Jadarian Price positioned for major role as Seahawks reshape backfield in 2026

The Seattle Seahawks may have found a perfect fit in rookie running back Jadarian Price, and the connection started well before draft night. During the pre-draft process, newly hired running backs coach Thomas Hammock already saw traits that made Price stand out. Now, after Seattle selected the former Notre Dame star with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Hammock gets the opportunity to coach the player he once evaluated.

The timing could not be better for Price. Seattle’s backfield enters 2026 with major changes after losing Kenneth Walker III in free agency. The Seahawks also expect to be without Zach Charbonnet for a significant portion of the season while he recovers from knee surgery. That creates a path toward immediate opportunities for Price.

Seattle did not spend a first-round pick on Price to keep him on the sideline. The Seahawks need production, and the rookie may quickly become one of the offense’s featured options.

Seahawks see opportunity for Price to turn college production into immediate impact

At Notre Dame, Price showed consistent explosiveness despite sharing touches. He rushed for 674 yards and 11 touchdowns on 113 carries during his final college season while averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He also added six receptions for 87 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Across three college seasons, Price totaled 280 carries for 1,692 rushing yards and averaged 6.0 yards per attempt. He also scored 21 rushing touchdowns while adding just 15 receptions for 162 receiving yards during his career.

That limited receiving production may raise questions about his third-down role early in his NFL career. However, Seattle likely drafted Price for what he does best: running downhill, reading blocks and creating explosive plays.

For Hammock and the Seahawks, the evaluation process is complete. Now comes the next step—turning potential into production.