Seahawks Took a Running Back at No. 32, and the Draft Analysts Are All Over the Map

The Seahawks pulled the trigger on Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round on Thursday night, and the national media instantly split into camps about whether Seattle nailed it or reached hard.

Price, a backup running back from Notre Dame, lands in Seattle as the latest answer to a clear problem: the loss of Kenneth Walker in free agency. The Seahawks watched five trades happen in the six picks directly before them, including the Jets and Titans moving back into the first round at Nos. 30 and 31. There was chatter that Seattle wanted to move back and collect extra picks before the draft, but no trade partners materialized when it was their turn.

The Case Against: It's a Reach

The Ringer's Danny Kelly handed out a C-minus, calling it exactly what it looked like: a reach. Price sits at No. 56 on Kelly's board, and the numbers back up the skepticism. Price never carried the ball more than 15 times in a single game, and his season high was 125 touches. That's not a profile you want for a first-round back. Kelly suspects the Seahawks painted themselves into a corner at the position and overspent to get out.

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald gave it a D, echoing the same concern. Price was supposed to be a Day 2 guy, not a first-round necessity, but the Seahawks clearly believe in his ability to replicate Walker's style of play.

The Case For: This is How Contenders Stay Contenders

The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner offered a B-plus, framing it as smart business. Yes, losing Walker stings. But replacing him through the draft at a fraction of free agent cost? That's how good teams stay good, especially a young and talented championship squad with roster constraints. Price is listed as a three-down player who can block, catch, and run whatever calls offensive coordinator Brian Fleury dials up.

CBS Sports' Mike Renner went B-minus and argued Price isn't just good, he's the only true starter available in this class. Baumgardner's takeaway: this is quintessential Seahawks business, done with confidence.

The Seahawks have their new running back. Now comes the hard part: proving the draft room was right and the skeptics wrong.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.