It isn’t just that the Seattle Seahawks chose a guard in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager John Schneider has drafted a lot of guards over the past four years. What makes the pick of Iowa’s Beau Stephens so intriguing for Seahawks fans is that Schneider traded up in order to do it.
The price was not cheap. Schneider gave the Cleveland Browns his 2027 fourth-rounder in order to take Stephens early in round five. Clearly, the Seahawks GM wanted the Iowa prospect. What does this mean for the future of the Seahawks’ line?
It is no secret that Seattle has considered moving on from right guard Anthony Bradford in the past. That became clear when Schneider invested a third-round pick in Christian Haynes in 2024. But Bradford has withstood all challenges and was the starter on a Super Bowl champion team last season. Still, Schneider made the aggressive move when he had the chance.
Seahawks surprise fifth round draft pick puts the offensive line on notice
Bradford is scheduled for free agency in 2027. Given his struggles in pass protection, it always seemed possible that Seattle would not actively pursue re-signing him. He is a powerful run blocker but his strength is better deployed in man blocking schemes. He is not a fluid mover who excels in zone concepts.
Haynes was supposed to be that player but thus far, he has failed to live up to his draft pedigree. Last season, rookie Bryce Cabeldue briefly showed flashes of the mobility the Seahawks want in a guard, but he never really had the chance to show he could perform on an ongoing basis. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, rising second-year player Grey Zabel is the only absolute lock at guard.
Stephens may or may not join him as a starter. His athletic profile is not going to knock anyone for a loop. He has good size and strength but his speed and burst scores are very low in this era of huge linemen with borderline sprinter’s speed. Stephens’ profile might have been just fine a decade ago, but today, a 5.35 time in the 40 and a 28” vertical leap is going to rank near the bottom of the prospect pool.
That being said, interior linemen rarely run 40 yard sprints during actual game play. He is an experienced technician who understands angles and rarely take a poor step. If he cannot get out in front of speedy backs on perimeter runs, he can effectively shield off defenders to allow that back to break free. He shows very sound technique in pass protection and rarely gets off balance.
Iowa produces quality linemen and Stephens grew by leaps and bounds in his time there. He has ample experience against top-level talent. Though he primarily lined up on the left side, which is where Zabel seems ensconced, he has experience at right guard as well.
At worst, he projects to be a quality swing guard behind Zabel and Bradford in 2026. Assuming Bradford does in fact test the free agent waters in 2027, Stephens would seem to be perfectly positioned to take over the right guard spot.
Haynes, Cabeldue, and several other prospects may have something to say about that. But it is important to remember that John Schneider went out of his way, and paid a price, to acquire Beau Stephens. He would not do that if he didn’t have reason to believe the Hawkeye alum has a very bright future in Seattle.
If nothing else, this move should instill a real sense of urgency in every Seahawks guard not named Zabel.
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