Seahawks Urged to Trade Down in 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN's Bill Barnwell says moving back from the 32nd or 64th pick is an 'obvious' move for Seattle.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field or draft board, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the Seahawks' draft considerations and options.The Seahawks' draft strategy is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, reflecting the team's need to get creative with their limited 2026 picks.Seattle Today

The Seattle Seahawks are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with only four picks, including their first, second, and third rounders. ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes the Seahawks should look to trade down from the 32nd or 64th overall pick in order to recoup some of those missing selections in the later rounds of the draft.

Why it matters

The Seahawks have a relatively weak draft class in 2026 and lack the extra draft capital to trade up, so trading down and accumulating more picks seems like the prudent move. With their roster already strong, adding depth through additional Day 3 selections could be beneficial for Seattle.

The details

Barnwell writes that 'sliding down a few spots from Nos. 32 or 64 and recouping some of those missing selections in the later rounds of the draft seems like an obvious move' for the Seahawks. Seattle is looking to address needs at edge rusher, cornerback, and running back, and the 32nd pick may not yield the must-have players they're seeking. Trading down is likely a better option than trading up given their limited draft capital.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, known for his ability to maneuver the draft board and acquire additional picks.

Bill Barnwell

An ESPN analyst who has provided analysis and recommendations for the Seahawks' 2026 NFL Draft strategy.

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What they’re saying

“Sliding down a few spots from Nos. 32 or 64 and recouping some of those missing selections in the later rounds of the draft seems like an obvious move.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Seahawks will have to weigh their options and decide whether trading down is the best strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft, given their roster needs and limited draft capital.

The takeaway

In a weaker draft class, the Seahawks may be better served by trading down from their first-round picks to accumulate more selections on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft, rather than reaching for players at the top of the board. This would allow them to add depth to an already strong roster.