The Seattle Seahawks let Kenneth Walker III leave in free agency, and there is no easy way to replace a Super Bowl MVP. General manager John Schneider all but claimed that running backs were expendable pieces after signing Emanuel Wilson, hinting at potentially adding someone else in the NFL Draft.
With that in mind, it only makes sense that they do their due diligence on a local prospect like Jonah Coleman. He had a strong season at Washington, and he's projected to be either the fourth or fifth running back off the board in 2026.
Coleman recently shared that he had a great meeting with the Seahawks, and it looks like he could be in play for them at No. 64. As tempting as that might be, given his local ties, that would be a terrible move.
The Seattle Seahawks don't need Jonah Coleman
"I visited the Seattle Seahawks. I met the GM [John Schneider], and that was great. I had a great conversation with their running backs coach. We saw eye-to-eye on literally everything we were talking about," Coleman said, per Seahawks blogger Brian Nemhauser.
Coleman is a very talented prospect, but he's not the type of player the Seahawks need right now. He's not overly explosive or fast, and while he's an excellent blocker who showcases strong vision and ability to find gaps in the defense, he's not a home run-hitter or big-play specialist. He's more of a short-yardage specialist whose bread and butter come closer to the line of scrimmage.
While that's not necessarily bad or means that he's not going to be good in the league, that's not the profile of a running back the Seahawks should be looking for right now. That sounds more similar to Zach Charbonnet, who lacks elite burst but is a great blocker, pass-catcher, and short-yardage specialist.
Contrary to what Schneider said about running backs, the Seahawks may not find someone with a similar profile to the one they just let go. They clearly won't be in the mix for Jeremiyah Love, and taking Jadarian Price also sounds impossible.
Coleman is a cerebral guy with a high football IQ who can contribute to the passing game as well, but this is a matter of fit and making the most of the resources at hand. The Seahawks have only four draft selections and greater needs at cornerback, right guard, and maybe even pass rush.
In two years with the Huskies, Coleman posted 1,811 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 349 carries while hauling in 54 receptions for 531 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers should help him find a home in the pros, even after skipping most of the RB drills at the combine. That home, however, shouldn't be in Seattle.
Emanuel Wilson averaged 4.5 yards per carry in his three years with the Green Bay Packers, and while he's more of a backup, he should be able to hold down the fort while Charbonnet works his way back to full strength. The Seahawks will be in a better position to reshape their RB room for the long run in 2027, so they can't afford to fall in love with Coleman right now.