3 Seahawks rookies with a realistic path to early playing time

While it may be a new season, starting from scratch and another long 17-game journey, the Seattle Seahawks surely carry the momentum from winning the Super Bowl in February to kicking off the 2026-27 NFL campaign later in September. The hype around the Seahawks is real because they're one of the strongest repeat candidates in a long time. 

Thanks to a roster that is mostly full, returning from last season's championship run, minus a few free-agent losses, the Seahawks are primed not only to be as dangerous as, if not more so than, they were last season, but also to make it back to the Super Bowl and win it again. Seattle boasts a complete team, which is why they're so dangerous. 

That said, like the other 29 teams, Seattle has rookies competing for a roster spot. All things considered, the Seahawks had a great draft and received mostly positive reviews, especially considering their top draft pick, Jadarian Price.

The Seattle Seahawks have plenty of rookies capable of earning early-season snaps

This raises a question: Which of Seattle's rookies have a realistic shot at early playing time? Is Price locked in as a starter? What about some of the Seahawks' new defensive backs?

Jadarian Price, RB

Of all Seattle's rookies, Price is the most obvious candidate for early playing time for two reasons. One, he's Kenneth Walker's replacement after the Super Bowl MVP walked in free agency. The Seahawks need someone to step in and run the ball, and they bet on Price to be that someone, ready for Week 1 when they selected him with their first draft pick.

Two, Price is ready. At least, considering the reports out of Seattle during OTAs and minicamps, he appears ready. Not only is Price going to get early playing time, but he's likely to enter the season as the Seahawks' starting rusher. Speaking of hype, Price is the subject of a lot of it. It's safe to assume he's a lock.

Bud Clark, S

The advantage Bud Clark has is the position he was drafted at, coupled with the safety position being one of the Seahawks' biggest opportunities.

That's not to say that Nick Emmanwori or Julian Love are at risk of losing their starting jobs, because that's not happening. What is being said is that, given Clark's abilities, his upside and potential are extremely high, which could persuade the Seahawks' coaching staff to give him snaps early.

Of course, Clark will be competing with Ty Okada, who's been in Seattle for four years but only had his breakout season last year. He has the edge over Clark as well, but when it comes to gaining experience and learning from the sidelines, Clark is in the best possible position. Don't be surprised if he's on the field within the first few games of the season. 

Julian Neal, CB

Julian Neal was another home run draft pick that the Seahawks could use early. Despite being set at cornerback with Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe, there are question marks after them, and Neal could swing in and help solve them. Riq Woolen's departure opened the door for Jobe to become a full-time starter, which opens the door for Neal to back him or Witherspoon up. 

Nehemiah Pritchett's situation in Seattle isn't looking too hot these days, which also aids Neal's chances in his rookie year. Training camp could make Neal's path clearer, but if he performs well and impresses his coaches, Neal has every chance to leap over Pritchett and earn early-season playing time. 

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