Seahawks nab receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. late. His electrifying speed and return game prowess promise immediate special teams impact and explosive offensive potential.
Seattle Seahawks Land Steal with Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
The Seattle Seahawks might have just found a gem. Emmanuel Henderson Jr. is officially off the board, and for where he was taken, this feels like a steal. He was one of the few bright spots for Kansas last season, finishing with 766 receiving yards and five touchdowns while also making an impact in the return game. The upside is easy to see.
Henderson’s speed jumps out immediately. He can stretch the field, create big plays, and flip momentum as a returner. That 214 yard, two touchdown game against Cincinnati showed exactly what he can be when everything clicks.
He is not a finished product, but late in the draft, that is what you are betting on. Traits and ceiling.
Seattle gets a player who can contribute on special teams right away and develop into more in the offense. If he puts it together, this could end up being one of the better value picks from this class. Low risk, high upside. That is a win.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Seahawks Select Kansas WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr. in Sixth Round of 2026 NFL Draft
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks added speed and versatility to their roster Saturday, selecting Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. with the No. 199 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Henderson becomes the first Jayhawk wide receiver drafted since 2010, when Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe were selected.
It also marks the second straight year Seattle has taken a Kansas player in the sixth round after selecting offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue in 2025.
A former running back recruit at Alabama, Henderson transitioned to wide receiver but saw limited action during his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. His career took off after transferring to Kansas, where he became a key weapon for quarterback Jalon Daniels in 2025.
Henderson finished his lone season in Lawrence with 45 receptions for 766 yards and five touchdowns, including a standout 214-yard performance against Cincinnati. While defenses began to key in on him late in the year, his explosiveness remained evident.
He made just as big of an impact on special teams, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors as a returner. Henderson averaged 25.3 yards per kick return and took one 94 yards to the house against West Virginia.
At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, the Hartford, Alabama native showcased his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.44-second 40-yard dash.
Now, Henderson heads to Seattle as a dynamic playmaker with the ability to contribute both at receiver and in the return game.