Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports and is returning for his fifth year of contributing to Seahawks.com's draft coverage. He began covering the NFL draft in 2000, with work published at FOX, Sports Illustrated, CBSSports.com, USA Today, Yahoo, NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com, among others. He also works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. Rang's opinions and evaluations are his own and do not reflect those of the Seahawks. Follow him on Twitter @RobRang.
In hindsight it is easy to understand why the Seahawks grew into the best team in the NFL last season as the core values shared by John Schneider and Mike Macdonald almost demand it.
The Seahawks are looking for players who are tough, smart, physical and reliable. Last April, the Seahawks' GM and president of football operations described Seattle's draft class as, "smart, tough, reliable, swaggy, athletic, speed," and that group included multiple rookies who played a big role in the team's Super Bowl-winning season, led by guard Grey Zabel and safety Nick Emmanwori.
On the surface, this seems far too simple. Every team is looking for players who fit those descriptions, after all.
In reality, while many teams may claim they want players who check these boxes, a lot of NFL clubs forget these principles once the draft begins.
When I evaluate the prospects in this draft, I'm, of course, looking through an entirely different lens than the Seahawks. However, there are certain players who stand out along the way as definitely having a "Seahawk-y" vibe to them.
Listed below - in alphabetical order – are ten players who fit these qualifications.
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
There are four defensive backs on this list and none of them are scrappier than ASU's Abney, as confrontational and confident a corner as I've seen at the college level since Devon Witherspoon was lining up for Illinois. Abney is very quick and aggressive – especially when the ball is in the air – but one of the things I most appreciate about him is his anticipation. For a younger player, he shows very impressive awareness of down and distance and the routes receivers are likely to attempt. He didn't allow a single touchdown reception in 2025 and practiced against likely first round wideout Jordyn Tyson every day in practice.
Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
Bringing back Rashid Shaheed, Jake Bobo and Cody White (not to mention extending Jaxon Smith-Njigba) means the Seahawks probably can just punt on the receiver position in this draft but Cameron certainly plays with the grit and competitiveness that fits the program. The 6-foot-2, 220 pounder scored a combined 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons, bullying defensive backs with his running back-like frame and physicality. His disproportionately long arms (33 1/8") show up on tape as a receiver in jump-ball situations and I love his vision and ability to bounce off would-be tacklers after the catch.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
I almost want to chuckle when I hear people criticize the 2026 draft's running backs because as a life-long Washington state resident I know how often quality football in our region gets overlooked – until it proves it's supremacy. Coleman is a brute at 5-8 and 220 pounds, and he runs with the vision, burst and determination that screams longtime NFL contributor. Playmaker? Coleman scored 37 touchdowns in four seasons at the college level. Effective on third down? Coleman caught 87 passes and is among the most stout and alert pass protectors of his positional group. Ball security? Coleman fumbled once in 639 career touches. And, of by the way, he was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy this past season – also known as the Academic Heisman – graduating from UW with a 3.93 GPA in Education.
Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois
It isn't often that one can use the expression "Led the Big Ten in sacks" and "underrated" to describe the same player but that is the case with Jacas, a team captain who leaves Illinois with 27 career sacks and seven forced fumbles, each of which rank among the best in program history. Jacas' production screams first round pick but because he has not been able to workout for scouts, some in the media have apparently forgotten about him. I doubt the Seahawks have. I love the 6-foot-4, 260-pounders' physicality, awareness and dependability. In an edge rusher class full of high-ceiling, low-floor gambles, Jacas (pronounced Ack-us) is the no-frills safety net.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Physicality and explosiveness are often traits associated with the Seahawks but I think that discipline and dependability are also very much part of the fabric of this franchise. Johnson was dominant at San Diego State, showcasing the route awareness and technique to project as an immediate contributor at the NFL level. Similar to Jonah Coleman at running back, I am convinced that if Johnson played his collegiate ball in a different part of the country, he'd be considered a shoo-in for the first round. Frankly, I think he probably is with NFL teams – just not the media. I think Johnson is right there with perceived Top 10 lock Mansoor Delane as the "cleanest" cornerback of this draft.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
There are elements of Miller's game that remind me so much of a young Jarran Reed at Alabama. I see untapped potential as a pass rusher, as Miller is athletic. But more importantly, I see size, power and a junk-yard dog mentality that suggests he's going to be a key contributor along the defensive line for a long, long time, and the muscled-up 6-foot-4, 321-pound Miller is a legitimate tough guy. If available at No. 32, I think he is a legitimate candidate for the Seahawks' first pick of the 2026 draft, despite the fact that defensive tackle is one of the team's most talented and deep positions.
D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
As mentioned previously, players are listed alphabetically but I just love the juxtaposition of the aforementioned 6-foot-4, 321-pound Miller and Ponds, easily the smallest player on this list at just 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds. If Ponds were just a few inches taller, he'd be a top 10 pick in this draft. As his 43.5" vertical jump at the Combine suggests, Ponds might just be the most explosive athlete of this year's cornerback class and I love instincts and physicality. He closes downhill like a thunderbolt.
Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin
The Seahawks have long prioritized all-star game standouts and Reiger was one of this year's stars at the East-West Shrine Bowl, earning MVP after recording three sacks and a forced fumble. Reiger is long and lean for the position at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds but he punches above his weight class and is a more nuanced rusher than his relatively meager career production might suggest. He showed steady growth at Louisville but really blossomed this past season at Wisconsin. think Reiger's (pronounced RYE-ger) best football might still be ahead of him.
R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
At just 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds with arms measuring less than 32 inches, Thomas certainly doesn't look like a traditional Macdonald edge rusher… but looks can be deceiving. Thomas is as explosive off the edge as any rusher in this class and he converts speed to power like a Pro Bowler, bull-rushing OTs who outweigh him by nearly a hundred pounds on his way to the QB. Former Seahawks scout and Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy – who now works for the Sooners – raves about Thomas' intensity and stiff-arm.
Wesley Williams, Edge, Duke
With stubby arms (31-7/8 inches), average speed (4.89) and meager sack production in 2025 (two sacks), Williams seems like a poor choice to wrap up this article but he's a team captain and among the most physical players in the draft. I see a player who likely won't get drafted until Day Three but ultimately outperforms his draft slot and earns a significant second multi-year NFL contract. He plays with the anticipation, intensity and violence that will keep him in the NFL for a long time.
NFL draft analyst Rob Rang looks at 10 prospects who have traits that could make them good fits for the Seahawks. Check out the best photos of some of the top prospects.
Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II (1) intercepts a pass as Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) gives chase in the second half of the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II runs on the field prior to an NCAA football game against Northern Arizona Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II (1) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Arizona State defensive lineman Elijah O'Neal (9) and defensive back Keith Abney II tackles Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Iowa State wide receiver Carson Brown (32) is unable to reach a pass as Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II (1) defends in the first half of the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) defends during the second half of an NCAA football game against Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Baylor punt returner Josh Cameron (34) runs past Colorado punter Mark Vassett (15) while reurning a punt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA football game against Central Florida on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron runs with the ball on his way to score a touchdown against Utah on a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron breaks the tackle of Brigham Young safety Tanner Wall in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson)
National Team wide receiver Josh Cameron (34), of Baylor, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) runs the ball against Illinois defensive back Jaheim Clarke (6), who commits a facemask penalty on the play, during the second half of NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) runs against Illinois linebacker Malachi Hood (45) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) runs the ball against Oregon during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) runs with the ball to score touchdown past Boise State linebacker Marco Notarainni (53) during the LA Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Washington running back Jonah Coleman, left, runs against Michigan defensive back Zeke Berry during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Illinois Gabe Jacas (17) rushes the line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)
Western Michigan Adam Vandervest (71) guards Illinois Gabe Jacas (17) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)
Illinois defensive end Gabe Jacas in action against Washington during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Duke's Darian Mensah (10) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Illinois' Gabe Jacas (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sep. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
American Team defensive lineman Gabe Jacas (52), of Illinois, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Oregon State running back Jam Griffin (8) is tackled by San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson (1) by during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (17) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (17) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson runs a bench press drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) heads to the sideline after a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) fights through a block by Alabama offensive lineman Michael Carroll (64) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Georgia's Christen Miller (52) and Zion Branch (2) tackle Georgia Tech running back Chad Alexander (27) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) his sacked by Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) and Georgia linebacker Chaz Chambliss (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) defensive during the first half of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Alabama Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, left, fumbles as he is hit by Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) during the first half of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Indiana State, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) returns an interception for a touchdown against Oregon during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) and defensive back Louis Moore, right, defend Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney, center, during the second half of a College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Washington's Demond Williams Jr. tries to run between Wisconsin's Mason Reiger and Mason Posa during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) is sacked by Wisconsin linebacker Mason Reiger (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)
Wisconsin linebacker Mason Reiger, left, and cornerback Ricardo Hallman tackle Iowa wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Ohio State's Julian Sayin throws while being rushed by Wisconsin's Mason Reiger during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Mason Reiger (58) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas sacks Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah (10) on a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the first half an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Temple quarterback Evan Simon (6) gets sacked by Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 in Philadelphia. Oklahoma won 42-3. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) follows the play during the second half against South Carolina in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
Duke defensive end Wesley Williams (97) reacts after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Duke defensive end Wesley Williams (97) reacts after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Georgia Tech's Haynes King, right, carries the ball ahead of Duke's Wesley Williams (97) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
West's Mark Gronowski (11), of Iowa, throws a pass under pressure from East's Wesley Williams (97), of Duke, during the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Duke defensive lineman Wesley Williams (62) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
