Seahawks Land Defensive End Keldric Faulk in ESPN's 7-Round Mock Draft

Seattle also adds RB Mike Washington Jr., WR Bryce Lance, and C Parker Brailsford in latest projections.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of color representing the player's form and the surrounding field of play.A cubist interpretation of a rising star defensive end, symbolizing the Seahawks' effort to build a new foundation on defense through the draft.Seattle Today

In ESPN's latest seven-round mock draft, the Seattle Seahawks are projected to select Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk with the No. 32 overall pick. The Seahawks also add Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr., North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance, and Alabama center Parker Brailsford in the mock.

Why it matters

The Seahawks are looking to reload their defense with young talent, especially along the defensive line where veteran DeMarcus Lawrence is aging. Faulk is seen as a high-potential prospect who could develop into a long-term starter for Seattle's front seven.

The details

According to ESPN's Matt Miller, the Seahawks select the 20-year-old Faulk, who had 16 sacks in his final two seasons at Auburn, to be the heir apparent to Lawrence. The team also adds Washington Jr., who had a 1,000-yard season in 2025, Lance, a productive receiver at North Dakota State, and Brailsford, an offensive lineman who allowed just one sack last year at Alabama.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Keldric Faulk

A 20-year-old defensive end from Auburn University who is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mike Washington Jr.

A running back from the University of Arkansas who had a breakout 1,000-yard season in 2025.

Bryce Lance

A wide receiver from North Dakota State University who had 1,079 receiving yards on just 51 catches in 2025.

Parker Brailsford

An offensive lineman from the University of Alabama who allowed only one sack in 2025.

DeMarcus Lawrence

A 34-year-old defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks who is in need of a long-term successor.

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What they’re saying

“DeMarcus Lawrence was instrumental last season but is 34 years old and needs an heir apparent. Faulk is a high-potential prospect at 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds with pro-level power and agility. At just 20 years old, there's room for him to grow and develop beyond what he did at Auburn, where he had only two sacks last season.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Seahawks will look to further bolster their roster through the remainder of the 2026 NFL Draft, which runs from April 24-26.

The takeaway

The Seahawks are targeting a mix of high-upside prospects and immediate contributors in this year's draft, aiming to reload their roster with young talent on both sides of the ball. The selection of Faulk, in particular, signals their intent to find a long-term solution at defensive end to pair with their veteran core.