Before getting into my notes, for each day of the draft there will be an open-thread on the blog to discuss the picks as they happen. Then, at the conclusion of each day, I will jump on a live stream. I hope you’ll join us!
Also, for my final horizontal board grading 270 players, click here.
The options at #32
I’m pretty sure the Seahawks will do all they can to trade down (I’ll come back to that in a minute). If they have to stick and pick I think it’s more likely than not to be a defensive back they select.
In yesterday’s mock I noted Chris Johnson and Treydan Stukes as the two players I’m most keenly eyeing for Seattle’s pick. In Daniel Jeremiah’s mock both players are off the board. What would happen then?
I still think it could be a cornerback or safety. Brandon Cisse could go earlier than the consensus. It’s also going to be interesting to see how teams view Avieon Terrell. I just think the value of this class at #32 points to a cornerback or safety being their first selection.
What about Jadarian Price?
The conversation on Price within the media could easily be emulated within draft rooms. A lot of people are torn on where he deserves to be placed in this class.
Daniel Jeremiah thinks he’s the 34th best player. Lance Zierlein has him in a similar range. Yet others see him more as a middle-of-day-two player.
I don’t have a ton of sources. I write a blog at the end of the day. But I have spoken to someone in the league, someone who I think would be universally viewed as an excellent talent evaluator. That individual, when we spoke, brought Price up without prompting and said he was a heck of a player, could be better than Jeremiyah Love and deserved to go in the early second round.
If John Schneider agrees, he might take him at #32. Or after a small move down. The Seahawks need big plays at running back and per the 2025 numbers, Price is #1 in the class for explosive run rate, #1 for missed tackles forced rate and #2 for yards after contact per attempt (behind only Love).
I’m not convinced though. There’s such a small sample size for Price given his backup role at Notre Dame. As I mentioned to Jeff Simmons during our stream last night, quality running backs often last into round two. I like Price — but I don’t think he’s the next Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor or Dalvin Cook.
I still think they will seek value later on and I think Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington Jr could be seen as key alternatives.
Trading down opens everything up
If I think a defensive back is arguably most likely at #32, trading down could open things up. It potentially brings the guards into play. There will be defensive linemen who warrant consideration. I think at #32 ‘best player available’ could match one of Seattle’s biggest needs. Later in round two, best player available may not. There will be a lot of options.
What’s a trade-down scenario?
I just have a hard time thinking the Cardinals (or anyone else) will wait until the last pick of the night to go and get Ty Simpson. You either want him or you don’t. Teams in front of Seattle would likely accept the same kind of offer to move down.
A more plausible trade-down scenario for me involves the receivers. If the Jets don’t take a receiver at #16, and if they don’t trade back into round one themselves, they will be an obvious place for a receiver to land.
Teams like the Titans, Raiders, Browns, Saints, Dolphins, Ravens and Falcons theoretically could be in the receiver market. Getting ahead of the Jets could be key if a player they really like lasts.
If you want an attractive trade-down offer, it might be time to root for players like Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper Jr to last.
How would a big trade-down help the Seahawks?
If you trade down to #34 you might get a fifth rounder in return. If you move down to #45, you might get a mid-third rounder.
If you don’t want to draft Jadarian Price early but want to make sure you get Jonah Coleman (for example) — having a bonus pick #80 could offer some security there, if you think waiting all the way to #96 is too risky.
If you had #45, #64, #80 and #96 — you also might be able to replace all of the players you lost in free agency in areas of value range. That might be the ideal plan over the next three days. Or, alternatively, that extra high pick gives you the flexibility to draft a player at a non-key need position.
