The Seattle Seahawks already have their top three wide receiver spots solidified on their 2026 NFL roster. The team has two other receivers returning to provide depth insurance as well. But that doesn’t mean sixth-round receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. won’t be able to carve out a role.
Based on what he told reporters at the team’s first day of rookie minicamp Friday, Henderson is focused on becoming a significant contributor for Seattle’s special teams unit.
“Wherever you can put me I feel like I can go out there and dominate my position anywhere on special teams,” Henderson told the media. “I’ve been doing it all throughout my college career and I will continue to do it.”
Henderson played almost entirely on special teams for three seasons at Alabama. With the Crimson Tide, he caught five passes for 96 yards. The team mostly used him to cover punts and kickoffs.
On Friday, the sixth-round pick described what it takes to be a great gunner.
“Just the daily work. In and out,” said Henderson. “Your daily habits. The things that you do outside of football. Just continuing to work on the small things.”
Henderson spent his final college season at Kansas. With the Jayhawks, he returned kickoffs and played a much bigger role as a receiver.
Henderson caught 45 passes for 766 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per reception. He also averaged 25.3 yards per kickoff return. Henderson returned one of his kickoffs for a touchdown.
What Seahawks Are Getting With WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
Thanks to a few trades during the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seahawks managed to acquire twice as many selections as they started with on April 23. One of the results was the opportunity for Seattle to add Henderson.
The Seahawks grabbed the Kansas wideout at No. 199 overall in the sixth round.
Henderson will give Seattle extra receiver depth. But his primary role for the team, particularly as a rookie, will likely be on special teams covering kicks.
“Henderson is a slender inside/outside receiver. He has good speed and disguises route intentions but will need work getting his feet/tempo right as a route-runner,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He’s a former running back with below-average hands but real potential after the catch. You won’t see many who return kicks and cover punts in the same game, but Henderson can handle both duties.
“His special-teams versatility and athletic upside give him a chance to make a roster as a WR5/6 and full-time gunner.”
The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta reported Henderson received repetitions at both receiver and on special teams at the team’s rookie minicamp from May 1-2.
Seahawks WR Depth Entering 2026 NFL Offseason Workouts
The Seahawks will host their next offseason session on May 26. Beginning with that practice, it might become clearer where Henderson sits in the Seattle receiver room.
2025 NFL leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Rush will be back as the team’s top three wideouts. The Seahawks also have special teams ace Jake Bobo at receiver along with 2025 preseason sensation Tory Horton.
In the 2025 regular season, Horton only caught 13 passes. However, five of them went for touchdowns.
Henderson’s best path to a roster spot for the Seahawks is likely as a WR6 behind those other five wideouts. As the team’s sixth receiver, Henderson will have to be invaluable on special teams to be on the roster.
Should the Seahawks elect to keep six receivers, Henderson could also be competing with fellow depth wideouts Velus Jones Jr., Montorie Foster Jr., Cody White, Ricky White III, Levi Wentz and Michael Briscoe for a roster spot.
Seahawks Rookie Speaks out on His Potential Role