The Seattle Seahawks may suddenly have a problem at running back after Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III took his talents to the Kansas City Chiefs. With Zach Charbonnet coming of a knee injury, the defending Super Bowl champions look to have an area of focus in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As an offensive team that feeds off the running game, Seahawks general manager John Schneider doesn’t have concern with his team’s ability to fill the hole at the position. The team will have Charbonnet returning and have some options currently on the roster he believes can step up and answer the call.
During his weekly show, Seattle Sports, Schnieder addressed the position, with confidence they will be all good at the position by the time the 2026 NFL season rolls around.
"That's a position that you can find guys," Schneider said. "And obviously, (Walker was) outstanding, and everybody's really excited for him. I mean, that's a great, great contract for a running back. But George [Holani] did a great job. We're really excited about Emanuel Wilson, who we got from Green Bay, a heavy runner with really nice feet.”
The team also have Cam Akers, Kenny McIntosh and Velus Jones as options, but Schnieder and the Seahawks will be best served to add more talent via the 2026 NFL Draft, where beyond Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, could have some hidden gems at the positions and players who can come in and help handle the rock.
Ideal running back targets for the Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft
NFL Mocks looks at a running back prospect the Seahawks could potentially target in each round.
Round 1, pick 32: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame: Jeremiyah Love is the only lock when it comes to first round picks amongst running backs, but former teammate Jadarian Price could surprise as a late-first round pick, especially if a team like the Seahawks have interest. With his breakaway speed, ability to break tackles and effectiveness as a kickoff returner, Price would more than replace Walker III in the Seahawks offense, especially with his willingness to pass protect, which will earn him third-down snaps. Because the Seahawks next pick isn’t until No. 64, if they value Price, they select him at 32.
Round 2, pick 64: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington : Standing at just 5-foot-8, 220 pounds, former Washington Huskies star Jonah Coleman is a running back who plays bigger than his size. A powerful early-down thumper who has a knock for finding the end zone with 15 rushing touchdowns in 2025, Coleman would get to stay in the state of Washington if selected by the Seahawks. Both his physicality and effectiveness as a checkdown target would make him a nice complement to a healthy Charbonnet.
Round 3, Pick 96: Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
: If Coleman is off the board by the time they select at No. 96, Kentucky product Seth McGowan is a late-third round option who can also bring the physicality as a runner. With his 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame, McGowan has a pro-ready build and a great combination of power and speed to be an effective second option for the Seahawks. In 2025, McGowan rushed for 725 yards on 165 carries and 12 TDs to go along with 19 receptions for 126 yards receiving.
Round 6, Pick 188: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
: Kaelon Black, who wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, is a late-round option for the Seahawks. Coming off winning a championship himself, the former Indiana Hoosiers running back is a patient runner who avenged 5.6 yards per carry in Indiana’s backfield. At 5-foot-11, 211 pounds, he has the making of a late-round gem much to the effect of 2025 Chicago Bears seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai. Not only does Black run the ball with purpose, he can also pick up the blitz and a player with ball security as he had no fumbles in 2025.