CBS Sports Scout Found a Guard Nobody's Talking About, and He Could Be Perfect For Seattle's Defense

The Seahawks just won the Super Bowl. So what's the move now? Not panic. Not blow it up. Not even reach for need. This is about finding the right pieces to keep a championship core rolling, and according to CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt, this year's draft class has some serious under-the-radar options that could do exactly that.

Hunt broke down the 2026 NFL Draft on a recent episode, and his take is straightforward: for a team in Seattle's position, winning the championship changes the entire evaluation process. You're not drafting to fix everything. You're drafting to sustain. You're looking for depth, rotational guys, and long-term pieces who can step into bigger roles when the time comes. That's a totally different lens than rebuilding.

Malachi Lawrence Has the Tools, But There's a Catch

One name that's been linked to the Seahawks is pass rusher Malachi Lawrence. Hunt sees the upside. The hand quickness at the line is explosive, like "wax on, wax off" martial arts level technique. The athleticism is real. But here's the problem: he plays too tall. At 6'4", he plays at 6'4", which means he struggles with changing direction and leverage. That's how he gets blocked. Hunt also wants to see him improve his functional strength, the kind that actually translates to the field instead of just looking good in the weight room.

Jalen Farmer From Kentucky Is the Guard Everyone Should Know

But the real gem Hunt is pushing? Jalen Farmer out of Kentucky as his number one guard in the entire class. And before you ask, no, it's not the guys everyone's already talking about. Hunt's reasoning is simple: technique. Pure, consistent technique. As athletes get older, speed fades, strength fades, but technique sticks with you forever. Farmer's hands stay inside all the time. He's constantly moving defenders, creating movement in the pocket. The quickness and burst are there too.

Here's the best part for the Seahawks: Hunt expects Farmer to fall out of the first round. He could be sitting there when Seattle picks again. That's the kind of value a defending champion can mine from later in the draft, a guy who can legitimately start for you right away.

The Hawks have work to do if they want to keep this window open. But Hunt's research shows the draft class can help, if you know where to look.

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