Huskies' Mason Reed Thrills Seattle in Seahawks' 2nd-Round Draft Pick

PITTSBURGH — The Seattle Seahawks continued their defensive rebuild by drafting Washington Huskies linebacker Mason Reed in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which concluded Saturday in Pittsburgh. Initially reported by KOMO News, the selection addresses immediate needs in Seattle's front seven, with Reed's prowess in pass rushing highlighted as a key fit. Seahawks general manager John Schneider, known for mining Pacific Northwest talent, praised Reed's explosiveness during post-draft remarks.

Reed, a Seattle native who starred at Husky Stadium, recorded 12 sacks and 45 tackles for loss over his final two college seasons, earning All-Pac-12 honors in 2025. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound linebacker from Garfield High School in Seattle embodies the Seahawks' 'Legion of Boom' legacy, bringing speed and local passion to a defense that ranked 22nd in sacks last season. Analysts noted his 'quarterback hunting chops' make him an ideal late-second-round value.

This pick follows Seattle's first-round selection of Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price at No. 32 overall, rounding out a draft class focused on trenches and speed. Additional Seahawks picks included Iowa offensive guard Beau Stephens in Round 5 (No. 148) and Minnesota defensive tackle Deven Eastern in Round 7 (No. 242). Experts like Dave Wyman on Seattle Sports broke down the class, projecting Reed for immediate special teams and rotational snaps.

Washington fans celebrated the homegrown addition, with Reed already envisioning rivalry games against the Huskies' former Pac-12 foes now in the Big Ten. As the Seahawks integrate rookies ahead of minicamp at their Renton headquarters, Reed's arrival bolsters a unit led by veterans like Boye Mafe, signaling contention in the NFC West.