The Seahawks Need Corners and the Draft Class Is Deep: Here's Who Seattle Should Target

The Seattle Seahawks are walking into the 2026 draft with only four selections and a glaring need at cornerback. That's a tight rope to walk, but here's the thing: this cornerback class has options at every level. The Seahawks aren't going to have the luxury of reaching, so they need to find guys who fit Mike Macdonald's scheme and Brian Fleury's system. Let's break down where Seattle can find its next defensive back, round by round.

First Round: The Press-Man Specialists

If the Seahawks stay put at pick 32, they've got some serious talent to consider. Colton Hood from Tennessee is a tone-setter at cornerback who lives in press-man coverage. He uses that disruptive punch to control receivers right off the snap and stays attached through the route. What makes him special in Seattle's system? Hood plays through contact and doesn't shy away from run support. He's got the vertical speed to stay in phase and closes space on in-breakers from any alignment. Instincts and technique need work, but the mentality is already there.

Avieon Terrell out of Clemson brings that same fluid, technically sound approach his brother A.J. brings to the league. He's smooth in transitions, athletic enough to stay in phase vertically, and dangerous in press-man where his timing is ridiculous. The red flag: size. Against bigger receivers, he can lose positioning in contested spots, which raises questions about full-time outside work. Still, his polish and ball skills make him an early contributor. Chris Johnson from San Diego State is a pure zone corner who even had a top 30 visit with Seattle. His ability to read the quarterback and position himself in coverage is elite. His final season showed real momentum on draft boards, but competition level concerns remain. He's unlikely to fall past the mid-second round. Brandon Cisse from South Carolina brings that physical SEC edge. He plays through contact, challenges at the catch point, and has the strength for bigger receivers. He's developmental, but the tools are there.

Second Round: The Versatile Grinders

D'Angelo Ponds from Indiana is one of the most intense players you'll see on tape. At 5'9", he plays way bigger than his frame suggests, attacking the ball and helping in run support. That intensity mirrors what Devon Witherspoon brings to the Seahawks' defense. The catch: his frame limits him on the boundary. Inside is where Ponds maximizes that energy and playmaking ability. Keith Abney II from Arizona State is a feisty boundary guy whose coverage IQ stands out immediately. He processes fast, recognizes concepts, and plays with receiver-like instincts when attacking the football. He's competitive and physical, with long-term nickel value.

The Seahawks have one shot to get this right with four picks. These corners fit the system. Which one does Seattle pull the trigger on first?

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