Seattle smartly rebuilds its defense with playmaking Bud Clark and steady Julian Neal, solidifying the secondary for another championship run.
The Seattle Seahawks took a measured, purposeful approach on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft—one that may not have generated overwhelming buzz in the moment but is earning strong reviews in the aftermath.
Rather than chasing headlines, Seattle focused on reinforcing its defense with two additions who bring distinct strengths to the secondary. The result is a pair of players who complement each other well and could quietly play important roles sooner than expected.
In a recent article by NFL.com's Chad Reuter, he gives every team a grade for the picks they made on Day 2 of the draft. And for the reigning Super Bowl champions, he gives them a very solid A-.
"Seattle addressed its ultra-thin secondary on Day 2," Reuter writes. "Clark is an experienced ballhawk with good athleticism who fits into the starting safety spot left by free agent Coby Bryant. The Seahawks passed on safeties AJ Haulcy and Jalon Kilgore at that spot. Neal is a typical Seahawks cover corner with plus size and physicality."
The first of those additions, Bud Clark, arrives from Texas Christian University with a reputation for making plays on the ball. He racked up 56 total tackles, seven passes defended, and four interceptions, one of which he was able to take all the way back to the house.
Seattle’s other Day 2 addition, Julian Neal from Arkansas, offers a different kind of value. He’s the type of defensive back who rarely finds himself out of position, relying on strong fundamentals and football intelligence to stay effective in coverage. While he may not always produce splash plays, his steadiness can be seen in the impressive 10 passes he was able to defend in his senior season with the Razorbacks.
Clark brings playmaking ability and upside, while Neal adds stability and technical refinement. It’s the kind of pairing that can elevate a position group as a whole, rather than relying on a single standout presence.
Seattle might be coming off their second Super Bowl win in franchise history, but they lost a number of guys in their secondary that made an impact. As a result, that is the position group they were looking to strengthen in Rounds 2 and 3.