{"id":20987,"date":"2026-02-24T08:04:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/seahawks-first-round-pick\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T08:04:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:04:48","slug":"seahawks-first-round-pick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/seahawks-first-round-pick\/","title":{"rendered":"Mock Draft Roundup: Who will Seahawks pick in 1st round?"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<p>Lead: The Seattle Seahawks, led by GM John Schneider, head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a deep recent draft track record and a short list of roster needs. With the scouting combine set to begin Thursday in Indianapolis and the draft two months away, analysts are projecting a range of first-round targets for Seattle at No. 32 overall. Several draft experts favor cornerbacks and edge rushers as the most likely priorities, though interior offensive line and wide receiver solutions also appear in many mocks. This roundup summarizes 10 prominent mock drafts and assesses what each projection would mean for the reigning Super Bowl champions.<\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Ten major outlets offered first-round projections for Seattle; the most frequent positional targets were cornerback (4 mocks) and edge rusher (3 mocks).<\/li>\n<li>NFL.com\u2019s Daniel Jeremiah projects KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&amp;M) to fill returner\/receiver insurance; Concepcion scored two punt-return TDs in 2025.<\/li>\n<li>Several mocks (Eric Edholm, PFF, The Athletic) list defensive line or interior help\u2014R Mason Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma) and Keith Abney II (CB, Arizona State) among names tied to Seattle.<\/li>\n<li>Experts note multiple Seahawks from recent drafts\u20142022 through 2025\u2014are core starters; the 2022 class alone produced at least six key contributors to the Super Bowl season.<\/li>\n<li>Seattle holds only four picks in 2026, limiting wholesale roster upgrades and making the No. 32 selection more likely to target immediate depth or a high-upside starter.<\/li>\n<li>Cornerback Brandon Cisse (South Carolina) appears in two mocks (NBC, USA Today), with scouts pointing to his 2025 coverage work and run support as attractive traits.<\/li>\n<li>Mockers caution the selection could hinge on combine testing and free-agency movement, particularly whether Seattle loses outside cornerbacks or depth pieces in March free agency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Background<\/h2>\n<p>The Seahawks enter this draft cycle riding the benefits of a strong four-year drafting stretch under Schneider. Seattle\u2019s 2022 class\u2014Charles Cross, Kenneth Walker III, Boye Mafe, Abraham Lucas, Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen\u2014supplied multiple starters who were instrumental in the team\u2019s march to a second Super Bowl title. That sustained draft success has reduced obvious roster holes, shifting the 2026 draft conversation toward depth and complementary pieces rather than wholesale rebuild needs.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023, Seattle secured Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba with top-10 picks, selections many analysts now consider franchise-altering. The club continued to add contributors in 2024 and 2025\u2014Byron Murphy II and A.J. Barner in 2024, followed by first-rounder Grey Zabel and second-rounder Nick Emmanwori in 2025\u2014leaving the 2026 class to address smaller but still meaningful gaps.<\/p>\n<p>Roster construction, salary-cap considerations and impending free agency shape Seattle\u2019s draft priorities. Several starters and role players from these recent classes will hit free agency this offseason, prompting mockers to weigh the likelihood Seattle will prioritize replacements at cornerback, interior offensive line or rotational pass rush depending on which veterans depart.<\/p>\n<h2>Main Event: The Mock Picks<\/h2>\n<p>Below is a concise summary of who ten draft analysts forecast Seattle will choose at No. 32 and why each pick fits (or doesn\u2019t) the Seahawks\u2019 roster context.<\/p>\n<p>NFL.com\u2019s Daniel Jeremiah projects KC Concepcion, a speedy wide receiver\/returner from Texas A&amp;M, to plug return-game and perimeter receiving needs if Rasheed Shaheed departs in free agency. Jeremiah highlights Concepcion\u2019s special-teams scoring (two punt-return TDs in 2025) and straight-line juice as assets for Seattle\u2019s scheme.<\/p>\n<p>Eric Edholm of NFL.com targets R Mason Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma), a high-energy pass rusher scouts say matches Seattle\u2019s preference for effort and motor. Edholm notes the pick could depend on Thomas\u2019s combine testing and that interior line or cornerback could be alternatives depending on team evaluations and health.<\/p>\n<p>Charles Davis projects Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon) to bolster Seattle\u2019s secondary alongside rising safety Nick Emmanwori. Davis frames the selection as a chance to deepen the Seahawks\u2019 \u201cDark Side\u201d of the defense with a rangy, downhill safety who can patrol the boundary and complement the roster\u2019s existing pieces.<\/p>\n<p>ESPN\u2019s Field Yates sees Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&amp;M) as an attractive interior lineman with versatility to play multiple spots; Yates argues Seattle\u2019s zone scheme values Bisontis\u2019s combination of quickness and active hands to protect and create seams for the run game.<\/p>\n<p>PFF\u2019s Dalton Wasserman lists Keith Abney II (CB, Arizona State) with Seattle potentially replacing cornerbacks entering free agency. Abney\u2019s 85.3 PFF coverage grade and nine pass breakups in 2025 are cited as evidence he can step into an early role in the rotation.<\/p>\n<p>CBS Sports\u2019 Blake Brockermeyer projects Chris Brazzell II (WR, Tennessee) as a contested-catch, red-zone target to complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Brockermeyer emphasizes Brazzell\u2019s size and ability to win on boundary and inside alignments after his rebound production at Tennessee.<\/p>\n<p>Yahoo Sports\u2019 Nate Tice and Charles McDonald prefer Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&amp;M), arguing Seattle can always add another front-seven piece to sustain pressure and depth. Their pick captures the conservative mock tendency to add rotational pass rush even when the roster\u2019s immediate holes are few.<\/p>\n<p>Both NBC Sports\u2019 Eric Froton and USA Today\u2019s Ayrton Ostly project Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina) for Seattle, citing his 2025 coverage snaps and metrics\u2014opponents\u2019 completion rates and limited big-play concessions\u2014as indicators of a player who can be developed into a starter in Mike Macdonald\u2019s scheme.<\/p>\n<p>The Athletic\u2019s David DeChant selects Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson), arguing that Seattle has successfully developed undersized, instinctive corners before and could do so again. DeChant also notes Seattle\u2019s limited 2026 draft capital\u2014four picks total\u2014may push Schneider to maximize value at No. 32 rather than swing for quantity.<\/p>\n<h2>Analysis &#038; Implications<\/h2>\n<p>Positional patterns across mocks suggest Seattle\u2019s front office will weigh immediate depth over long-term star power with pick No. 32. Cornerback and edge rusher show up repeatedly because they address realistic departure scenarios in free agency and because those positions can be stepped into schematically sooner than project-heavy offensive linemen or receivers. If Seattle loses a starter or two in March, the case for selecting a top cover corner strengthens materially.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, a receiver or interior guard pick would reflect a more forward-looking approach\u2014either planning for potential salary-cap constraints or hedging against attrition at WR and the interior line. A player such as Chase Bisontis or Chris Brazzell II would be a plug-and-play option to protect investment in the core veterans from 2022\u20132025, especially in a scheme that prioritizes zone mobility and contested-catch toughness.<\/p>\n<p>The fact Seattle has only four selections in 2026 compounds the strategic pressure on the No. 32 choice. With fewer chips to trade or use later, Schneider may lean toward a high-floor player who can contribute early on special teams or in base packages, rather than a more speculative developmental pick\u2014unless a high-upside value unexpectedly falls to him.<\/p>\n<p>Combine testing will matter. Several mockers explicitly tied their projections to how prospects perform in Indianapolis; measurable improvements at the combine (short shuttle, three-cone, positional drills) could elevate or sink a player\u2019s draft standing for Seattle given the team\u2019s preference for athletes who fit coach Mike Macdonald\u2019s scheme and Jeff Ulbrich-style defensive demands.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Draft Class<\/th>\n<th>Notable 1\u20132 Picks<\/th>\n<th>Impact<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>2022<\/td>\n<td>Charles Cross, Kenneth Walker III, Boye Mafe, Abraham Lucas, Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen<\/td>\n<td>Multiple starters; core contributors to Super Bowl run<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2023<\/td>\n<td>Devon Witherspoon, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Zach Charbonnet, Derick Hall, Anthony Bradford<\/td>\n<td>Franchise-altering talent (Witherspoon, JSN) plus rotational pieces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2024<\/td>\n<td>Byron Murphy II, A.J. Barner<\/td>\n<td>Developing starters and mid-round value<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2025<\/td>\n<td>Grey Zabel (1st), Nick Emmanwori (2nd)<\/td>\n<td>Immediate starting roles; improved OL and safety depth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The table above shows Seattle\u2019s recent draft production: frequent early-round hits have reduced the list of urgent needs and made 2026 selections more about depth and complementary fits than replacing core starters.<\/p>\n<h2>Reactions &#038; Quotes<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;A speed receiver who returns punts gives Seattle both offense and special-teams upside if Shaheed leaves.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Daniel Jeremiah \/ NFL.com<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Edge and interior line remain on the board depending on testing\u2014this pick could swing with combine results.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Eric Edholm \/ NFL.com<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;A corner like Brandon Cisse offers scheme versatility and physicality the Seahawks covet in the outside role.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Eric Froton \/ NBC Sports<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<aside>\n<details>\n<summary>Explainer: Why combine testing matters<\/summary>\n<p>The NFL Scouting Combine gives teams standardized measurements\u201440-yard dash, three-cone, shuttle, vertical\u2014that can change a prospect\u2019s perceived fit. For Seattle, testing validates athletic traits (short-area quickness, change-of-direction) that correlate with success in zone-heavy offensive and matchup-driven defensive schemes. While film remains the primary evaluation tool, strong combine results can move a player up draft boards, especially at borderline early-round slots like No. 32.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Unconfirmed<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Which free agents Seattle will actually lose in March is not yet settled; some mocks assume departures that remain unverified.<\/li>\n<li>How prospects will test at the combine is unknown; several mock projections depend on athletic testing that has not occurred.<\/li>\n<li>Trade activity involving No. 32\u2014whether Seattle will move up or back\u2014is speculative until draft week negotiations play out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>The Seahawks approach the 2026 draft with a rare luxury: consistent recent draft success that leaves the team searching for targeted upgrades rather than structural fixes. That context narrows sensible choices at No. 32 to players who can contribute quickly\u2014special-teams play, rotation snaps, or immediate schematic fits in the secondary or front seven.<\/p>\n<p>Real-world outcomes will hinge on free-agent movement and combine results. If Seattle retains most of its defensive backs in free agency, the pick could slide to interior line or a complementary receiver; if the team loses a starting outside corner, expect a high-quality cover man to top the board. With only four picks, Schneider\u2019s priority is likely a high-floor, pro-ready player rather than a long-term project.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sports.mynorthwest.com\/nfl\/seattle-seahawks\/mock-draft-roundup-who-will-seahawks-pick-in-1st-round\/1840110\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seattle Sports<\/a> (local sports media)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NFL.com<\/a> (national sports media; Jeremiah, Edholm coverage)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ESPN<\/a> (national sports media; Field Yates coverage)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pff.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pro Football Focus<\/a> (analytics\/media; Dalton Wasserman coverage)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CBS Sports<\/a> (national sports media)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yahoo Sports<\/a> (national sports media)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/sports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NBC Sports<\/a> (national sports media)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USA Today<\/a> (national news media)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theathletic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Athletic<\/a> (subscription sports journalism)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lead: The Seattle Seahawks, led by GM John Schneider, head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a deep recent draft track record and a short list of roster needs. With the scouting combine set to begin Thursday in Indianapolis and the draft two months away, analysts are projecting a range of first-round targets for Seattle &#8230; <a title=\"Mock Draft Roundup: Who will Seahawks pick in 1st round?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/seahawks-first-round-pick\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Mock Draft Roundup: Who will Seahawks pick in 1st round?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_title":"Mock Draft: Who will Seahawks pick in Round 1? | Seattle Sports","rank_math_description":"With the combine near and the draft two months away, this roundup summarizes 10 expert mocks for Seattle\u2019s No. 32 pick and what each choice would mean for the roster.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"seahawks,nfl draft,mock draft,first round,combine","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20987"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20987\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}