2026 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks select safety

… defensive end Michael Johnson out of Ohio State University.

The Seattle Seahawks had a successful 2025 season, finishing with a record of 11-5 and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl champions. However, GM J. Wil knew that in order to continue their success in the competitive NFC West, the team needed to address some key areas of need in the upcoming draft.

One of those key areas was the pass rush. The Seahawks had some talented players on the defensive line, but they lacked a true edge rusher who could consistently pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses. Michael Johnson was seen as the perfect fit for this role. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 265 pounds, Johnson possessed the size, speed, and agility to be a force off the edge.

During his time at Ohio State, Johnson had established himself as one of the top pass rushers in college football. In his senior season, he totaled 10.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in the process. His combination of speed off the edge, power at the point of attack, and relentless motor made him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.

But it wasn’t just Johnson’s on-field production that impressed the Seahawks’ front office. GM J. Wil and his scouting department were equally impressed with Johnson’s work ethic, leadership qualities, and character off the field. They believed he had the intangibles to be a leader in the Seahawks’ locker room and a positive influence on the team’s culture.

As the Seahawks’ pick approached in the Bleeding Green Nation community mock draft, GM J. Wil and his staff had a few different options on their board. They had considered selecting a cornerback to shore up their secondary, a wide receiver to give quarterback Russell Wilson another weapon in the passing game, or an offensive lineman to help protect Wilson and open up running lanes for star running back Rashaad Penny.

But in the end, the Seahawks’ brass felt that Johnson was too good of a prospect to pass up. They believed he had the potential to be a game-changer on defense and a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense for years to come. So, when the 32nd overall pick came around, GM J. Wil confidently announced that the Seattle Seahawks were selecting Michael Johnson, defensive end out of Ohio State University.

The reaction from Seahawks fans was mixed. Some were thrilled with the pick, seeing Johnson as the missing piece that could take their defense to the next level. Others were skeptical, wondering if Johnson’s college success would translate to the NFL and if he could live up to the expectations of being a first-round pick.

But GM J. Wil remained confident in his decision. He had done his homework on Johnson, studying his game film, talking to coaches and teammates, and getting a feel for the type of person he was off the field. And everything he had seen and heard had convinced him that Johnson was the right pick for the Seahawks at that moment.

As Johnson arrived in Seattle and began his NFL career, he quickly made an impression on his new teammates and coaches. His work ethic was second to none, as he was always the first one in the building and the last one to leave. He spent countless hours in the weight room, on the practice field, and in the film room, honing his craft and preparing himself for the rigors of the NFL.

On the field, Johnson’s talent was evident from day one. In training camp and preseason games, he consistently beat opposing offensive linemen with his speed, power, and technique. He showed a knack for getting to the quarterback and making plays in the backfield, earning praise from his coaches and teammates for his disruptive presence on defense.

When the regular season began, Johnson’s impact only grew. In his first game as a Seahawk, he recorded a sack and a forced fumble, setting the tone for what would be a standout rookie campaign. Over the course of the season, Johnson would go on to tally 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team and garnering consideration for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

But Johnson’s impact went beyond just his on-field production. He quickly emerged as a leader in the Seahawks’ locker room, earning the respect of his teammates for his work ethic, humility, and team-first attitude. He took younger players under his wing, offering guidance and mentorship, and setting a positive example for how to conduct oneself as a professional athlete.

Off the field, Johnson also made a difference in the Seattle community. He volunteered at local schools, hospitals, and charities, using his platform as an NFL player to give back and make a positive impact on those in need. He became a beloved figure in the city, known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others.

As the Seahawks continued to climb the ranks in the NFC West, Johnson’s presence on defense became increasingly vital. His ability to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and create turnovers helped the Seahawks win crucial games down the stretch and secure a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. In the playoffs, Johnson was a key contributor, recording a sack and a forced fumble in the Seahawks’ wild-card victory and helping lead the team to the NFC Championship game.

While the Seahawks ultimately fell short of their goal of reaching the Super Bowl in 2026, Johnson’s rookie season was a resounding success. He had proven himself as a difference-maker on defense, a leader in the locker room, and a positive influence in the community. He had lived up to the expectations of being a first-round pick and had cemented his status as a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense for years to come.

Looking back on the 2026 Bleeding Green Nation community mock draft, it was clear that GM J. Wil had made the right choice in selecting Michael Johnson with the 32nd overall pick. Johnson had exceeded all expectations, both on and off the field, and had become a beloved figure in Seattle. He was proof that sometimes the best picks are the ones that may not be the most popular at the time but ultimately prove to be the most valuable in the long run.

As Johnson’s career continued to flourish in the NFL, Seahawks fans could only look back with gratitude at that fateful day when GM J. Wil called his name in the draft. It was a decision that had set the Seahawks on a path to success and had helped lay the foundation for a bright future in Seattle. And for Michael Johnson, it was the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of the most feared pass rushers in the league and a beloved figure in the city he called home.

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Source: Bleeding Green Nation