Seahawks Face Roster Challenges After Super Bowl Victory, Eye Draft for Solutions
Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl triumph last season, but repeating that success in 2025 appears daunting. The team has suffered significant losses this offseason, including prominent early-down running back Kenneth Walker III, starting safety Coby Bryant, key contributing outside cornerback Riq Woolen, and rotational pass rusher Boye Mafe. These departures have created critical gaps that threaten the team's competitive edge.
Running Back Emerges as Top Priority for Seattle
With only four overall picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft—Nos. 32, 64, 96, and 168—the Seahawks must strategize carefully. Running back has emerged as their most pressing need, especially after Walker's exit. ESPN analyst Ben Solak has suggested that Seattle target Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. to fill this void. Despite this year's generally weak running back class, Washington stands out as an explosive creator with a bowling-ball frame, an archetype that Seahawks General Manager John Schneider has historically valued.
Darnold's Performance and Walker's Crucial Role
Sam Darnold showcased strong form in the first half of 2025, but his performance wavered in the second half, with 9 interceptions, 9 fumbles, and 13 turnovers. The Seahawks' second-half success was largely salvaged by Kenneth Walker III, who recorded 109 carries for 488 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during that period. Darnold is set to return to Seattle in 2026, but Walker will not be by his side, having signed a lucrative three-year, $43.05 million deal with the Super Bowl-contending Kansas City Chiefs, which includes $28.7 million fully guaranteed.
Mike Washington Jr.: A Potential Game-Changer
ESPN's Jordan Reid reports that Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. shares similarities with Walker, describing him as a physical runner with strong contact balance, impeccable vision, speed, and comfort as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Reid suggests Seattle could draft Washington with the 64th overall pick. FOX Sports analyst Rob Rang also endorses Washington for the Seahawks, highlighting his impressive athleticism: despite standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 223 pounds, he recorded a blistering 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making him the fastest participant over 220 pounds. His elite speed enables him to break through tacklers with impressive leg drive and determination.
Depth Concerns Behind Charbonnet and Wilson
With Walker's departure, the Seahawks are left with Zach Charbonnet, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January 2026 and underwent successful surgery in February. A typical recovery timeline of 9 to 12 months could see him return by late October or November 2026, or he might miss the entire season. Behind him, Seattle signed Emanuel Wilson, a 26-year-old running back from the Green Bay Packers, who recorded 125 carries for 496 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 17 games last year. ESPN's Brady Henderson notes that while Wilson adds depth, the 2026 NFL Draft may be the best avenue to restore the home-run element lost with Walker.
Analysts Advocate for Drafting Washington
Heavy Sports analyst Eric Anderson suggests that drafting Mike Washington Jr. could help Seattle regain the big-play ability they lost with Walker's exit, as Washington's profile aligns well with the team's needs. The question remains whether Sam Darnold's franchise will heed this draft advice. Only time will reveal their strategy as they navigate post-Super Bowl challenges.
