Seahawks draft Jadarian Price: Grades, takeaways, reactions to pick

In the end, maybe the Seahawks were always destined to take a running back.

With the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday, they took Notre Dame backup Jadarian Price at No. 32.

The Seahawks were not shy about wanting to move back before the draft kicked off and watched five trades happen among the six picks directly in front of them, including the Jets and Titans moving back into the first round at Nos. 30 and 31.

Instant grades and reactions from the national media were, understandably, mixed. But hey, at least the Seahawks didn't take their Notre Dame running back in the top three, right?

Here's what analysts are saying about Seattle drafting Price.

The Ringer: Seahawks receive C- grade

Danny Kelly writes: "I would guess the Seahawks desperately wanted to move out of this spot, accumulate more picks, and then take Price on day two. But with so much trade movement happening before Seattle's pick, no trade partners materialized. In any case, this is a big reach on my board (where Price is ranked 56th), and as a college backup who has never carried the ball more than 15 times in a game (or more than 125 times in a season), he certainly does not profile as a first-round running back. He doesn't bring much proven production in the passing game, either. He does offer big-play talent and should help the Seahawks create explosive plays on the ground, but it feels like the Seahawks painted themselves into a corner at the running back position and ended up dramatically overspending."

https://twitter.com/_jlove20/status/2047512562330194089

CBS Sports: Seahawks get B- grade

Mike Renner writes: "Price is not only the best back available, but he's also the only one if you want a true starter based on my evaluations of this class. For that reason, it felt like a necessity for the Super Bowl champs who lost Kenneth Walker this offseason. Price has tremendous vision and runs decisively. His learning curve will be minimal when translating to the league."

https://twitter.com/CSimmsQB/status/2047512460333035635

The Athletic: Seahawks earn B+ grade

Nick Baumgardner writes: "This is how good teams stay good. As hard as it probably was to see Kenneth Walker III leave in free agency, the Seahawks knew they could do plenty to replace his production via the draft, at a much cheaper price. Some might see this as a bit of a reach, but I'm fine with it. Seattle doesn't have a ton of room on the roster right now - it's a young and talented championship squad.

"The Seahawks did have a pretty clear hole at running back, though, and Price - Love's backup at Notre Dame - clearly stood out as RB2 in this draft. A three-down player who can block, catch and run any call an offensive coordinator can think of, Price makes for a logical selection here. It's another example of how Seattle does business: with confidence."

https://twitter.com/NFL_DougFarrar/status/2047512639270707607

Yahoo Sports: Seahawks receive D grade

Charles McDonald writes: "Losing Kenneth Walker to free agency hurts, but this still feels like a surprise. Price was seen more as a Day 2 pick, but the Seahawks must be enthralled with his ability to play a similar style of game as Walker. They needed a running back in a big way, but this feels like a reach for the Seahawks."

https://twitter.com/ScottBarrettDFB/status/2047513646528376993

Fox Sports: Seahawks earn B+ grade

Rob Rang writes: "Price is the perfect schematic match for the Seahawks' wide-zone offense. His combination of vision, lateral agility and underrated breakaway speed also makes him a quality replacement for reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. I see elements of Hall of Famer Terrell Davis in Price's instincts and big-play potential, though his straight-line speed is more good than great. Price played behind Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame, making him a good fit for an offense where he'll be rotated. But make no mistake, Price will be RB1 in Seattle next year and perhaps an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate."

https://twitter.com/robstaton/status/2047514000758374889

ESPN: RB 'was easily the Seahawks' biggest need'

Brady Henderson writes: "Their backfield cupboard wasn't bare, but it was easily the Seahawks' biggest need. In a weak draft for running backs, a significant dropoff to the next-best option and an unimpressive list of available free agents, this was Seattle's best shot at finding a replacement for Kenneth Walker III. Price didn't run a blazing 40-yard dash at the combine (4.49), but he has plenty of explosive runs on his résumé as well as three touchdowns on kickoff returns over his career, so he can help fill the need for speed in Seattle's backfield with Walker gone. Beyond that, Price, who stayed at Notre Dame as Love's backup despite offers to transfer, seems like the Seahawks' kind of person."

https://twitter.com/JoeVeyera/status/2047516248691687452

Sports Illustrated: 'Price provides a safe floor'

Jeremy Brener writes: "The Seahawks stayed true to their best player available on our board philosophy. While Price provides a safe floor as a high-end rotational piece and returner, using a first-round pick on a player with fumbling concerns and limited passing-down experience keeps this from being an 'A' grade. If he develops into a true three-down threat, this could look like a steal. But for now, it's a solid, if slightly early, addition. Price has the potential to turn this B- grade into an 'A,' but he has to get to work this offseason in a crowded backfield."

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