There may not be a team in a better position than the Seattle Seahawks heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. They exceeded all expectations during the 2022 season, earning a playoff spot despite many people believing that they were heading toward a rebuild. Seattle may have made the postseason, but they are reaping the benefits of a team that is rebuilding.
Courtesy of their Russell Wilson trade with the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks will be picking No. 5 overall in the draft. In addition, they will also be picking at No. 20. Given the current state of the roster, they can get really aggressive in the draft.
With the No. 5 overall pick, it would make sense for the team to address their biggest need, which is landing a pass rusher. Will Anderson out of Alabama falling to them at No. 5 would be perfect, providing them with a dominant presence in their front seven.
If he isn’t on the board, the Seahawks could look to address their long-term quarterback situation. Geno Smith was a revelation in 2022 and earned the contract that he received this offseason. But, turning 33 in October, it is fair to wonder how long he will be their starter.
More than capable of handling the job for at least 2023, the Seahawks are in a unique position. They can select a quarterback, such as Anthony Richardson, fifth overall and allow him time to sit and develop behind Smith with no pressure to start right away.
With the No. 20 overall pick, the perfect target for the Seahawks is Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba would be a bit of a luxury pick as the team already has D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as their starting wide receivers. But, beyond those two, the team is lacking in options.
Marquise Goodwin was third among wide receivers with 27 receptions for 387 yards. After him, D’Wayne Eskridge was next with only seven receptions. Adding Smith-Njigba would provide the team with a legitimate third option at wide receiver in the passing game and someone that could eventually take over for Lockett in the starting lineup, who is heading toward his age-31 season.
A possession slot receiver, Smith-Njigba would be a nice fit alongside the skill sets of Metcalf and Lockett. He missed a majority of the 2022 season with injuries but was one of the most productive wide receivers in the nation in 2021.
