Seahawks' Bold 2026 Draft Move Could Reshape NFL—Is This the Secret Weapon They've Been Hiding?

The Seattle Seahawks (14-3) have secured their position as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, giving them a crucial first-round bye as they head into the postseason. While fans are focused on the excitement of the playoffs, the organization is already looking to the offseason, where significant decisions lie ahead, particularly regarding their cornerback roster.

This offseason is pivotal for the Seahawks, who face the possibility of losing key defensive players to free agency. Currently, only Devon Witherspoon and Nehamiah Pritchett are confirmed to remain under contract, while starting safety Coby Bryant, originally a cornerback, is also set to hit free agency. This situation presents a significant challenge for the team as they weigh which players to retain and which to let go.

One of the foremost concerns is the future of former Pro-Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen, whose performance significantly improved during the latter half of the season. If Woolen commands a high price in free agency or seeks a new team, the Seahawks will need to look for alternatives, either through draft selections or developing younger talent.

With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, ESPN's Jordan Reid has projected that the Seahawks will select cornerback Colton Hood from the University of Tennessee with the No. 32 pick. Hood has made a name for himself as a standout defensive back, especially this past season, fully capitalizing on the opportunities provided by the NCAA Transfer Portal, which allowed him to switch programs after limited roles at Auburn and Colorado.

In 2025, Hood emerged as one of the most reliable coverage players in college football. Over the course of 13 games, he recorded 50 total tackles, including 34 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, and one interception. He earned a commendable overall grade of 80.9 from Pro Football Focus, ranking him as the fifth-best cornerback in the upcoming draft class.

Hood's abilities are highlighted by his impressive transition skills, particularly his capacity to flip his hips and change directions—traits that establish him as one of the more effective cornerbacks in tight coverage. Remarkably, he has yet to allow a touchdown in the 12 games he played this season. These qualities parallel those of Woolen, suggesting that Hood could seamlessly fit into the Seahawks' defensive scheme.

However, Hood does have areas that require improvement, particularly his reliance on press coverage, which can leave him off balance if beaten at the line of scrimmage. Fortunately, Seattle's coaching staff, including head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, has a track record of developing players like Woolen to diversify their skill sets.

Moreover, Hood's tackling skills, especially in the open field, need refinement. Nevertheless, given the Seahawks' reputation for developing exceptional open-field tacklers, there's reason to believe that Hood could quickly improve in this area once he joins the team.

The Seahawks have demonstrated a strong track record in their recent drafts, particularly within the first two rounds, and their ability to cultivate these players into formidable competitors. If Hood is indeed selected, the chances are high that he will make a notable impact as a rookie.

As the Seahawks navigate the postseason and look toward the draft, the decisions made in the coming months will shape the team's defensive landscape for years to come. With the right moves, Seattle could bolster its squad significantly, ensuring they remain contenders in a competitive league.