Where Seahawks Rookie Class Stands After Final Roster Cuts

One of the downsides of being the NFL’s best team is that you have to pick at the back of the draft.

The Seattle Seahawks were in that position in 2026, and as a result, didn’t come away with as many immediate impact players as other teams. Even if the Seahawks had more or higher picks, it would be hard for rookies to break through on this elite roster.

It should be no surprise, then, that several of the team’s 2026 draft picks didn’t even make the final roster on Sunday. Also, the Seahawks are one of the few teams who won’t have one of their own 2026 UDFAs on the opening roster.

With those facts in mind, let’s check in on the Seahawks‘ rookies ahead of Week 1.

RB Jadarian Price- Starter

Jadarian Price is going to make or break this class. The Notre Dame standout was the team’s first pick, and he’s stepping into a large role immediately.

Zach Charbonnet is still injured, so the rookie is going to start. There’s not much depth behind him, either, so this is a big opportunity. Price had some injury problems of his own this summer, but he’s healthy now. The sky is the limit for Price after a very impressive college career, and he’s in one of the best possible environments.

S Bud Clark- Injured Reserve

Bud Clark was set to play a big role as a rookie second rounder. Unfortunately, Clark suffered a season-ending injury during the preseason, which is a big loss for the secondary.

Clark will now focus on rehabbing during his rookie season instead of trying to carve out.

CB Julian Neal- Key Backup

Julian Neal is probably the only rookie other than Price that’s set to play a large role in 2026. Neal had an impressive summer and preseason and earned one of the backup spots alongside Nehemiah Pritchett and Avery Smith.

Neal probably won’t play much on defense, but he could be a key special teamer immediately.

OL Beau Stephens- Depth

Beau Stephens is the final draft pick to make the initial active roster. The Seahawks kept 10 offensive linemen, which obviously helped Stephens, but he performed well on his own. Plus, the team didn’t want to risk losing him on waivers.

Stephens shouldn’t see the field much unless there are injuries on the interior.

WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr., CB Andre Fuller, DT Deven Eastern, and DB Michael Dansby- Practice Squad

It’s a bit disappointing that none of the team’s final four picks could crack the roster. Granted, one of them was a sixth-round pick and the other three were seventh-round picks, but still, these were positions the Seahawks could use extra depth.

Henderson had some nice moments this summer, and the Seahawks aren’t exactly deep at receiver behind the top trio. Still, the team decided to only keep, meaning Henderson was probably the first one out.

It’s a bit concerning that neither Fuller nor Dansby could stand out in a thin secondary. The team only kept two safeties, which is unhead of. You have to think Fuller or Dansby easily would have a spot with a better preseason.

It was always going to be an uphill battle for Eastern. The Seahawks’ defensive line is one of the best parts of the team.