The 2026 offseason looks extremely different from the 2025 version for the Seattle Seahawks, and that is a great thing. The 2026 draft is set to be quite different, too, especially with the approach the team takes. That could mean focusing on a defensive player with the team's first choice.
In the 2025 draft, Seattle had 11 selections, and nine of those were spent on offensive players. This year, the Seahawks only have four, and those might all go toward the defense, unless a wide receiver that general manager John Schneider loves is somehow available.
The entire offseason has required a different approach than last year, though. In 2025, Seattle was looking at a quick rebuild after trading quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf and releasing receiver Tyler Lockett. The team signed Sam Darnold to be its new QB1, and took interior offensive lineman Grey Zabel in the first round of the draft.
Seattle Seahawks should make taking an edge rusher a priority in the 2026 NFL draft
In free agency so far, the team hasn't made much of a splash as far as signing other teams' free agents. Seattle has watched as running back Kenneth Walker, edge rusher Boye Mafe, cornerback Riq Woolen, and safety Coby Bryant leave in free agency, but seemingly not added anyone with the same expectation of production.
That needs to come in the draft, even though the Seahawks only have one pick after the third round. In other words, Schneider needs to nail the selections he does have, and that needs to start early.
Based on what Seattle has done in free agency and the needs left, an edge rusher should be a priority. The Seahawks still have Derick Hall, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Uchenna Nwosu, but Lawrence is entering his mid-30s, and Nwosu is nearing 30. The team has to get younger at a very important position.
Many mock drafts have the team choosing a cornerback first, and that makes sense, too, but with Seattle having Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, and, if needed at the position, Nick Emmanwori on the roster, that position might be a lower priority than edge rusher.
Some other mocks have the Seattle Seahawks taking Missouri's Zion Young or Texas Tech's Romello Height. Young is a tall pass-rusher who stands 6'6" and weighs 260 pounds. He isn't overly athletic, at least not compared to other players at his position.
Choosing Height might be a mistake. He is just 6'3" and 240 pounds and would need to rely on high-end speed to beat NFL offensive tackles. He is fast, but not exceedingly so.
Of course, part of the fun for Seahawks fans is watching what John Schneider does in the draft. He often zigs when he is expected to zag. His results are difficult to argue with, however.
More likely, Seattle won't stick around at pick 32. The team will trade back into the second round and add another pick to have at least five. That's the normal way of doing business for the Seahawks.