The 2023 NFL draft is just around the corner, and if you are a Seattle Seahawks fan, you might be wondering what the team will do with their limited draft capital. The Seahawks have only four picks in this year’s draft, the fewest in franchise history. They traded away their first, third, and sixth-round picks in previous deals, leaving them with a second, fourth, fifth, and seventh-round selection.
But don’t despair, Seahawks fans. There is still plenty of talent and potential in this draft class, and the Seahawks have a history of finding gems in the later rounds. In this article, we will take a look at some of the possible targets for the Seahawks in each round, based on their needs, scheme fit, and draft value. We will also review some of the latest news and rumors surrounding the Seahawks and the draft, as well as some of the best draft analysis from Seahawks Draft Blog, a popular fan site that covers the team’s draft prospects.
Round 2: Pick #54
The Seahawks’ first pick in the draft will come at #54 overall, unless they decide to trade down and acquire more picks, which is always a possibility with general manager John Schneider. The Seahawks have several needs to address in this draft, such as cornerback, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, and wide receiver. Here are some of the players who could be available at #54 and fit the Seahawks’ profile:
- Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia: Carter was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football last year, but he fell to the second round due to character concerns. He has a rare combination of size, strength, speed, and agility, and he can play anywhere along the defensive line. He would be a steal for the Seahawks if they are willing to take a risk on his off-field issues.
- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Witherspoon was the Seahawks’ first-round pick in 2022, but he missed most of his rookie season with a knee injury. He is expected to make a full recovery and compete for a starting spot opposite D.J. Reed. Witherspoon has the length, speed, and ball skills that the Seahawks covet in their cornerbacks.
- Will Howard, QB, Kansas State: Howard is a developmental quarterback who could be groomed as Russell Wilson’s backup and eventual successor. He has a strong arm, good mobility, and impressive poise under pressure. He needs to work on his accuracy, decision-making, and mechanics, but he has a lot of upside.
- Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State: Harrison is the son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., and he has inherited his father’s route-running ability and hands. He is not a burner, but he is quick and elusive after the catch. He would be a nice complement to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in the Seahawks’ passing game.
Round 4: Pick #118
The Seahawks’ next pick will come in the fourth round at #118 overall. This is where they could look for some depth and special teams contributors. Here are some of the players who could be on their radar:
- Artie Burns, CB/S, Miami: Burns was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, but he never lived up to his potential due to injuries and inconsistency. He was out of the league last year before signing with the Seahawks’ practice squad in September. He was promoted to the active roster in December and played well in limited snaps. He has experience playing both cornerback and safety, and he could provide some versatility and veteran leadership to the secondary.
- Mike Morris, LB/DE, Florida State: Morris was a highly touted recruit who played both linebacker and defensive end at Florida State. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2022 that hurt his draft stock. He has good size, athleticism, and motor, but he needs to improve his technique and instincts. He could be a project for defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who likes hybrid players who can rush the passer and drop into coverage.
- Cameron Green, RB/WR/KR/PR/Gunner/Snapper/Holder/Waterboy/Coach/GM/Owner/Fan/You name it**, Northwestern: Green is a Swiss Army knife who can do it all on offense and special teams. He played running back, wide receiver, kick returner, punt returner, gunner, snapper, holder, waterboy, coach, GM, owner, fan, and you name it at Northwestern. He is not elite at any one position, but he is good at everything. He is the ultimate team player who will do whatever it takes to help the Seahawks win.
Round 5: Pick #150
The Seahawks’ third pick will come in the fifth round at #150 overall. This is where they could look for some developmental prospects and potential sleepers. Here are some of the players who could catch their eye:
- Tim David, WR, Louisiana Tech: David is a small-school star who led the nation in receiving yards and touchdowns last year. He is a deep threat who can stretch the field with his speed and explosiveness. He is also a dynamic returner who can flip the field position. He needs to work on his route-running and consistency, but he has a lot of potential.
- Adam Zampa, DT, Iowa: Zampa is a disruptive interior pass rusher who had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last year. He is quick, agile, and relentless, but he is undersized and needs to add strength and bulk. He could be a rotational player who can provide some interior pressure on passing downs.
- Riq Woolen, LB, UAB: Woolen is a tackling machine who led the nation in tackles per game last year. He is a smart, instinctive, and physical linebacker who can play all three spots in the Seahawks’ base defense. He is not very fast or athletic, but he makes up for it with his effort and awareness.
Round 7: Pick #214
The Seahawks’ final pick will come in the seventh round at #214 overall. This is where they could look for some long shots and flyers. Here are some of the players who could be worth a gamble:
- Tyreke Smith, DE, Ohio State: Smith was a five-star recruit who had a disappointing college career due to injuries and inconsistency. He has all the physical tools to be a dominant edge rusher, but he never put it all together on the field. He could be a low-risk, high-reward pick for the Seahawks if they can unlock his potential.
- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: Young was the backup quarterback for Alabama last year behind Mac Jones, who was the #1 overall pick by the New England Patriots. Young is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs. He is very talented, but he is also very raw and inexperienced. He could be a developmental project for the Seahawks if they want to add some depth and competition at quarterback.
- Andy Dalton, QB, Chicago Bears: Dalton is a veteran quarterback who has been in the league for 12 years. He has started 144 games and thrown for over 35,000 yards and 218 touchdowns. He is currently the backup for Justin Fields in Chicago, but he could be available for trade or release after the draft. He could be a solid backup and mentor for Russell Wilson if the Seahawks want to add some experience and stability at quarterback.
Conclusion
The 2023 NFL draft is an exciting time for all football fans, especially Seahawks fans who are eager to see what their team will do with their limited picks. The Seahawks have a history of finding gems in the later rounds, and they could do it again this year. They have several needs to address, such as cornerback, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, and wide receiver, but they also have some options and flexibility to trade up or down depending on how the board falls.
The Seahawks Draft Blog is a great source of information and analysis for Seahawks fans who want to learn more about the team’s draft prospects. The blog covers everything from mock drafts, player profiles, scouting reports, interviews, podcasts, live streams, and more. It is run by Rob Staton, a broadcast journalist and writer who has been following the Seahawks’ draft since 2008.
If you are a Seahawks fan who loves the draft, you should check out Seahawks Draft Blog and join the discussion with other fans. You can also follow them on Twitter [@SeahawksDraft] for more updates and insights.
The draft will be televised on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network, and streamed online on ESPN.com, NFL.com, and YouTube.
Reading Suggestion : What is Red State Blog and Why Should You Care?
