Seahawks GM John Schneider Explains Why They Drafted Jadarian Price at No. 32

Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider entered the 2024 NFL Draft with plans to trade out of the 32nd overall pick. However, the rapid succession of trades in the first round altered those plans, leaving the Seahawks with no viable options to move down while still retaining a chance to select running back Jadarian Price.

Five of the six picks immediately preceding Seattle’s selection were traded, effectively eliminating Schneider’s ability to maneuver. After the draft concluded, Schneider explained that the flurry of activity left the team without trade partners capable of facilitating a move down while keeping Price within reach.

"Great player, great person," Schneider said of Price, via the team’s official website. "We thought he had some opportunities for a minute, they fell apart. A lot of trading going on right ahead of us, but I mean, he kind of stood alone. Great player. The person's outstanding, the competitor, he's a Seahawk. It's really cool."

Schneider added that many analysts and mock drafts had Price projected to be selected much earlier, which raised concerns that Seattle might lose him entirely if they waited too long to act. "We were kind of concerned people were going to go ahead of us because we felt like he was so out there in terms of mock drafts and what have you," he said.

The Seahawks entered the draft with four selections, but Price became a priority after the team lost running back Kenneth Walker to free agency. While Schneider acknowledged that the inability to trade down was disappointing, he emphasized that Price’s potential impact on the team’s offense could make the decision worthwhile if the rookie contributes to a strong title defense in the upcoming season.