Seahawks' Draft Strategy: Versatile Studs & Chess Game Moves

On April 25, Seahawks rolled into the 2026 NFL draft, with just 4 picks, hungry to trade

back from the first round for more ammo on, days 2 and 3.

They stood to grabbing versatile studs on both sides early, then flipped, picked 96 to

the Steelers for 99, plus a 6th rounder at 2.

16.

Their interior offensive line was the sore spot after that Super Bowl run, with a right

guard Anthony Bradford getting exposed in zone blocks and pass, pro-killing drives.

They eyed Iowa's Jennings Dunker at 96, a top zone blocker who could have locked down

right guard and boosted new lead back Jadarian price.

Fans and experts pushed for a corner early, but GM John Schneider waited smart, dodging

that trap.

Instead, at 99, they snagged Arkansas corner Julian Neal for secondary depth, a rotational

piece to spell Ric Wullen, and handle dying packages.

Overvets like Noah Igbenagine, trading those 4th and 5th rounders for Saints, return man

Rashid Shaheed means no line help to 188, but Neal plus the extra pick, feels like solid

value, Schneider's chess game paying off without the drama.