Four Big Questions the Seahawks Face Heading Into Thursday's Draft

The Seattle Seahawks are about to make some moves at the draft, and they're holding the most coveted pick in the entire first round. Pick 32, the final selection on Thursday night, goes to last year's Super Bowl champ, and John Schneider knows exactly what that means: trade bait.

"It's the pick that everybody wants," the Seahawks general manager said earlier this week. And this year, he's not wrong. With only four total picks entering the draft, Schneider has already signaled that moving down and acquiring more selections is very much on the table.

Will the Seahawks Actually Trade Down?

Schneider didn't shy away from the plan on Monday. "It's no secret with us, guys. We have four picks, so we'll be looking to move back," he said. "People are usually understanding that I think we tend to trend backwards, trade back."

That doesn't mean they're limited to moving the first-round pick either. The Seahawks hold selections at 64, 96, and 188 as well. They could shuffle any of those, or even deal someone off the current roster to grab more ammunition in the middle rounds.

The 32nd pick is the sweet spot though. It's not just the last pick of the first round, it's the final chance for any team to snag a player with a fifth-year option, a benefit exclusive to first-rounders. The last time the Seahawks had this pick after winning the Super Bowl over Denver, they dealt it to Minnesota for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, then flipped picks 40 and 108 in other moves to eventually land receiver Paul Richardson at 45.

Schneider said all options are on the table, even potentially dealing with division rivals, something that typically doesn't happen in the NFL.

How's the Draft Prep Different This Year?

Despite having fewer picks to work with, Schneider said the team "attacked" preparation the same way they always do. But he hinted at some structural changes behind the scenes.

"We just did some extra meetings and feel like it's going to help us in the future," he explained. "We kind of streamlined some things with the coaching staff and feel like we're just kind of out ahead a little bit. Better maybe than in the past."

What Are Seattle's Actual Needs?

Here's where it gets real: the Seahawks are returning starters at nearly every position. The two holes are obvious. Running back, where Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III took his talents to Kansas City in free agency. And safety, where the team needs reinforcement.

The draft begins Thursday night with rounds two and three Friday and rounds four through seven Saturday. This is Schneider's 17th draft since arriving in 2010, the longest tenure in franchise history. And it's expected to be the final one under team chair Jody Allen, as the Seahawks officially went up for sale in February.

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