Seattle Seahawks Could PUNT Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft, Look to Add Day 2 Pick(s)

In this episode of Locked On Seahawks, hosts Corbin Smith and Rob Rang discuss the Seahawks' strategic approach to the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on the possibility of punting Day 3 despite having only one pick there. They argue that with 12 projected selections—including compensatory picks—the Seahawks are uniquely positioned to trade down from their Day 1 pick (32nd overall) and accumulate additional picks, especially in the 2027 draft. The duo highlights a growing narrative that teams are prioritizing Day 2 selections due to a perceived talent drop-off after pick 100, making trades into the sweet spot (50–115) more valuable. They emphasize that the Seahawks, as defending Super Bowl champions with fewer immediate roster holes, can afford flexibility and may use their depth to target value players in the second and third rounds. The discussion then shifts to defensive tackles, with Rob Rang favoring Georgia’s Kristen Miller and Ohio State’s Caden McDonald as top first-round fits, while highlighting versatile options like Tyler Ouedem and Dominique Orange for Day 2. For Day 3, they spotlight FCS standout Caleb Proctor and late-round sleepers like Ontario Thompson and Nick Barrett from South Carolina, praising their athleticism and developmental potential. The episode concludes with a strong endorsement of the Seahawks’ ability to leverage their draft capital and depth for long-term success. Key takeaways include: 1) The Seahawks may benefit from punting Day 3 to maximize trades and accumulate picks; 2) Their 12 projected picks provide unmatched flexibility; 3) Depth at defensive tackle makes it a prime position for value drafting; 4) Players like Miller, McDonald, and Proctor offer high upside with physical traits that fit Mike Macdonald’s system; 5) The Seahawks’ history of valuing developmental programs (e.g., South Carolina, FCS talent) continues to inform their draft strategy; 6) Trading down from 32 could yield multiple Day 2 selections; 7) Health and depth are critical for a Super Bowl contender, making late-round contributors essential; 8) The 2026 draft’s depth at tackle creates unique opportunities for savvy drafting.