The Seattle Seahawks drafted Jadarian Price because of what he can become, but one warning about the rookie running back is already worth watching.

Price, the No. 32 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, arrives in Seattle with first-round explosiveness, low college mileage and a chance to help replace the big-play element Kenneth Walker III brought to the Seahawks’ backfield. He also arrives with a concern that followed him out of Notre Dame: ball security.

In a Q&A published by Field Gulls, Joshua Vowles of SB Nation’s Notre Dame site One Foot Down made it clear that Price’s fumble issues are not just a scouting nitpick.

“The concerns are definitely valid,” Vowles told Field Gulls when asked about Price’s ball security.

That matters because Price is not walking into Seattle as a late-round developmental flier. The Seahawks spent premium draft capital on him after Walker’s departure in free agency, and the path to an early role will not be based only on burst, speed or highlight runs.

For rookie running backs, trust can matter as much as talent.

Jadarian Price Gives Seahawks Explosive Upside After Kenneth Walker Exit

The appeal with Price is obvious.

Vowles described Price as “elite with the ball in his hands,” pointing to his vision, one-cut running style and explosion off his cuts. That is the version of Price the Seahawks are betting on, a back who did not need a massive workload at Notre Dame to show NFL traits.

Price had only 295 offensive touches in college and never logged more than 15 carries in a game. That limited sample makes him an unusual first-round projection, but it also means Seattle is getting a back without the same wear-and-tear concerns that follow some college workhorses.

The Seahawks did not draft Price because he had the biggest résumé in the class. They drafted him because his best traits translate, and they had a clear need at the position.

His ability to hit a crease, make one decisive cut and turn a modest lane into an explosive gain gives Seattle a direct path to replacing some of what Walker gave the offense. That does not mean Price is the same player. It means the Seahawks clearly wanted another running back capable of changing field position quickly.

That is also why the warning is important.

Explosive backs create value, but they also have to be trusted with the ball in tight games, red-zone situations and obvious clock-management spots. A fumble on a routine first-and-10 carry is damaging. A fumble near the goal line or late in the fourth quarter can change a game.

Ball Security Could Shape Price’s Rookie Role With Seahawks

The Seahawks can live with a young running back learning the details of the passing game. They can build his workload gradually. They can pair him with other backs depending on down, distance and game situation.

What they cannot do is ignore ball security.

Vowles noted to Field Gulls that Notre Dame has had a strong track record of running backs protecting the football, which made Price’s issue stand out more. He also framed ball security as one of the more correctable problems a running back can have.

That is the optimistic view for Seattle.

Seahawks Are Betting on More Than Price’s College Production

The Field Gulls Q&A also offered a useful explanation for why Price became a first-round back despite sharing touches with Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame.

Vowles praised Price’s character and team-first approach, noting that he stayed at Notre Dame despite knowing he would split time. That matters for Seattle because Price’s college production requires context. He was not buried because he lacked talent. He was part of a loaded backfield.

That could make him a smart projection pick for the Seahawks.