The Seahawks added speed and playmaking, as well as some potential special teams help, in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Emmanuel Henderson Jr., a receiver out of Kansas.
Henderson, who began his college career at Alabama before transferring to Kansas, was a third-team All-Big- 12 selection as a receiver and a first-team pick as a returner.
Henderson led the Jayhawks in receiving yards last season with 766, and tied for team lead with 45 receptions and five touchdowns. He also had 455 yards on 18 kick returns, including a 94-yard touchdown. He also has experience as a gunner, a role at which former Seahawks receiver, Dareke Young, excelled.
"Definitely, special teams is a big part of my game [along] with my wide receiver ability," he said. "It's a great combo for (the Seahawks) to have."
Henderson has also played running back in his career, giving him versatility on offense.
"Wherever I can get the ball in my hands, I feel like I can get the job done," he said.
Henderson gave a succinct and accurate answer when asked to describe his game, saying, "Definitely fast."
Overview
Henderson is a slender inside/outside receiver. He has good speed and disguises route intentions but will need work getting his feet/tempo right as a route-runner. He's a former running back with below-average hands but real potential after the catch. You won't see many who return kicks and cover punts in the same game, but Henderson can handle both duties. His special-teams versatility and athletic upside give him a chance to make a roster as a WR5/6 and full-time gunner.
The Seahawks selected Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. with the 199h overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Check out the best photos of Henderson throughout the years.
Lawrence, KS - August 29, 2025 - wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks and quarterback Jalon Daniels #6 of the Kansas Jayhawksduring a game between the Kansas Jayhawks Football Team and the Wagner Seahawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. Photo by Kansas Athletics
wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks
wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (1) during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
September 20 , 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers at Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (1) runs the ball as he tries to fend off Iowa State defensive back David Coffey (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (1) runs the ball under pressure from Utah cornerback Blake Cotton (16) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (21) does a backflip as receivers celebrate after running drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
