Seahawks Draft Clark, Signaling Okada's Benching

0:00On April 29th, Seahawks fans owe a big nod to Tio Kata for stepping up big during the championship push. He started 11 games in 2025 as a back of safety, holding down the fort just like you'd expect. But when the playoffs hit and the real starters returned, he barely saw the field, logging only 19 snaps total, mostly in a blowout win over the 49ers. Fast forward to the offseason and the teams eyeing a shake up at safety. They grabbed Bud Clark in the second round of the 2026 draft out of TCU, a straight ball hawk with 15 college interceptions and top tier coverage skills. Clark's the kind of pick that screams future starter, potentially sliding right into a Kata spot opposite Julian Love. Fans are buzzing about this move, weighing the hype against some real concerns. Clark tips the scales at just 190 pounds, lighter than the ideal 210, which could mean trouble tackling NFL beasts, or staying healthy after missing games to injuries in college.

1:01Still, his high football IQ and energy remind folks of Devon Witherspoon's fire. Coach Mike McDonald's got that magic touch with safeties, turning guys like Kyle Hamilton into all pro studs back in Baltimore, and unlocking rookies. Fast, he saw past cards draft slide and bet on his smarts to adapt quick. That coaching edge could have Clark starting week one, benching O'Cotta once games tighten up. Bottom line, O'Cotta's a reliable depth piece, but Clark's arrival signals Seattle's building for the long haul at safety, keeping that defense elite as they chase more rings.