A 2026 NFL mock draft of options for the Seahawks to replace Kenneth Walker and help bolster their running game
There are several 2026 NFL Draft running back options that could fit the Seattle Seahawks needs.
The Seattle Seahawks are fresh off a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots. Whenever you have the type of season that head coach Mike Macdonald and the team just had, it is always going to be somewhat difficult to retain some top talent. That includes star running back Kenneth Walker, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs shortly after NFL Free Agency opened up this week.
With Zach Charbonnet returning from injury and a thin running back room behind him, the Seahawks are going to need to be in the market for a new running back. That could mean that it could be an early target in the 2026 NFL Draft. Seattle only holds four total picks in the draft, which also means that this could be a team that attempts to trade back at certain points to recoup some draft capital.
If the Seahawks do attempt to add a talented runner in the class, there is going to be some talent to be found. While this isn’t a mock draft, it is a mock exercise with potential running back options who could fit. Here are some talented running backs to know and keep a close eye on over the next several weeks.
Round 1, Pick 32: Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
There are some intriguing parallels between Price and Walker, possessing a dense frame and legitimate home run speed. To be fully transparent, this is way too high to draft Price, but he has been included in several first round mocks from big-wigs already this draft season. When you are a pretty complete team coming off a Super Bowl victory, you can afford to take a luxury pick at this point in the first round. Even if Price isn’t quite worth this value in a vacuum, his big-play potential could eventually win out in a prospect debate.
Round 2, Pick 64: Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
While Johnson is a bit of a thinner running back, he has that awkward leggy running style to make defenders miss in space. He won’t ever blow anyone away in terms of raw athleticism, but Johnson is an instructive runner with really good vision. There are some more talented running backs in this class, but not many that bring a higher floor to the table. Johnson would immediately fit a role with the Seahawks as a solid committee option.
Round 3, Pick 96: Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest)
If you love speed and the ability to create big plays, then you are going to love Claiborne. While he is a smaller runner and doesn’t bring a ton of overall power, his creativity and explosive play potential feel like a perfect fit in Seattle. In an outside zone heavy system, he will have the ability to make some substantial plays early in his NFL career. There is also some upside in the passing game that you can continue to tap into. The former Wake Forest star is an intriguing potential fit in that running back room.
Round 6, Pick 188: Adam Randall (Clemson)
Randall was originally a wide receiver for Clemson before transitioning to the running back position prior to his final season. In that lone season, Randall managed to rush for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also hauling in 36 receptions for 254 yards and three more scores as a pass receiver. At over 230 pounds, Randall has an intriguing physical profile to continue developing. With lighter feet for a bigger back, Randall also has a unique blend of size and movement skills.
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