Welcome to the 2023 NFL offseason, where we’re bracing for a flurry of free agent moves and a busy NFL draft season. Stars will be relocating as everyone tries to win the latest arm’s race for a playoff push. One of the most intriguing teams to watch this offseason is the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks appeared to be tanking after trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a bevy of draft picks. Instead, they uncovered a hidden gem that was already within their building in Geno Smith. Smith was fantastic but is scheduled to be a free agent if he’s not extended or receives the franchise tag.
Seattle could look to maximize the value they found in Smith and replace him with the top-five pick that Denver gifted them. Or they could build around Smith. We made a seven-round mock with the former scenario with Smith in their future plans.
Latest Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Seattle has nine draft picks entering the offseason, with five coming in the top-83 overall. This is a tremendous haul for a team coming off a fantastic 2022 NFL Draft. I used the PFN Mock Draft Simulator to make this mock draft.
Let’s dive into how they could look to bolster their roster.
DT Jalen Carter, Georgia | Round 1, Pick 5
It’s not a stunning statement to say that the Seahawks’ first pick at No. 5 overall is a pivotal moment for head coach Pete Carroll and this regime.
We’ve assumed Smith is back at quarterback, either long-term or on the franchise tag, but Seattle could take a quarterback here and develop someone over the next year or two behind Smith. Instead, I think Smith is good enough to win with if the team improves around him.
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Having the ability to select one of the two elite defensive players in the class is a massive win for Seattle. This would require three passers to go off the board ahead of them, but either Jalen Carter or Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. would help fill a massive need. With Carter available, the Seahawks can rush to the podium.
Carter was devastatingly effective as the middleman of the Georgia defense. He’ll immediately demand double teams with his blend of power and quickness. He has All-Pro potential in a critical position of need.
S Brian Branch, Alabama | Round 1, Pick 20
I’ll be surprised if Brian Branch is still available at the 20th overall pick considering how solid he is and the numerous teams needing help at the position. If he’s on the board, the Seahawks have to consider pairing him with Quandre Diggs on the back end of their secondary. Adding Branch would bolster a coverage unit that struggled as their depth was exposed with Jamal Adams out.
Branch, Diggs, and Adams can play together if Seattle keeps Adams. Branch is similar to Diggs as a versatile player who can do everything relatively well. Put him in the slot or as a two-high safety, and he’ll be productive.
EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State | Round 2, Pick 37
I continue to marry the best player available while addressing team needs. The Seahawks’ defense could still use pass-rush help even after adding Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe last offseason. Felix Anudike-Uzomah has a smaller frame that will likely keep him out of the first round, but he’s a good enough player to be in the top-32 picks.
With 25.5 sacks over the last two years and speed to spare off the edge, Carroll should love the idea of unleashing an athletic rotation of rushers that also includes Darrell Taylor. The Seahawks’ defense could be quickly revamped with Anudike-Uzomah joining Carter and Branch.
C John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota | Round 2, Pick 52
You can never have enough quality offensive linemen on either side of the ball. Getting an immediate starter at center has to be highly attractive for the Seahawks. Veteran Austin Blythe struggled mightily in 2022, allowing three sacks and committing six penalties.
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The best interior blocker at the 2023 Senior Bowl was John Michael Schmitz. The stout center earned First-Team All-American honors in 2022 and was the most important part of Minnesota’s solid rushing attack. He’d be the latest addition to what’s become a very good offensive line.
RB Sean Tucker, Syracuse | Round 3, Pick 83
The idea of investing a top-100 pick into another running back will be a no-go for some right off the bat, but hear me out. The Seahawks are losing both Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer in free agency and lack a dynamic backup for Kenneth Walker III. We know Seattle will run the ball a lot, so adding someone who should be drafted much higher than this to be a complementary back can pay off, as Seattle splits carries among its backs either way.
Sean Tucker is a tremendous talent who brings a different element than Walker. He’s quicker than fast and an excellent receiver. I think he’ll be one of the best values of the draft if he falls into this range.
CB Cory Trice, Purdue | Round 4, Pick 123
I’d prefer to go with a corner who is more refined and used to playing the position, but I can’t ignore the Seahawks’ preferences at the position. Instead of taking the best corner at the East-West Shrine Game in 5’10” Kei’Trel Clark, Cory Trice is someone who fits their measurement standards. He’s a versatile 6’3″, 210-pounder who can be a physical presence.
Trice has spent time at corner and safety, showing some promise at corner as a senior in his first full season at the position. He’s not as impressive as Tariq Woolen was as a prospect, but he’s still worth developing.
WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State | Round 5, Pick 153
As impressive as DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are, the Seahawks had to rely on 32-year-old Marquise Goodwin in 2022 when Lockett was dinged up. With D’Wayne Eskridge not yet establishing himself, Seattle should invest in the position. Jayden Reed was a four-year contributor between Western Michigan and Michigan State, averaging 14.1 yards per catch and totaling 26 touchdowns.
With good quickness at 6’0″ and 185 pounds, Reed has the build that fits Lockett’s role and Goodwin’s mold, even if he’s not nearly as fast. But he’s polished and can help on day one, which is meaningful for a team with playoff hopes.
G Jaxson Kirkland, Washington | Round 5, Pick 156
We love the idea of prospects playing on their most local pro team. Jaxson Kirkland was a stud tackle at Washington before kicking inside to guard as a super senior in 2022. He blew me away in Shrine Bowl practices, looking similar to a guy he’d back up in Seattle, Gabe Jackson.
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Kirkland is an impressive pass-protector who is the son of former NFL lineman Dean Kirkland. I like his chances of developing into a good starter in time, making him a tremendous value in the fifth round.
WR Dallas Daniels, Jackson State | Round 6, Pick 198
Another bowl circuit star who caught my eye with athleticism is Dallas Daniels. He transferred to Deion Sanders’ JSU team in 2022 after a good career at Western Illinois, playing a possession role that seemed to undervalue his explosiveness. He was the quickest receiver at the Shrine Bowl and projects as a possible slot option for the Seahawks.