Clark’s candid take on Julian Neal—hear it from Seahawks’ Bud Clark.

The Seattle Seahawks strengthened their secondary on Day 2 of the NFL draft by selecting safety Bud Clark in Round 2 and cornerback Julian Neal in Round 3, with the goal of boosting their pass defense. Clark expressed optimism about teaming with Neal, highlighting their growing bond and potential as a formidable duo in the secondary. Neal, who stood out for his size and versatility at Arkansas, posted solid metrics last season, including a 79.5 PFF defensive grade, 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and 42 solo tackles, contributing to a strong overall run and coverage performance.

In the lead-up to the 2026 season, Seattle also added running back Jadarian Price on Day 1, described by Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman as a complete back with explosive playmaking ability and significant special teams value. ESPN’s Brady Henderson later suggested Price could quickly earn a No. 2 role behind Emanuel Wilson, potentially stepping into a co-No. 1 position alongside Ken Walker III, but not shouldering a heavy workload immediately. This blend of new talent on both the secondary and backfield indicates Seattle’s strategy to diversify playmaking options across offense and defense for a more resilient 2026 campaign.

Key Takeaways:
– Seahawks address secondary depth with Bud Clark (safety) and Julian Neal (cornerback) to strengthen pass defense.
– Clark-vs-Neal dynamic offers potential for a strong pairing, backed by Neal’s notable size and experience.
– Jadarian Price adds depth at running back with versatility in rushing, receiving, and special teams; possible quick path to a No. 2 role.
– The draft strategy underscores Seattle’s focus on multi-phase contributors to boost overall squad depth entering the 2026 season.