Seahawks get exciting but unexpected Jadarian Price prediction from NFL execs

As the 2026 season is about to get underway, the Seattle Seahawks have seen plenty of big changes to their team from the 2025 Super Bowl-winning roster.

One of the biggest changes has occurred at running back, with Kenneth Walker leaving in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs, Zach Charbonnet out for a while, and rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price likely taking over the bulk role out of the backfield.

There are a lot of unknowns with Price as the season is about to get underway. But in the opinion of the majority of NFL execs polled by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler for awards predictions, Price is poised for a big, award-winning rookie season for the Seahawks.

Jadarian Price predicted to have award-winning rookie year

"Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks," Fowler shared. "This was a close race among the top two running backs selected in the 2026 draft (both out of Notre Dame), an ascending player out of Cleveland and a QB2 in the AFC West."

Price is being predicted to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2026, which would be a bit of an unexpected outcome.

Jeremiyah Love, also a Notre Dame running back drafted in Round 1 like Price, was taken No. 3 overall compared to Price at No. 32. Normally, Love would be predicted to have the better rookie season.

Fernando Mendoza, drafted No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, alongside rookie receivers Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, KC Concepcion, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Denzel Boston, all will have a chance to win this award as well.

But Price in the Seahawks offense should see plenty of volume with Charbonnet out due to injury and the Seahawks' desire to run the ball a lot.

MORE: Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over Fernando Mendoza

As one NFC scout said, "He's the best they've got, and that offense is dedicated to running the ball. Zach Charbonnet isn't ready yet."

Price is going to see plenty of rushing work this season, especially with Charbonnet sidelined. Add in that he plays alongside an elite defense that should keep games close to get him more rushing work, and Price could have a big rookie year.

Love and Mendoza might normally be the favorites for this award. But the Raiders aren't starting Mendoza just yet, and Love might not see a lot of work in a worse offense on a worse team, with a better running back in Tyler Allgeier to eat into his workload.

Price to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award is an unexpected prediction from these NFL execs. But, it's an exciting one that could actually happen if Charbonnet is out for a while and Price starts off the season hot.

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