John Schneider is usually lauded for his personnel moves, but the Seattle Seahawks’ general manager isn’t escaping major criticism for committing a “massive overpay” in the 2026 NFL draft, a move that’s skewed the grades for the entire class.
That’s the damning verdict from Danny Kelly of The Ringer, who takes exception with one particular pick. Specifically, Kelly believes Schneider’s desperation to replace Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III led to reaching for running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd-overall pick.
As Kelly put it, “The Seahawks painted themselves into a corner in free agency when they let Kenneth Walker leave for the Chiefs, opening a giant hole at the running back position. That left them somewhat desperate to find Walker’s successor in the draft, and when they failed to execute a trade out of the first round, they stayed put and picked Jadarian Price. That’s a pretty massive overpay for my 56th-ranked player, who never was a starter in college and brings limited experience as a pass catcher to the pros.”
Although he thinks Price is “an explosive playmaker on the ground,” capable of justifying stepping into a key role in Seattle, Kelly’s still convinced “the Seahawks panicked and overpaid in the first round.”
It’s why he gives the Seahawks a less than completely flattering grade for Schneider’s work during this draft.
Seahawks’ Smart Drafting Late Undermined by Jadarian Price Judgement
Kelly’s overall assessment of how the Seahawks fared in this draft is a true mixed bag, contributing to a C-plus grade. He does praise how Schneider was able “to identify some potential early impact players on the second and third days of the draft.”
Those late-round finds include guard Beau Stephens, taken in the fifth round. He’s already viewed as a viable replacement for uninspiring veteran Anthony Bradford.
Stephens was one of the picks Schneider acquired through a series of trades. Savvy wheeling and dealing swelled Seattle’s draft resources from four picks to eight, allowing the Seahawks to take another potential difference-maker on Day 3.
Ultimately though, the perceptions of this class will be chiefly influenced by the view on Price. Particularly the belief about whether or not he can adequately fill Waker’s shoes.
Fortunately, the Seahawks have already received a glowing endorsement from a more high-profile draft running back who knows all about Price’s skills.
Schneider has earned the trust of fans after constructing the roster that won last season’s Lombardi Trophy, but the GM still has work to do post-draft.
John Schneider Already Prepping Next Move
He didn’t address one particular position of need with his eight picks, but Schneider has left the door ajar to find help in free agency. Help that might come from a former first-round draft pick.
Staying ahead of the rest of the NFL is the challenge facing Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald. It’s not an easy task, but the best way for the Seahawks to approach it is by trusting what worked well the last two years.
That means having faith in the smart drafting that yielded cornerstone players like nose tackle Byron Murphy II, safety Nick Emmanwori and guard Grey Zabel. The latter already has a message for Price to motivate him to follow in the same footsteps.
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