Perfect Seahawks 2023 NFL Draft plan: Select CJ Stroud if available at No. 5; otherwise fortify the lines

The 2022 Seattle Seahawks were like finding $20 crumpled up in the pocket of your jeans after taking them out of the washing machine — a pleasant surprise.

After trading Russell Wilson, once their longtime quarterback, to the Denver Broncos in exchange for three players (QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant and DL Shelby Harris) as well as five draft picks (first two, two second and a fifth), it looked like the team was going through the 2022 season. However, with former Wilson replacement Geno Smith beating Seattle’s only Super Bowl champion quarterback in the first year of the divorce, Seattle s snuck into the seventh and final NFC playoff spot at 9-8, becoming one of only two teams this season to reach the playoffs and have multiple first-round picks, joining the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.

With Wilson and former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett not freezing, Smith had an incredibly low bar to jump in order to surpass his predecessor. However, he did more than just outplay him: Smith played in the top 10 quarterbacks to earn the first Pro Bowl selection of his nine-year career at age 32. Simply an unfathomable result at this time a year ago. The longtime backup led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%), set the Seahawks single-season passing yards record (4,282) and ranked in the top five all season. league in terms of passing touchdowns and passer rating. Although initially seen as a stopgap, Smith may have earned a big contract in two or three years.

Geno Smith (2022 season)

* Seahawks single-season record

The other reason for the Seahawks’ unexpected playoff berth was the immediate and unprecedented impact of their 2022 rookie class. Seattle rookies have combined to start 70 games this season, tied for most per n any playoff team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, tying the 2018 Indianapolis Colts. Only the Houston Texans, the team with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, have had more starts more rookies than the Seahawks, and the 5,641 snaps played by Seattle rookies were second in the NFL behind the Chicago Bears, the team with the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. The Seahawks had the rookie leader for starts, snaps played, yards rushing, forced fumbles and interceptions this season, which means general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll can take a victory lap as they compete. value how well they cleaned up the most recent draft.

The Seahawks’ top six picks in the 2022 NFL Draft

* Led or co-led all rookies in 2022

The Seahawks own all of their own picks, except for their seventh-round pick, and have additional first- and second-round picks, thanks to the aforementioned Russell Wilson trade. Here’s a look at how they should use those selections in the 2023 NFL Draft to have a well-stocked and fresh core that could lead the Seahawks into another round of contention under young Pete Carroll, the oldest coach. of the NFL.

The Seahawks team needs: C, S, LB, DT, WR, OG (via Josh Edwards)

2023 Seahawks draft pick

Note: compensatory selections have not yet been awarded

Here’s who the Seahawks will take with these two first-round picks, according to CBSSports.com’s latest mock drafts:

For a more comprehensive content draft, check out our latest ranking of prospects and fake drafts, as well as our new weekly podcast, “With the first choice,” featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

Draft of the best remaining QB prospect between Bryce Young and CJ Stroud

That is, if there are no exchanges in the top five. Otherwise, the Seahawks should get a top-flight defensive lineman or top rusher.

Although Smith has played like a top-10 quarterback in 2022, it’s unclear whether that will be his new normal or just a flash in the pan. It makes sense that Seattle is looking to acquire an affordable young quarterback whose contract aligns with the schedule of the rest of its young core for both financial and competitive reasons, especially since Smith is expected to enter free agency. this offseason. Even though the veteran’s franchise tagging is how his contract situation is settled for 2023, it’s only a one-year option. Therefore, grabbing the rest of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, or Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, Heisman Trophy runner-up in each of the last two seasons, would be the safest move for the Seahawks at five.

There’s also a strong chance that the two could go to the top four picks if the Indianapolis Colts, picking four, decide to take one of the two ahead of Kentucky’s Will Levis. If Indy or the Houston Texans take Levis, the Seahawks could snag their new franchise quarterback with one of the picks they received for their old one. Although if Levis is the only one of the remaining three, a top rusher like Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson or Clemson’s Myles Murphy would also be strong additions to this spot. This type of player could help solidify their passing rush that has generated a 33.3% pressure percentage on opposing quarterbacks’ cutbacks, barely above average for 15th in the league. It would also solidify the exterior of the Seahawks’ atrocious rush defense, allowing 150.2 rushing yards per game, third in the entire league.

At 20, it would be smart for the team to double up with another point player or defensive lineman like Nolan Smith, one of back-to-back national champion Georgia’s most explosive defensemen, or Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, which avoids blockers. in defense against the rush with relative ease. Defense was the Seahawks’ weakness in 2022, allowing the eighth-most points per game league-wide (23.6). Having two strong players along his defensive line could make everyone’s life in midfield and full-back much easier. If there is a run on defensive players before the 20th pick, a case could be made for the Seahawks to dive on Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is the most athletically gifted player at the position of QB in this draft. He’s also the one who probably needs to sit down for a year and hone his passing craft the most. Having him sit behind Smith while the Pro Bowler plays his potential franchise tag might also make sense.

Look for starting caliber safety in the middle rounds

While the Seahawks appear to be in long-term cornerback position with 2022 draft hits from Bryant, whose four forced fumbles were tied for third in the NFL, and Woolen, whose six interceptions were tied for most in the entire league, Seattle may need a young safety to grow with their corners. One of the Seahawks’ safety spots is in good hands with Quandre Diggs, who won three consecutive Pro Bowls, but the other spot, which was supposed to be secured by Jamal Adams – the three-time Pro Bowler and first-team 2019 All-Pro, the team traded three picks up for grabs, including two first, and gave a four-year, $70 million extension to — is looking to return from a quadriceps tendon tear that ended its 2022 in Week 1. the defensive back, whose average annual salary of $17.5 million is the third highest among safeties, could come back a step or two slower as he turns 28 at the start. mid-October. Additionally, Adams was never known for his cover game, but rather as an explosive athlete who could sprint from sideline to sideline like a whirling dervish.

Adding Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson or one of two Alabama safeties, Brian Branch and Jordan Battle, in Rounds 2-4 could be a big help as it could allow the Seahawks to deploy Adams more in as a hybrid linebacker/defensive back near the line of scrimmage while the incoming rookie could take on more coverage responsibilities against Diggs.

Add depth along the interior offensive line

The Seahawks were a below-average pass-blocking unit, allowing pressure on 34.1% of forfeits, ranking 19th in the league. Their offensive linemen are also beaten by the defender they lined up against on 20.4% of snaps, the 10th-highest rate in the league. Seattle is safe on the outside with Cross and Lucas at tackle, but there is room for improvement at center and guard. Thanks to its three Day 2 picks — two seconds and a third — Seattle has the ability to improve safety, guard and center through the first three rounds.

At center, Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz could slip in as an absolute space eater at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds and rookie leader Kenneth Walker III’s best friend in the running game.

On guard, TCU national runner-up Steve Avila’s top offensive lineman would be a steal midway through the second or third round. His fast-twitch splinter is one of the best in the country among linemen in this year’s draft as he weighs 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds. He kept his quarterback, Heisman Trophy finalist Max Duggan, clean and relaxed throughout the season, allowing just 10 pressures on 515 pass-blocking snaps. He also played center in college.

Here, he is continuously dominating in the Senior Bowl this week:

Avila also locked up Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith, one of the next draft’s top defensive tackle prospects, in the Horned Frogs’ CFP semifinal win over the Wolverines:

Avila isn’t just a pass blocker, he’s fierce as a run blocker too, seen here fending off a Texas Tech defensive tackle last season.

The Seahawks offense would benefit from both the running and passing elements of their offense by adding it on Day 2.