Seahawks Look to Retool in NFL Draft After Super Bowl Win

Seattle will have the final pick in the first round as they aim to replace key departures.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented Seattle Seahawks football game, with sharp planes of navy blue, neon green, and silver overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract visual representation of the team's championship aspirations.The Seahawks' offseason chess match to defend their Super Bowl title will require strategic drafting and roster management.Seattle Today

The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl championship, will be in the spotlight this NFL draft as they look to retool their roster. With the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency, the Seahawks have a need at running back that they may address with their first-round pick. The team also has the final selection in the opening round as they aim to build on their title-winning season.

Why it matters

As the defending champions, the Seahawks will be closely watched this offseason as they navigate the challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber roster. Their ability to effectively draft and develop talent will be crucial to their chances of repeating as Super Bowl winners.

The details

The Seahawks have locked up star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but they need to replace the production of running back Kenneth Walker III, who left in free agency to join the Kansas City Chiefs. Seattle signed Emanuel Wilson from the Packers and could also turn to Zach Charbonnet, but the draft presents an opportunity to find a long-term solution at the position.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25.
  • The Seahawks have the final pick in the first round.

The players

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks' All-Pro wide receiver who they have locked up as a franchise cornerstone.

Kenneth Walker III

The former Seahawks running back and Super Bowl MVP who left in free agency to join the Kansas City Chiefs.

Emanuel Wilson

The running back signed by the Seahawks in free agency after three seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Zach Charbonnet

A running back option for the Seahawks as they look to replace Kenneth Walker III.

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What’s next

The Seahawks will make the final pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 as they look to retool their roster and defend their Super Bowl title.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' success in the draft will be crucial as they aim to build on their Super Bowl championship and remain among the NFL's elite teams. Their ability to find the right replacements for key departures like Kenneth Walker III will be a major factor in their chances of repeating as champions.