chip Trayanum. On April 10, Fansided’s 12th Man Rising’s Jonathan Eig identified Trayanum as a potential sleeper for the Seahawks.
Zach Charbonnet and Emanuel Wilson could share the Seahawks backfield next season. Charbonnet, though, is recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained during the playoffs.
The Seahawks also have running backs George Holani, Kenny McIntosh, Cam Akers, Velus Jones Jr. and Jacardia Wright on their roster.
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