Andrew Buller-Russ
We wouldn’t blame the Seattle Seahawks if they were still celebrating their Super Bowl victory, but soon, there’s more work to be done when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off. The first night takes place on April 23, where the Seahawks boast the 32nd overall pick in the first round.
Predicting who the Seahawks could target with their first-round pick is a crapshoot, knowing 31 others will be selected before Seattle is on the clock. Yet, one NFL insider thinks they have a finger on the pulse in Seattle.
Recently, Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline reported that the Seahawks “think highly” of Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. Pauline adds that the prospect is “widely graded as a third-round prospect, ” but there is a chance he ends up in the second round.”
Yet, Pauline adds that the Texans and Giants could both target Rutledge at the top of Round 2 due to their need for better guard play too. However, if he slips, that’s where the Seahawks and even Patriots could come into play for Rutledge.
He also worked out at center during the predraft process, but “teams project him solely at guard.” The Seahawks selected offensive lineman Grey Zabel in the first round last year and left tackle Charles Cross in the opening round in 2022. Could history repeat itself again?
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Take Over First Round of NFL Draft
