Welcome to round one of the 2026 NFL Draft. As soon as the final pick is made, I will begin an immediate live stream with reaction. In the meantime, I will be updating this post with every pick and you can give your reaction to everything in the comments section.

PLEASE DO NOT TIP PICKS

#1 Las Vegas — Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
#2 NY Jets — David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
#3 Arizona — Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
#4 Tennessee — Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
#5 NY Giants — Arvell Reese (EDGE, Ohio State)
#6 Kansas City (v/CLE) — Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
#7 Washington — Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
#8 New Orleans — Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
#9 Cleveland (v/KC) — Spencer Fano (T, Utah)
#10 NY Giants — Francis Mauigoa (T/G, Miami)
#11 Dallas (v/MIA) — Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
#12 Miami (v/DAL) — Kadyn Proctor (T, Alabama)
#13 LA Rams — Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
#14 Baltimore — Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
#15 Tampa Bay — Rueben Bain Jr (DE, Miami)
#16 NY Jets — Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
#17 Detroit — Blake Miller (T, Clemson)
#18 Minnesota — Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
#19 Carolina — Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
#20 Philadelphia (v/DAL) — Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
#21 Pittsburgh — Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State)
#22 LA Chargers — Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
#23 Dallas (v/PHI) — Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, UCF)
#24 Cleveland — KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
#25 Chicago — Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
#26 Houston (v/BUF) — Keylan Rutledge (G, Georgia Tech)
#27 Miami (v/SF) — Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
#28 New England (v/BUF, HOU) — Caleb Lomu (T, Utah)
#29 Kansas City — Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
#30 NY Jets (v/SF, MIA) — Omar Cooper Jr (WR, Indiana)
#31 Tennessee (v/BUF, NE) — Keldric Faulk (DE, Tennessee)
#32 Seattle — Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame)

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.

#1 Las Vegas — Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
The Raiders will take their quarterback. They have a great offensive-minded coach to help him, a top weapon in Brock Bowers and a highly drafted running back. The key is going to be continuing to build their offensive line to protect Mendoza.

#2 NY Jets — David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
It’s been made pretty clear over the last few days that nobody really knows what the Jets are going to do. For that reason, would anyone be shocked if they pull of a surprise here and don’t take Bailey or Reese?

#3 Arizona — Jeremiyah Love (RB, Tennessee)
If the plan is to come away with Love and Ty Simpson, it seems to be what a lot of Cardinals fans are hoping for online. This is a team that needs to generate at least some excitement.

#4 Tennessee — Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
There’s a growing buzz that the Titans might prefer Styles over Reese, with the idea he could be a Fred Warner type for Robert Saleh. I’ll say this though — Styles doesn’t play with anywhere near the ferocity of Warner.

#5 NY Giants — Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
I’m choosing to believe the late smoke over Tyson. I’ve spoken to someone very respectable who said he thought Tyson was clearly the top receiver in this class. Some think he could be a Justin Jefferson type. We’ll see.

#6 TRADE Dallas (v/CLE) — Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)
With Reese falling, teams will start calling. The Cowboys give the Browns a third rounder this year and a second rounder in 2027. The future pick seals the deal for the Browns, who move down six spots.

#7 Washington — Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
The Commanders can get a weapon later. They won’t be able to add an impact defender like Downs in round three though (they don’t own a second round pick after trading for Laremy Tunsil a year ago).

#8 New Orleans — Rueben Bain (DE, Miami)
Bain is one of the great mysteries of this class. His short arms and 2024 incident will probably mean differing opinions on where you’d be comfortable taking him — so he could last. The Saints haven’t brought back Cam Jordan and might be ready to move on.

#9 Kansas City — Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
Apparently the Chiefs brought Sadiq into their facility on the same day Travis Kelce was in the building to sign his new deal. I don’t think that’s a coincidence and it might be a tell about their thinking.

#10 NY Giants (v/CIN) — Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Cornerback is a big need for the Giants. They let the board come to them at #10. In this instance it works out well and they get the top corner in the draft.

#11 Miami — Francis Mauigoa (T/G, Miami)
The reports about a herniated disc are concerning for his 2026 status. The Dolphins need to bolster their lines. That has to be the priority with their top pick.

#12 Cleveland (v/DAL) — Spencer Fano (T/G, Utah)
There’s been a lot of chatter about the Browns and Kaydn Proctor and he has experience playing at left tackle. Yet Fano is a far cleaner prospect, with no weight question marks, with the athleticism to handle switching over to left tackle.

#13 LA Rams (v/ATL) — Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
When I spoke to a great source about Tate a few weeks ago, they mentioned that he was a good not great player. Not the quickest, not a big difference maker. I wouldn’t be surprised if he lasts beyond the top-10 or so.

#14 Baltimore — Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
The Ravens badly need an injection of talent at left guard and Ioane looks and plays like a typical Baltimore lineman. It feels like a great fit, I just wonder whether the Rams take him first.

#15 TRADE Philadelphia (v/TB) — Blake Miller (T, Clemson)
With linemen coming off the board the Eagles make their move. Miller’s explosive testing results are very similar to Lane Johnson’s. I think they’ll be eyeing him up as an heir-apparent at right tackle. The Eagles give up #68 to move up. The Buccs are happy to move down, knowing their targets will be available at #23.

#16 New York Jets (v/IND) — Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
One of the best players in the draft, Thieneman produced an all-time performance at the combine this year. Every mock has him going to Minnesota but I’m sceptical he reaches that far. Would the Jets snap up the value here? They should.

#17 Detroit — Kaydn Proctor (T/G, Alabama)
Proctor is commonly linked to the Lions and it makes some sense, because they won’t have to move Penei Sewell to left tackle. I worry about Proctor managing his weight. He’s been up around 380lbs at times.

#18 Minnesota — Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
Weeks ago there was talk of Minnesota bypassing defensive backs to go D-line. Then Thieneman-mania took over. When you look at their defensive tackle depth chart right now, it’s absolutely awful. That feels like a tell, even though Woods’ underwhelming 2025 season makes this feel unpleasantly high.

#19 Carolina — Caleb Lomu (T, Utah)
I’ve been saying for a while, based on an educated guess that the Panthers will go O-line here. Rasheed Walker’s contract is a pittance, it’s basically a draft hedge. I think they go left tackle unless Thieneman or Sadiq fall into this spot.

#20 Dallas (v/GB) — Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
If the Cowboys can move up for a pass rusher or linebacker without giving up #20, this could be a good spot for a cornerback or safety. Hood is a good player — who can mix it up in tight man-coverage situations.

#21 Pittsburgh — Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
The Steelers need to rebuild their O-line and Freeling can be worked on for the left tackle spot. He needs to get stronger though — based on his Georgia tape he will get bullied by aggressive NFL defenders.

#22 LA Chargers — Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
It very much feels like a trenches pick for Jim Harbaugh and co. and they need to add to their defensive line. Faulk could play some inside/out for a defense that needs more. They can get a guard in round two.

#23 Tampa Bay (v/PHI) — Akheem Mesidor (DE, Miami)
The 15th pick might be too early for Mesidor but if they can trade back eight spots and get him here instead, it’s more palatable. He is the kind of rusher Todd Bowles has typically had success with.

#24 Cleveland (v/JAX) — Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
Increasingly it feels like Lemon might last deeper into round one than many expected. The combine interviews, plus a little bit of a disciplinary issue at USC that cost him half a game, could come back to haunt him.

#25 Chicago — TJ Parker (DE, Clemson)
The Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo a year ago but he suffered an achilles injury. It stands to reason they’ll look for a bigger, solid edge defender. Faulk would be ideal, TJ Parker and Zion Young are the alternatives.

#26 Buffalo — Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
The Bills need to reinforce the interior of their defense. That could mean a pick at defensive tackle or linebacker. With depth at linebacker, they take the excellent McDonald here.

#27 TRADE Arizona (v/SF) — Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
I think any of the final six picks in round one could be dealt — but if the 49ers are willing to accept the same offer the Seahawks would take at #32, you’re not waiting until the very end of round one. I do think Simpson is a good fit for the offense they’ll run. The Cardinals give up a fourth round pick.

#28 Houston — Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M)
I’m not a big fan of Bisontis but appreciate that others like him more than I do. Nick Caserio once drafted Kenyon Green 15th overall and I thought he was bloody awful. Maybe he repeats the act here?

#29 Kansas City (v/LAR) — Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State)
The Chiefs could go cornerback but they have such a glaring hole at tackle, I can’t help but wonder if they go with Iheanachor here, then pass rush at #40 and just let the depth at cornerback come to them later on.

#30 Miami (v/DEN) — Zion Young (DE, Missouri)
The Dolphins addressed one hole in the trenches early on. Now, they sort another one out with Young. He seems a little bit weird to me and he lacks great burst and speed off the edge. But the Dolphins need some passion and aggression and that’s what he brings.

#31 New England — C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
With the defensive linemen off the board here, the Patriots have to pivot. Iheanachor would be an option if he gets by the Chiefs. Allen is another option — just a really solid, forceful, old-school linebacker who might appeal to Mike Vrabel.

#32 Seattle — Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
It’s clear the Seahawks are very open to moving down. Do they get an offer to make it worthwhile? In this scenario I am looking at two names — Johnson and Treydan Stukes. Two very intelligent, high-character individuals who had offers to leave their schools but stuck it out and didn’t transfer. They are both Seahawk types.

Seahawks seven-rounder

I have the Seahawks trading Olu Oluwatimi to the Ravens for a fifth round pick (#154)

#32 — Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
#64 — Keyron Crawford (EDGE, Auburn)
#96 — Jonah Coleman (RB, Washington)
#154 — Dalton Johnson (S, Arizona)
#188 — Carver Willis (G, Washington)

I have watched and graded 270 players for the 2026 Horizontal Board. I’ve written up several of these players during various blog posts and I have 33,474 unpublished notes (I’ll share them on any player the Seahawks draft if I didn’t write about them specifically).

I’ve put more work into this class than any previous years — and I promise to go even further for 2027, in what could be a fascinating class.

This year I’ve been able to add more data analytics to the grading and I want to thank those who were responsible for helping me. I want to thank the incredible Curtis Allen for all of his work. I want to thank Robbie, Adam and Jeff for streaming with me so often. I want to thank the people who helped by taking calls and sharing info and opinions, especially when it challenged my own thinking on certain things.

In particular I also want to thank everyone who is a part of this community.

I started doing this blog in 2008 and the last 12 months have been the best. I hit a new goal with a weekly spot on Seattle radio (and you can check out the latest spot by clicking here). That doesn’t happen without the support of you. Watching this team rise to the Super Bowl, then attending in person, was a life affirming moment for many reasons.

I won’t bore you too much with stuff about my own personal experiences over the years but writing this blog became quite difficult for a period between 2018 and 2023. I didn’t think the team was going in the right direction, I thought they made some poor moves and I wasn’t going to sit and pretend I thought everything was OK just because it’d make my life easier. Some of the abuse, negativity and personal stuff got really nasty at times.

I was never ‘negative for the sake of it’ regardless of what some fans or the Seahawks Reddit page thought. I simply thought Russell Wilson was going to get traded, that they wildly overpaid for Jamal Adams, that they consistently failed to sufficiently address the pass-rush, that they wasted money in free agency too often and that they weren’t going to draft Jalen Carter. I don’t think any of these criticisms were unfair. I’m sure, with hindsight, most people would agree.

I was desperate to be upbeat and the draft classes from 2022 onwards generated major positivity on this blog. I’ve given the Seahawks top grades every year since then. John Schneider has done an outstanding job building up this roster and he now has a staff that is able to capitalise on the work of the personnel department.

Watching the Seahawks win another Super Bowl is something I wasn’t sure we’d experience again. Yet here we are, picking 32nd. The fans are completely united for the first time in a long time.

So we’re nearly at the latest draft and I’m sure the Seahawks will do another good job adding more players who can help drive this team forwards. I hope the board below is useful if you want to use it to follow along. The grades are my opinion and I’ll probably get more wrong than I get right. I’ve done the work though.

I’ll just say again how much I appreciate you all. The great people in the comments who are so respectful to each other. Those of you who support via Patreon and Super Chat, to assist with the growing cost of running this website. To the people who are so generous with their feedback and have helped enable me to gain so much enjoyment from doing this blog.

Tomorrow I will do my final mock draft and I will have a stream with Jeff.

Here is my final horizontal board for the 2026 draft class. This is how I have graded individual players. Those marked in red either have current injuries or reported injury concerns/injury history. Those marked in purple have reported character related issues that would require investigation by a team.

Please check the video out and as always like and leave a comment if you can!

There’s three days to go. Usually I wait until Wednesday to post a final mock draft but I put this together and thought what the heck, let’s stick it out now and see how things might change in 48 hours…

For explanations on the first round selections watch the second half of my live stream (see the video above) where I run through the picks.

Round One

#1 Las Vegas — Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
#2 NY Jets — Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)
#3 Arizona — Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
#4 Tennessee — David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
#5 NY Giants — Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
#6 Cleveland — Kaydn Proctor (T/G, Alabama)
#7 Washington — Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
#8 New Orleans — Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
#9 Kansas City — Spencer Fano (T/G, Utah)
#10 NY Giants (v/CIN) — Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
#11 Miami — Francis Mauigoa (T/G, Miami)
#12 Dallas — Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
#13 LA Rams (v/ATL) — Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
#14 Baltimore — Rueben Bain (DE, Miami)
#15 TRADE Philadelphia (v/TB) — Blake Miller (T, Clemson)
#16 New York Jets (v/IND) — Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
#17 Detroit — Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State)
#18 Minnesota — Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
#19 Carolina — Caleb Lomu (T, Utah)
#20 Dallas (v/GB) — Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
#21 Pittsburgh — Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
#22 LA Chargers — Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M)
#23 Tampa Bay (v/PHI) — Akheem Mesidor (DE, Miami)
#24 Cleveland (v/JAX) — Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
#25 Chicago — Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
#26 Buffalo — Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
#27 San Francisco — Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
#28 TRADE Arizona (v/HOU) — Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
#29 Kansas City (v/LAR) — Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
#30 Miami (v/DEN) — TJ Parker (DE, Clemson)
#31 New England — CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
#32 Seattle — Treydan Stukes (DB, Arizona)

The trades explained…

The Eagles give up #68 to move up to #15 from #23

The Cardinals give up #104 to move up to #28 from #34

Round Two

#33 NY Jets — Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
#34 Houston (v/ARI) — Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
#35 Tennessee — KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
#36 Las Vegas — Emmanuel Pregnon (G, Oregon)
#37 NY Giants — Christen Miller (DT, Georgia)
#38 Houston (v/WAS) — Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
#39 Cleveland — Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
#40 Kansas City — Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, UCF)
#41 Cincinnati — Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
#42 New Orleans — Omar Cooper Jr (WR, Indiana)
#43 Miami — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
#44 NY Jets (v/DAL) — Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
#45 Baltimore — Keylan Rutledge (G, Georgia Tech)
#46 Tampa Bay — Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
#47 Indianapolis — Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati)
#48 Atlanta — Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
#49 Minnesota — Logan Jones (C, Iowa)
#50 Detroit — Zion Young (DE, Missouri)
#51 Carolina — Bud Clark (S, TCU)
#52 Green Bay — D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana)
#53 Pittsburgh — AJ Haulcy (S, LSU)
#54 Philadelphia — Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)
#55 LA Chargers — Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
#56 Jacksonville — Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame)
#57 Chicago — R Mason Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma)
#58 San Francisco — Chris Brazell II (WR, Tennessee)
#59 Houston — Gennings Dunker (T/G, Iowa)
#60 Chicago (v/BUF) — Domonique Orange (DT, Iowa State)
#61 LA Rams — Keionte Scott (CB, Miami)
#62 Denver — Josiah Trotter (LB, Missouri)
#63 New England — Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)
#64 Seattle — Keyron Crawford (EDGE, Auburn)

Round Three

#65 Arizona — Caleb Tiernan (T, Northwestern)
#66 Tennessee — Gracen Halton (DT, Oklahoma)
#67 Las Vegas — Austin Barber (T, Florida)
#68 Tampa Bay (v/PHI, NYJ) — Kyle Louis (LB, Pittsburgh)
#69 Houston (v/NYG) — Daylen Everette (CB, Georgia)
#70 Cleveland — Chris Bell (WR, Louisville)
#71 Washington — Dani Dennis-Sutton (EDGE, Penn State)
#72 Cincinnati — Jalon Kilgore (S, South Carolina)
#73 New Orleans — Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)
#74 Kansas City — De’Zhaun Stribling (WR, Ole Miss)
#75 Miami — Will Lee (CB, Texas A&M)
#76 Pittsburgh (v/DAL) — Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia)
#77 Tampa Bay — Joshua Josephs (EDGE, Tennessee)
#78 Indianapolis — Kamari Ramsey (S, USC)
#79 Atlanta — Anthony Hill Jr (LB, Texas)
#80 Baltimore — Bryce Lance (WR, North Dakota State)
#81 Jacksonville (v/DET) — Darrell Jackson (DT, Florida State)
#82 Minnesota — Keith Abney (CB, Arizona State)
#83 Carolina — Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama)
#84 Green Bay — Beau Stephens (G, Iowa)
#85 Pittsburgh — Markel Bell (T, Miami)
#86 LA Chargers — Nick Barrett (DT, South Carolina)
#87 Miami (v/PHI) — Antonio Williams (WR, Clemson)
#88 Jacksonville — Romello Height (EDGE, Texas Tech)
#89 Chicago — Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan)
#90 Miami (v/HOU) — Sam Roush (TE, Stanford)
#91 Buffalo — LT Overton (DE, Alabama)
#92 Dallas (v/SF) —Ted Hurst (WR, Georgia State)
#93 LA Rams — Travis Burke (T, Memphis)
#94 Miami (v/DEN) — Tyler Onyedim (DT, Texas A&M)
#95 New England — Jalen Farmer (G, Kentucky)
#96 Seattle — Jonah Coleman (RB, Washington)
#97 Minnesota — Mike Washington Jr (RB, Arkansas)
#98 Philadelphia — Zakee Wheatley (S, Penn State)
#99 Pittsburgh — Carson Beck (QB, Miami)
#100 Jacksonville (v/DET) — Skyler Bell (WR, Connecticut)

Thoughts on the Seahawks picks

#32 Treydan Stukes (DB, Arizona)

A perfect character/personality fit and possibly the ideal match for a Mike Macdonald defense too. His 4.33 speed on a 6-0, +190lbs frame with 32-inch arms means he’s capable of wearing different hats. He can play outside corner to cover for the loss of Riq Woolen’s size, speed and length combo. He can also feature at safety to cover for the loss of Coby Bryant. If there’s a run on cornerbacks taking the likes of Chris Johnson off the board, Stukes could be the guy at #32 if they can’t trade down.

#64 Keyron Crawford (EDGE, Auburn)

The Seahawks need speed in their pass rush and Crawford had the highest max-speed per GPS measuring over 0-10 yards last season (16.4mph). He also plays with an alpha spirit perfectly matching the D-liners already on the roster. His pass-rush win percentage is decent (18.3%) and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. I think the Seahawks will see him as someone they can mould and develop into a value pick in this range.

#96 Jonah Coleman (RB, Washington)

The Seahawks need big plays at running back and that’s why we’ve looked at explosive run rate, yards after contact per rush and missed tackles forced rate. It’s clear that Jadarian Price, Mike Washington Jr and Jonah Coleman are the three best fits. If they don’t take Price early, it brings Coleman and Washington into play. I think they’ll be eyeing Coleman — who already knows some of the Seahawks’ key players, his running style is similar to David Montgomery (they reportedly had interest in him before he went to Houston) and his 2024 data (19.8% explosive run rate, 34.9% missed tackle forced rate, 4.34 yards after contact per attempt) suggests they could be getting a steal,

I will do a live stream today at 1pm PT discussing what I think the Seahawks will do in the 2026 NFl Draft — you can watch above

Last week I published a couple of mocks and on both occasions I paired the Seahawks with Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes.

The idea was they’d move down a few spots from #32 (not many though) and take him. Increasingly though, I wonder if he’ll be one of their top choices for the 32nd pick — if he even lasts that far.

In a draft lacking a lot of great options, he’s a 6-0, 190lbs defensive back with 32 inch arms who runs a 4.33. His tape is really good and he had four interceptions last season. His character is A+ and teams will love his mental-make up in terms of personality and dedication to his craft.

The only slight concern was a prior ACL injury that kept him in college for six years before turning pro.

This is why, I think, the Seahawks used an official visit on Stukes. They don’t need to find out about his fit in the building. He’s exactly the type of person they love to draft. He is the personification of smart/tough/reliable.

The reason for the visit will have been a medical check. Since Stukes visited Seattle and a variety of other teams, he’s increasingly being talked up as a possible late first or early second rounder. My reading of this is teams are satisfied with the medical feedback and he likely has a clean mark on their boards.

Here’s what Adam Schefter said in his pre-draft notes article about Stukes:

Arizona cornerback Treydan Stukes seems to be climbing on some draft boards. He has been busy traveling in recent weeks, with 11 top-30 visits, including to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Kansas City on Tuesday and Seattle last Monday. Stukes had four interceptions last season and ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Teams say they think he can play both safety positions, nickel corner and outside CB.

One NFL general manager called Stukes “one of the best safeties I’ve seen [in my time as a GM],” and added he would draft him ahead of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. “This guy makes freaky plays that I haven’t seen other safeties make.” It would not be a shock to see Stukes sneaks into Round 1.

I think he’d be a fantastic pick for the Seahawks. They’d be able to use him in so many different ways — and his size, length and speed would cover for the loss of Riq Woolen at cornerback. You can also used him at safety. It opens up so many possibilities for a creative coach like Mike Macdonald.

The bigger question might be whether he even lasts to #32 at this point. If he does, there’s a reasonable chance the Seahawks might take him.

Schefter also says the Seahawks are open to trading down and he highlighted the running back position as a key need:

Seattle could have its choice of many of this draft’s top backs this week, including Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. and Washington’s Jonah Coleman. But nobody would be surprised if the Seahawks move off the 32nd pick to land more picks and address the position a bit later in the draft.

I think it’s interesting that these are the three names mentioned by Schefter. They are the three running backs we’ve identified as most likely to be targets, based around advance data. The Seahawks need big plays at running back. Price, Washington Jr and Coleman are most likely to provide that based around the numbers we’ve studied for explosive run percentage, yards after contact per attempt and missed tackles forced rate.

Yesterday we highlighted why Keyron Crawford could be a target at #64. I don’t think it would be a surprise, if they can’t trade down, to see a Stukes/Crawford/Coleman or Washington Jr trio with the first three picks.

The Seahawks are probably going to add to their pass rush in the draft. I don’t think the visit with Dante Fowler is indicative of a plan to bypass a deep EDGE class. I think that’s covering your bases or possibly even an additional option.

They lack speed up front. While it’s not exclusively what they’re looking for, I think there’s data to suggest it’s very much part of their thinking.

Here’s the max-speed GPS scores (mph) for several potential options from the 2025 season. This is speed testing in pads during games, not at a pro-day or combine:

Keyshawn James-Newby — 20.6
R Mason Thomas — 19.6
Malachi Lawrence — 18.8
Keyron Crawford — 18.6
Dani Dennis-Sutton — 18.6
Joshua Josephs — 18.4
Cashius Howell — 18.3
Romello Height — 18.1
Keldric Faulk — 18.1
Wesley Williams — 17.8
Zion Young — 17.8
TJ Parker — 17.4
Gabe Jacas — 16.6

The top-four players on the list above all took an official visit to Seattle.

I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

So why does the title of this article focus on Auburn’s Keyron Crawford? There are other factors playing into his candidacy to be Seattle’s second round pick at #64.

Not only is he listed near the top of the list for max-speed, he’s right at the top for max speed over 0-10 yards:

Keyron Crawford — 16.4
Keldric Faulk — 16.3
Malachi Lawrence — 16.1
Cashius Howell — 16.0
Gabe Jacas — 15.6
Romello Height — 15.5
Keyshawn James-Newby — 15.3
Joshua Josephs — 15.2
TJ Parker — 15.2
Zion Young — 15.1
Wesley Williams — 14.8
Dani Dennis-Sutton — 14.8
R Mason Thomas — 14.4

This is important information. Crawford didn’t run a forty at the combine or pro-day due to a lingering quad injury. Therefore, we don’t have a 10-yard split for him. Reaching 16.4mph over the first 10-yards shows he has burst and can quickly accelerate during games. He’s the fastest in the class.

You’ll also note above how well Keldric Faulk ran. If he goes a lot earlier than expected (say, 12th to the Cowboys) this will probably be one of the reasons why.

Now let’s look at high speed plays during the 2025 college season, considered any play where a player reaches 16mph:

Keyron Crawford — 19
Malachi Lawrence — 17
Keyshawn James-Newby — 15
Wesley Williams — 10
Dani Dennis-Sutton — 10
Romello Height — 9
TJ Parker — 9
Keldric Faulk — 7
Cashius Howell — 6
R Mason Thomas — 6
Joshua Josephs — 5
Keyron Crawford — 4
Gabe Jacas — 4
Zion Young — 3

If the Seahawks are looking to add speed to their pass-rush, Crawford has it.

He’s relatively new to football. He only started playing during his Senior year at High School, having previously focused on basketball. Despite this, he was relatively productive in college.

Let’s look at pass-rush win percentages for 2025:

Nadame Tucker — 28.4
Rueben Bain Jr — 23.5
Romello Height — 21.8
David Bailey — 21.6
Joshua Josephs — 21.2
Akheem Mesidor — 20.8
R Mason Thomas — 20.3
Cashius Howell — 19.9
Derrick Moore — 19.8
Malachi Lawrence — 19.2
Keyron Crawford — 18.3
Zion Young — 17.4
Max Llewellyn — 17.2
Mason Reiger — 15.9
Dani Dennis-Sutton — 15.8
Logan Fano — 15.6
TJ Parker — 15.4
Gabe Jacas — 15.2
Caden Curry — 13.6
Jaishawn Barham — 13.1
Wesley Williams — 12.9
Anthony Lucas — 12.4
Keldric Faulk — 11.6
LT Overton 8.8

He’s not at the top of the list but he’s well placed between Malachi Lawrence and Zion Young. He’s not too far behind Cashius Howell.

He had 43 pressures in 2025. Here’s how that compares to the rest of the class:

David Bailey — 73
Rueben Bain Jr — 67
Keyshawn James-Newby — 66
Romello Height — 56
Akheem Mesidor — 55
Zion Young — 53
Nadame Tucker — 51
Dani Dennis-Sutton — 45
Mason Reiger — 45
Keyron Crawford — 43
TJ Parker — 41
Derrick Moore — 41
Gabe Jacas — 41
Cashius Howell — 41
Max Llewellyn — 40
Malachi Lawrence — 40
Wesley Williams — 38
Caden Curry — 38
Logan Fano — 34
Joshua Josephs — 32

Again, it’s not at the top level. Yet after just two years at Auburn after transferring from Arkansas State, and being relatively new to the sport, this is encouraging.

His run defense grade is 73.9. There’s plenty to work with here.

On tape you see a player who is more of a block-evader than a take-on specialist as a pass rusher. He tries to work around contact and shows enough quickness to do so — either working inside or to the outside shoulder.

If you can get into him you can stop him — the key is not give him the time and space to make a play. At the moment he doesn’t have the speed-to-power moves or a great bull-rush. You’re not going to see a ton of engage/disengage from Crawford and he has a limited pass-rushing repertoire.

However, you have to be on your game as a blocker all of the time because he’s such an opportunist. He will attack your outside shoulder and use his speed. You better be ready.

He looks very comfortable in space to stretch out runs. He will easily dodge tight end blocks with quickness (not power though).

His take on ability in the running game was better than expected. It shows he’s game for the fight even if he’s not yet consistently good at setting the edge.

He had his moments at the Senior Bowl including a sack in the game on an inside move:

Auburn EDGE Keyron Crawford (Rd 3-4):

+ 23.0% pressure rate in 2025
+ Explosive first step
+ Coverage versatility
+ Bend
+ Active hands and high motor
+ Awareness vs. run
– Average length
– Plan as a pass rusher
– Counter move approach
– Anchor strength pic.twitter.com/4Hng6oPyUv

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) February 15, 2026

He also won 1v1 vs Jude Bowry with a spin move. Bowry had a rep where he ragged him to the ground and Crawford had no control, to highlight some of the work needed here.

The #64 pick is going to be a tricky one to find value. The chances are you will end up selecting someone with a third round grade — and possibly not a high third rounder either.

We often hear John Schneider talk about grading for the Seahawks, not the league. I suspect they might grade Crawford higher than some others as a traits/upside prospect they can work with. The GPS speed measurements show there is a player here. In a draft where so few ran a 10-yard split in the 1.5’s, this could be someone they genuinely have interest in.

Character plays into this. According to Dane Brugler:

(His) motor is always revving, (he) describes his play(ing) style as a ‘Rottweiler or bulldog — something that is going to bite you.'”

“High-character person and player (NFL scout: “You always see him working, but the coaches say he does even more when people aren’t watching.”)

Compare him to some of the alternative options. Zion Young lacks speed and there are character question marks (Brady Henderson told us yesterday he doesn’t think the Seahawks will select Young). Malachi Lawrence’s run-defense is questionable. R Mason Thomas has a frame that is not common for edge rushers in the NFL. There are question marks about the personalities of Dani Dennis-Sutton and Joshua Josephs. Cashius Howell has very short arms.

Crawford is far from a sure thing. He’s not going to walk into the league and suddenly be stacking +10-sack seasons. However, it’s very possible Seattle’s talented defensive staff see a combination of speed, professionalism and upside they can work with to develop him into a contributor.

This kind of player works well with the signing of a Dante Fowler too. That way, you’re not requiring immediate impact from a player who might need some time.

We’re four days away from the draft. I think there’s a good chance the Seahawks will go with a defensive back with their top pick (Treydan Stukes, Chris Johnson, one of the other cornerbacks) and then take Crawford at #64. From there, they might be sniffing around the mid-round running backs, including Jonah Coleman, Mike Washington Jr and Emmett Johnson.

That would mean three positions addressed where you lost players in the off-season. You could even argue you’ve filled four spots, if you consider that Stukes can play both cornerback and safety.

I also wouldn’t rule out picks on the offensive line — and the official visits with Kayden McDonald and Josiah Trotter suggest they’ll look beyond perceived needs. Here’s your daily reminder that some people really like Jadarian Price too, as a high second round prospect who could justifiably be taken at #32.

Trading down will open far more opportunities and shift things significantly too.

There’s a lot of chit-chat around what might happen in the draft at the moment — with various reporters, insiders and analysts hearing the same things (probably, largely, from the same people). History tells us though that by next week, things will change again.

I’m not interested in doing the same old mock everyone else is doing. So this is my best guess at how things will switch around next week…

Round one

#1 Las Vegas — Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
Klint Kubiak is an excellent appointment by the Raiders and he will give Mendoza every chance to succeed. They need to keep surrounding him with weapons and protection though.

#2 NY Jets — Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE, Ohio State)
All the talk at the moment is about David Bailey to the Jets but Reese is the better player and arguably a better fit in the defense the Jets are now running.

#3 Arizona — David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
I’m a little bit surprised he’s emerged as a top-five lock. Yet the feeling is he will go in the first three picks and if it’s not the Jets it’ll be the Cardinals.

#4 Tennessee — Rueben Bain (DE, Miami)
For all the talk of what happened in 2024 and his short arms, there are people in the league who just think Bain is a big-time arse-kicker — and the Titans don’t have enough of those.

#5 NY Giants — Francis Mauigoa (T/G, Miami)
John Harbaugh called his offensive line a “work in progress” and they do have players already at safety and linebacker. They need to build around Jaxson Dart.

#6 Cleveland — Spencer Fano (T/G, Utah)
It feels like this could be a trade-down spot with the Cowboys coming up for Sonny Styles but if Dallas sits tight they’ll need to make a pick. I do think Fano can play left tackle.

#7 Washington — Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
According to Tony Pauline, the Commanders are smitten with Love. Adam Schefter has also said this is his floor in the top-10.

#8 New Orleans — Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
Rather than go with a cornerack like Mansoor Delane, the Saints opt to build around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.

#9 Kansas City — Blake Miller (T, Clemson)
There’s going to be a shock or two in round one and this is my pitch. Miller’s testing profile is through the roof and the Chiefs love traits.

#10 Cincinnati — Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
The Bengals scoop up the value on offer, with Downs — arguably the best player in the draft — lasting to #10 due to needs elsewhere for the other top-10 teams.

#11 Miami — Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Delane is smart, healthy and could provide really good value for the Dolphins as they kick-start their rebuild.

#12 Dallas — Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
I’ve long thought Styles’ combine has been counted twice. He was a *possible* round one pick because we knew he tested well. Then he was a top-five pick merely for confirming what we already knew — he can run and jump. His tape is fine but not special.

#13 LA Rams (v/ATL) — Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
There’s been a lot of buzz about Tyson going in the top-10 and he’s a good player — but I’m not sold he goes as early as some are saying.

#14 Baltimore — Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
A classic Ravens pick — a big, brutish guard who can start immediately. You only had to watch a half of Penn State football last season to know this guy was legit.

#15 Tampa Bay — Akheem Mesidor (DE, Miami)
They might try to trade down before tapping into the pass-rushers — or they might want to make sure they get their guy to address this huge need.

#16 New York Jets (v/IND) — Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
There’s a ton of smoke connecting the Jets to interest in Boston. I believe it. And Geno Smith will need someone who can catch some 50-50 balls.

#17 Detroit — Kadyn Proctor (T/G, Alabama)
I’ve spoken to people who are concerned about Proctor’s ability to manage his weight but increasingly it feels like this might be his floor.

#18 Minnesota — Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
The perfect match. Thieneman is one of my favourite players in the class and if he lasts to #18 the Vikings should be doing cartwheels.

#19 Carolina — Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
It’s hard to place Sadiq. I understand why people think he could go as high as #9 but it’s also not so unrealistic that he lasts into the 20’s.

#20 Dallas (v/GB) — Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
He’s a terrific player who can really mix it up in close coverage. He might not be a star corner but he’ll do a job and have every chance to earn a big second contract.

#21 Pittsburgh — Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
He’s not strong enough and needs time and development. That could keep him on the board even if the traits are impressive.

#22 LA Chargers — Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
There’s just so much buzz around Johnson, it’s easy to imagine him going a bit earlier than people think. Could he end up staying in California with the Chargers?

#23 Philadelphia — Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State)
With his light feet and explosive traits, Iheanachor would be a strong investment in the future at right tackle for the Eagles.

#24 Cleveland (v/JAX) — Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
I like Lemon — but it’s hard to shake the weirdness around his combine interviews. I’m not sure it’ll help him that it’s such a deep receiver class too.

#25 Chicago — Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
They signed Dayo Odeyingbo but sadly he suffered a torn achilles. Faulk is the same kind of player and they might need to consider alternatives.

#26 Buffalo — CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
They need more at linebacker and while Allen is hardly Luke Kuechly, his hard-nosed, downhill style will go down a storm with Bills Mafia.

#27 San Francisco — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
The 49ers have a relatively rounded roster so can probably let the draft come to them. Will they try and mimic the Seahawks with a long, versatile safety?

#28 Houston — Caleb Lomu (T, Utah)
The Texans have bolstered their line but could do with investing for the long-term. They need to get CJ Stroud right if they’re sticking by him and that starts with pass-protection — Lomu’s speciality.

#29 Kansas City (v/LAR) — Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
McCoy’s knee has apparently been flagged during medical checks and it makes you wonder if he’ll last well into round one — possibly even into round two.

#30 Miami (v/DEN) — Zion Young (DE, Missouri)
The Dolphins have very little working the edge. Adding someone who can also bring alpha energy also helps as they start to build.

#31 Arizona (v/NE) — Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
The Cardinals decide to take a chance on Simpson, moving up three spots. New England gets pick #143, while Arizona also gets #212 in the deal.

#32 NY Giants (v/SEA) — Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
The Giants badly need a cornerback and after addressing their offensive line with their top pick, they move back into round one for a player one source described as a player with #1 corner potential. The Giants give the Seahawks #105.

Round two

Seahawks seven-rounder

#38 Treydan Stukes (CB/S, Arizona)

With his size and speed, the Seahawks could use Stukes as their third cornerback in certain situations, while also retaining the ability to have him play safety. His incredible quickness and playmaking ability are intriguing but what really makes him a fit are A+ character, exceptional leadership qualities, grit and toughness.

#64 Beau Stephens (G, Iowa)

I’ve just got a sense the Seahawks want to add competition at guard with one of their first three picks. Stephens is the third best zone-blocker per PFF’s 2025 grading and he’s been hailed for his leadership qualities by Iowa. It’s very easy to imagine the Seahawks viewing him as a potential plug-and-play right guard, if he can beat out Anthony Bradford.

#96 Jonah Coleman (RB, Washington)

I think the Seahawks will be determined to come away with Coleman and could manipulate their board to make it happen. He had an injury-impacted 2025 season but his 2024 campaign was excellent — with extremely high numbers for explosive run-rate, missed tackles forced rate and yards after contact per carry. The Seahawks need big plays and toughness and that’s what he brings to the table.

#105 Wesley Williams (EDGE, Duke)

I only watched Williams for the first time this week and was blown away by his relentless motor and aggression. He’s another player the Seahawks might be keen to make sure they come away with. His straight-line testing speed isn’t good but he managed a 1.62 split at his pro-day at 260lbs and ran a 4.47 short shuttle. Personality wise, he and Stukes are 1a and 1b for the all-star character award.

#188 Andre Fuller (CB, Toledo)

The Seahawks had Fuller in for a visit and he has the kind of size they’ve lost in Riq Woolen (if not the amazing length or traits). He’s competitive in press-man, battles well and competes for the ball. His blitzing potential is evident on tape and he has very good grades for his run defense (89.8).