Seahawks Select Jadarian Price: A Super Bowl Champion’s Blueprint for the Backfield

SEATTLE (AP) — In a move that sent a clear message of “win now” to the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night. The pick, which came at the end of the first round, was a calculated gamble by a front office that knows the championship window is wide open—but also knows it cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

The reigning Super Bowl champions entered the night with a glaring hole in their backfield. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III departed for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, leaving a void that felt impossible to fill. Meanwhile, Zach Charbonnet continues to rehab from a knee injury, and his timeline for a full return remains uncertain. The Seahawks had already signed Emanuel Wilson from the Green Bay Packers in free agency, but the front office clearly felt that was not enough. Enter Price: a 5-foot-11, 203-pound downhill runner who brings a blend of power, speed, and versatility that perfectly fits Seattle’s offensive identity.

This is not a pick made for the future. This is a pick made for September. Let’s break down what Price brings to the Pacific Northwest and why this selection could be the difference between another Super Bowl run and an early playoff exit.

Why Price Was the Right Pick at No. 32

When you are the defending Super Bowl champion, every draft pick is scrutinized under a microscope. The Seahawks had a few obvious needs: offensive line depth, a pass-rushing complement to Leonard Williams, and a running back who could step in immediately. The board fell in a way that made the running back decision almost too easy.

Jadarian Price is not a flashy pick. He is not the fastest back in the class, nor the biggest. But he is the most complete back available at that slot. At Notre Dame, Price split carries with Jeremiyah Love—who went No. 3 overall to the Arizona Cardinals—yet still produced at an elite level. Last season, Price ran for 674 yards on 113 carries (6.0 yards per attempt) and a career-high 11 rushing touchdowns. Over three seasons with the Fighting Irish, he totaled 1,692 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground.

But the stats only tell part of the story. What makes Price special is his vision and patience. He is a downhill runner by nature, but he possesses the lateral quickness to bounce carries outside when the interior is clogged. This is a critical trait for Seattle’s zone-blocking scheme, which asks running backs to make split-second decisions at the line of scrimmage.

• Elite burst through the hole: Price accelerates quickly, allowing him to turn 3-yard gains into 7-yard gains.
• Pass-catching ability: He caught 22 passes for 187 yards last season, making him a reliable outlet for quarterback Geno Smith.
• Durability: Price never missed a game due to injury in college, a key factor for a team with an injured Charbonnet.
• Blocking: He is a willing and capable pass protector, which will keep him on the field on third down.

Seattle’s offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, has already hinted at a committee approach. “We like to keep defenses guessing,” Grubb said in a press conference after the pick. “Jadarian gives us a different look than Wilson. He’s a hammer who can also catch the ball out of the backfield.”

Competition Heats Up: Price vs. Emanuel Wilson

The Seahawks backfield now features a fascinating training camp battle. Emanuel Wilson signed a two-year, $6 million deal in March after three seasons with the Packers. Wilson is a bruising, between-the-tackles runner who rushed for 613 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. He is a proven NFL commodity, but he lacks the explosive ceiling that Price brings.

Here is the reality: Price was drafted in the first round. Wilson was signed as a free agent. The Seahawks did not spend a first-round pick—even a late one—on a player they plan to bench. Price will get every opportunity to be the primary ball carrier from Week 1. However, Wilson’s experience and power make him an ideal complement, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Predictions for the backfield rotation:

• Early downs: Price will handle 60-65% of the carries, using his speed to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.
• Third down: Price will split time with Wilson, depending on the down and distance. Price’s pass-catching ability gives him the edge on obvious passing downs.
• Goal line: Wilson will likely get the nod in short-yardage situations, but Price’s 11 touchdowns last season prove he can finish runs.
• Charbonnet’s return: When Zach Charbonnet returns from his knee injury, the Seahawks could have a three-headed monster. Charbonnet is the most versatile of the three, but his health remains a question mark.

The Seahawks are not asking Price to be the next Marshawn Lynch. They are asking him to be efficient, reliable, and explosive. If he can average 4.5 yards per carry and stay healthy, this offense will be even more dangerous than the one that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in February.

How Price Fits the Seahawks’ Super Bowl Formula

Seattle’s path to a repeat championship is built on a simple formula: control the clock, play elite defense, and let Geno Smith manage the game. Last season, the Seahawks ranked 8th in time of possession, thanks largely to Walker’s ability to churn out tough yards. With Walker gone, the team needed a running back who could replicate that production without forcing Smith to throw 40 times a game.

Price is tailor-made for this role. He is a patient runner who lets his blocks develop, a trait that fits perfectly behind a Seahawks offensive line that ranked 12th in run-blocking efficiency last season. Left tackle Charles Cross and guard Damien Lewis are both maulers in the run game, and Price will benefit from running behind them.

But there is another layer to this pick: scheme diversity. The Seahawks ran a mix of inside zone, outside zone, and power concepts last season. Price’s ability to run both zone and gap schemes gives Grubb the flexibility to attack defenses in multiple ways. Defenses cannot key in on one specific run play because Price can execute them all.

“He reminds me of a young Austin Ekeler,” said one NFC scout who evaluated Price. “Not the same size, but the same burst and the same ability to make the first defender miss. He’s going to be a problem for linebackers in the open field.”

That comparison is not hyperbole. Price forced 27 missed tackles last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and averaged 3.2 yards after contact. Those numbers suggest he is not just a product of Notre Dame’s offensive line—he creates yards on his own.

Expert Analysis: The Risk and Reward

No draft pick comes without risk. Price’s 6.0 yards per carry is impressive, but it came in a part-time role at Notre Dame. He never carried the ball more than 15 times in a game last season, raising questions about his durability as a workhorse back. The Seahawks will likely manage his workload early in the season, especially with Wilson available to share the load.

There is also the question of competition level. Notre Dame faced a tough schedule, but Price’s best games came against weaker opponents. In the biggest games—against Ohio State, USC, and Clemson—he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. Can he elevate his game against NFL defenses that are faster and more physical?

On the flip side, Price’s upside is undeniable. He is a home-run hitter who can turn a simple handoff into a 60-yard touchdown. The Seahawks have not had that kind of explosive threat in the backfield since Chris Carson was in his prime. If Price hits his ceiling, this pick will be remembered as one of the steals of the first round.

Final prediction: Price finishes the 2025 season with 850 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, and 35 receptions for 300 yards. He will be the Seahawks’ leading rusher, but Wilson will get the goal-line carries. The combination will be enough to keep Seattle’s offense balanced and dangerous, setting up a deep playoff run.

Conclusion: A Championship Move

The Seattle Seahawks did not draft Jadarian Price to fill a box score. They drafted him to fill a hole in their championship puzzle. In a league where running backs are often devalued, Seattle understands that a Super Bowl run requires a ground game that can close out games in the fourth quarter. Price gives them that weapon.

Yes, there are questions. Yes, there is risk. But the Seahawks have earned the benefit of the doubt. Their front office, led by general manager John Schneider, has a track record of finding value in the late first round. From D.K. Metcalf to Devon Witherspoon, they know how to evaluate talent. Price is the latest example.

As the NFL world turns its attention to the rest of the draft, Seattle can breathe easy. Their backfield is no longer a weakness. It is a strength. And if Price plays to his potential, the Seahawks will be hoisting another Lombardi Trophy next February.

Welcome to Seattle, Jadarian Price. The defense is waiting.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.