Seahawks Gear Up for 2026 NFL Combine: Key Dates, Prospects, and Draft Priorities Amid Super Bowl Afterglow

By Seahawks Wire Staff | February 24, 2026

Less than a month after their triumphant Super Bowl victory, the Seattle Seahawks are diving headfirst into draft preparation at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. With an accelerated offseason timeline due to the championship schedule, General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Mike Macdonald are wasting no time evaluating the next wave of talent to bolster their roster.

Compressed Schedule Demands Quick Adjustments

The NFL Combine kicks off this week with position groups arriving as early as Sunday, February 22, for defensive tackles, defensive ends, and linebackers. Their on-field workouts and measurements are set for Thursday, February 26, followed by bench press on Friday, February 27.[1] Running backs, meanwhile, arrive Tuesday, February 24, with drills on Saturday, February 28, and bench press Sunday, March 1.[1]

This year’s event maintains its traditional format despite past discussions of refinements like better timing methods and agility testing schedules. Critics note the late-evening drag on drill days often results in fewer participants for key short shuttle and three-cone tests, which are vital for assessing change-of-direction skills prized by teams like Seattle.[1]

Free Agency Looms Large: Filling Critical Gaps

Coming off a Super Bowl repeat as the team to beat, the Seahawks face pivotal decisions in free agency. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III headlines the unrestricted free agent class, alongside wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, acquired midseason as a rental. Backup Zach Charbonnet’s recent ACL surgery adds uncertainty to the running back room, prompting eyes on draft options like explosive back Jadarian Price, whose vision suits Seattle’s zone scheme despite pass protection concerns.[2]

Defensive needs are acute, particularly at EDGE and cornerback. With potential losses looming, prospects like Illinois DE Gabe Jacas—who notched 12 sacks in 2025—are intriguing for their power and production. Pittsburgh’s downhill-blitzing linebacker, a captain with elite intangibles, embodies the Seahawks’ draft profile.[3] Cornerback remains a hotspot; mock drafts project Seattle grabbing Texas A&M’s speedy KC Concepcion at pick 32 as Shaheed insurance, valuing his ball skills despite occasional penalties.[2][5]

Prospects to Watch: Agility and Explosion in Focus

Seattle’s evaluators will zero in on athletic testing, especially agility drills linking 12 of 13 top prospects. Zebra tech from the Senior Bowl highlights players like a coverage standout who logged massive yards, signaling potential in 10-yard splits, verticals, and broad jumps.[1][3]

• Gabe Jacas (DE, Illinois): Power rusher with late-season surge; combine burst could elevate stock.[3]
• Jadarian Price (RB): Visionary zone runner with pass-game upside; small frame a query.[2]
• KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M): Speed threat for depth; mock darling amid Shaheed uncertainty.[5]
• Slot corner prospects: Explosive traits appeal, though outside help needed more.[3]

Over a dozen Seahawks players, including Boye Mafe, Josh Jones, and Johnathan Hankins, are attending, blending interviews, medicals, and drills from February 22 to March 1.[5]

Draft Strategy Shapes Up Pre-Combine

Three-round mocks position Seattle addressing trenches early, with versatile corners and backs later. Schneider’s staff eyes the deep class for man/zone hybrids and physical freaks. NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah’s projection of Concepcion underscores receiver depth needs if Shaheed walks.[2][5]

“The Seahawks need some Rasheed Shaheed insurance.” – Analysis on pick 32 value.[5]

Super Bowl Hangover? Not for Seattle

The quick pivot from parade to combine underscores the NFL’s relentless pace. As 32 teams converge, Seattle’s war room—fresh off confetti—seeks hedges like a Marlon Humphrey-type at corner amid cap crunches elsewhere.[1][4] With #32 looming in April’s draft, this week’s explosions could redefine the blueprint for another title run.

Stay tuned for live updates from Indianapolis as Seahawks prospects chase stopwatch glory and interview intangibles that could land them in the Emerald City.