The 2026 NFL season hasn’t even kicked off yet, and NFL execs are already pointing to Seattle’s rookie running back Jadarian Price as the Offensive Rookie of the Year. This isn’t some fan dreaming; this is the majority opinion from NFL insiders polled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler for awards predictions. Forget what you thought you knew about the top draft picks, because our guy is poised for a massive, award-winning debut.
The Unexpected Ascent of Our Rookie RB
This OROY buzz for Price is a bit of a shocker, right? Especially when you look at the 2026 draft class. Price was taken at No. 32 overall, a first-rounder but still. Another Notre Dame back, Jeremiyah Love, went way higher at No. 3 overall. Then you’ve got Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, plus a bunch of other talented rookie receivers. Normally, one of those top picks would be the shoe-in. But according to Fowler, the race was “close among the top two running backs selected in the 2026 draft,” and Price emerged as the favorite. Why are these execs bypassing the bigger names?
Why Price Is The Real Deal
It all comes down to opportunity and fit for our Seahawks. Kenneth Walker III is gone, signing with the Chiefs, and Zach Charbonnet is sidelined due to injury and will be out for a while. That means the “bulk role” in the backfield is wide open for Price, and the Seahawks *want* to run the ball a lot. An NFC scout put it bluntly: “He’s the best they’ve got, and that offense is dedicated to running the ball. Zach Charbonnet isn’t ready yet.” Price is going to see serious volume. Add in an elite defense that should keep games close, giving him even more rushing attempts, and suddenly, that unexpected OROY prediction makes a whole lot of sense. Love might struggle for touches with Tyler Allgeier on a “worse team,” and Mendoza isn’t even starting for the Raiders in Week 1. Price’s path to stardom is clear.
This is exciting news as the season is about to begin. If Charbonnet stays out for a while and Price starts hot, this “unexpected” prediction could absolutely become reality. Get ready, Emerald City. We might just be watching our next star emerge right out of the gate.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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