The Seattle Seahawks might need to take a running back high in the 2026 NFL draft, as the team doesn't appear to have a back that can start in Week 1 of next season. Kenneth Walker left in free agency, and Zach Charbonnet could still be recovering from tearing his ACL, but general manager John Schneider says not to worry.
In fact, speaking on his eponymous show on Seattle Sports 710 AM this week, the GM said that the team has a plan, and that might not include acquiring a name or two that fans are familiar with. Instead, fans should trust in the system, and to be fair, that makes sense. Schneider has won two Super Bowls with Seattle. Who are the fans to judge, right?
The issue with the position, though, is that the Seahawks have made that a priority over the last four years. Walker was chosen in the second round, and so was Charbonnet. Seattle seemingly valued the running back position more than most teams, and that turned out to be a wise move.
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider seems just fine with the current running back room
That is the case for both players and the team. Walker will be paid more than $10 million a season with the Kansas City Chiefs. The team won a title. It was all a win-win.
Schneider told co-hosts Bob Stelton and former Seahawks linebacker Dave Wyman, "(Running back) is a position that you can find guys...George (Holani) did a great job. We're really excited about Emanuel Wilson, who we got from Green Bay...At this time of the year, I get (the fan concern)...We're not not (addressing the situation). We know where we're at right now."
In other words, what you see is what you get with the Seahawks' running back room right now. Perhaps the team will take an RB high in the draft if the right player is there, but the draft class doesn't have a lot of projected high-end backs.
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is expected to go in the top 10 of the draft. His back, Jadarian Price, might be the second tailback taken, and that might not happen until late in the first round when Seattle is set to choose at pick 32.
The Seattle Seahawks have other needs, though. Edge rusher is one, and cornerback might be the other. How John Schneider values running backs in the draft is unknown. The hope is that Zach Charbonnet is further along in his rehab than previously thought, and he will be ready in Week 1.
Otherwise, 12s should get used to seeing players like Emanuel Wilson and George Holani get the majority of the reps. How well they succeed or fail could determine if Seattle will be in contention to take the NFC West crown again.