Seahawks Flexibility Allows Open Draft Approach

Seattle can focus on best player available without pressing roster needs

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract football scene, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the flexibility and open-mindedness of the Seahawks' draft approach.The Seahawks' flexible draft strategy allows them to focus on adding top talent, rather than reaching to fill specific needs.Dillon Today

The Seattle Seahawks hold the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and have flexibility to take the best player available rather than targeting specific positions of need. The team lost several key starters in free agency, but has options to fill those roles internally. Seahawks brass will look to add talent that improves the roster, regardless of position.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' recent Super Bowl win gives them the luxury of not having to reach for needs in the draft. Their open approach allows them to find the best value and add talent that can make an immediate impact, rather than forcing picks to fill specific holes.

The details

The Seahawks hold just four picks total in the 2026 NFL Draft, but don't have glaring needs after their Super Bowl LX victory. They lost running back Kenneth Walker, cornerback Tariq Woolen, safety Coby Bryant, and edge rusher Boye Mafe in free agency, but have internal options to replace them. Analysts project the team will target a cornerback, safety or edge rusher at No. 32, but the Seahawks could go in any direction to find the best player available and improve the roster.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft starts in 3 weeks on April 24.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, known for his open-minded approach to the draft.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver the Seahawks selected 20th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, despite already having strong options at the position.

Ty Okada

A Seahawks defensive back who could step into the safety role vacated by Coby Bryant.

Rodney Thomas II

A Seahawks defensive back who could fill Ty Okada's backup role.

Zach Charbonnet, Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, Kenny McIntosh

Running backs the Seahawks could turn to after the departure of Kenneth Walker.

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What’s next

The Seahawks will make their first-round selection at No. 32 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' recent Super Bowl victory has given them the luxury of not having to force picks to fill specific roster needs in the draft. Their open-minded approach allows them to add talent that improves the team, regardless of position, as they look to build on their championship success.