Trading back has become the preferred predicted strategy for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL draft, but one insider believes the team will actually use the 32nd pick in the first round on a “stout” prospect who represents something of a luxury for the Super Bowl LX champions.
It’s Michael-Shawn Dugar, Seahawks beat writer for The Athletic, who goes against the grain. He has the Seahawks using the last selection on Thursday, April 23 to add to “one of the league’s best defensive fronts.”
Dugar thinks taking Ohio State defensive tackle off the board makes sense. As Dugar put it, “Even though they’re bringing everyone back, there’s no harm in making a strong position group even stronger. Because Seattle doesn’t have an urgent need at the position, McDonald, a stout run defender with pass-rush upside, would be able to learn from veterans like Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed before stepping into a bigger role down the line.”
Although the Seahawks boast a formidable defensive tackle rotation, there’s a reason they were linked to a trade for veteran All-Pro Dexter Lawrence II. The Seahawks didn’t pursue the deal, but Dugar choosing a nose tackle in Round 1 has a lot of merit, despite general manager John Schneider’s open desire to track back and add to Seattle’s paltry four picks.
Kayden McDonald Pick Is No Luxury
McDonald makes sense as a draft fit, even when Williams and Byron Murphy II currently dominate the interior. What’s missing is some help, likely why Williams was inadvertently influencing the Lawrence deal.
Experience isn’t a problem thanks to the sturdy form of 33-year-old nose guard Reed. He’s still capable, but Reed needs company in reserve, more company than fellow 33-year-old DeMarcus Lawrence can provide when he slides inside.
Lawrence is primarily a disruptor off the edge, so Schneider would be smart to acquire another young and dynamic D-tackle. McDonald qualifies as something of a throwback zero-technique who can play over the ball, muscle centers and command double teams.
Few linemen in the NFL do those things as impressively as Murphy, but head coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme could use another destructive run-stuffer.
Seahawks Need Defensive Tackle Help
The Macdonald formula relies on being able to defend the run with undermanned fronts. Keeping five and six in the box allows the Seahawks to load the field with defensive backs to disguise pressure and coverage, but none of that is possible without big-bodied linemen able to dominate the run.
Putting 6-foot-2, 327-pounder McDonald into the mix with Williams, Murphy and Reed would fortify the foundations of a system that’s the envy of the rest of the league.
McDonald would also provide a credible potential successor for Reed and Williams. The alternative is Schneider and Macdonald hoping last year’s fifth-round pick Rylie Mills, who helped himself to a career-first sack against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, takes a significant leap during his second season.
Rookie @Seahawks DE Rylie Mills had a milestone moment in the biggest game of his life. 💙
@insidetheNFL Super Bowl LX Mic’d Up on XIt was a potential breakout moment for Mills, but suffering a torn ACL late in his college career means he’s still only played in a mere six games, including playoffs, since entering the pros.
Mills can continue to make strides, but the Seahawks still shouldn’t delay the looming refresh they’ll need at the heart of their defensive line. Adding more picks will be a great temptation, but staying put and taking McDonald could also help the rich get richer.
Seahawks Insider Predicts ‘Stout’ Luxury Pick in Round 1