Sam Darnold won a Super Bowl playing for the Seattle Seahawks last season. Even if he aims for a repeat telecast of the 2025 season, it may not be possible. Because he lost his Lombardi Trophy-winning squad this offseason: prominent early-down running back Kenneth Walker III, starting safety Coby Bryant, key contributing outside cornerback Riq Woolen, and rotational pass rusher Boye Mafe. In light of these heartbreaking departures, ESPN’s Ben Solak has suggested Seattle select Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. Despite this year’s poor RB class, Washington is an explosive creator in a bowling-ball frame, an archetype Seahawks GM John Schneider has historically treasured.
NFL Draft Rumors : Seattle Seahawks could target Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr to fill Kenneth Walker III void
Seattle has only four overall picks Nos. 32, 64, 96, and 168 in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. And running back emerges as their biggest need.Sam Darnold shone in the first half of 2025, but in the second half, he was shaky (9 interceptions, 9 fumbles, and 13 turnovers). However, their second half was saved by Kenneth Walker III. Walker recorded 109 carries for 488 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns then.Darnold will return to Seattle in 2026, but there won’t be any Walker, as he signed a massive deal with Super Bowl contender Kansas City Chiefs (three-year, $43.05M, with $28.7M fully guaranteed). Anyhow, this is where selecting Mike Washington Jr. could help.
2026 NFL Draft prospect is just like Kansas City Chiefs running back
ESPN’s Jordan Reid reports that the Arkansas RB is cut from the similar cloth as Walker. He is a physical runner with strong contact balance. He has impeccable vision and speed, coupled with being a comfortable pass catcher out of the backfield. Ried suggests Seattle could draft Washington at the 64th overall pick.FOX Sports’ Rob Rang also suggests Washington for the Seahawks. Despite being a 6-foot-1, 223-pounder, he recorded a blistering 4.33 seconds on the 40-yard dash. He was the fastest among all participants who weighed over 220 pounds. His elite speed helps him pass through would-be tacklers with impressive leg drive and desire.
Seattle needs depth behind. Zach Charbonnet and Emanuel Wilson
After Walker left for Kansas City, he left behind Zach Charbonnet. Charbonnet is recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Jan. 2026. He underwent successful surgery in Feb. 2026. A typical recovery timeline (9 to 12 months) puts him back by late Oct. or November 2026. Or he could miss the entire 2026 season. So, who is there behind him? Seattle signed Emanuel Wilson, a 26-year-old RB from the Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers. Wilson recorded 125 carries for 496 rushing yards, and three rushing TDs in 17 games last year. ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that the Seahawks added RB Emanuel Wilson, but the 2026 NFL Draft could be their best resort to bring back a missing home-run element.Heavy Sports’ Eric Anderson suggests that Seattle could bring back their big-play ability it lost with Walker’s exit by drafting Washington in this draft. As Washington’s profile makes immediate sense.So, would Sam Darnold’s franchise consider this draft suggestion? Only time will tell…
