Seahawks 2026 draft class predictions: Why Deven Eastern faces tough path to active roster

The Seattle Seahawks’ 2026 NFL Draft class drew attention after they selected defensive lineman Deven Eastern from Minnesota at pick No. 242 on Day 3, after earlier trades that positioned them with No. 242 (from the New York Jets) and No. 199 (Emmanuel Henderson Jr) before taking the No. 188 selection. Eastern profiles as a physically imposing interior defender, highlighted by “elite” size and an 86th percentile broad jump, though his athletic evaluation is described as a mixed bag with a 25th percentile vertical jump and “poor” agility times. The article argues Eastern may face steep competition in Seattle’s defensive line room to earn an active-roster spot. It compares him to several former first- and early-round talents, including Derrick Brown and Raekwon Davis, and recalls older “legends” comps such as Red Bryant and Alan Branch, while also noting similar height/length traits to others. The analysis concludes that as a seventh-rounder, his path to meaningful playing time is challenging but plausible.