Tracking the QBs Seahawks should take in 2023 NFL draft: Week 2
Seahawks 2023 targets: 7 through 3 from Week 2
Number 7: Tanner Mckee, Stanford
Mckee may not have the stats, due to playing in the old-school Stanford offense, and not the same talented roster that Andrew Luck beautifully orchestrated. That doesn’t mean McKee can’t sling it with the best. At 6-6 225, McKee has the size and arm strength that Seattle hasn’t seen at the quarterback position in a few decades. He will be a fascinating case study when he enters the draft process, and should wow scouts at his pro day.
NFL comp: Joe Flacco
Number 6: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Hooker had one of the better performances of the week, leading his Volunteers to an overtime victory on the road at number 17 Pittsburgh. After being down 10-0 early in the game, Hooker exploded for 325 yards on 27/42 passing for 2 touchdowns. While his accuracy and arm leave little doubt, how he progresses through his reads versus taking off and running will need to develop in his first full season as The Man on an NFL team.
NFL comp: Less mobile Lamar Jackson
Number 5: Tyler Van Dyke, Miami
Van Dyke has not had the most explosive start to the season, considering the torrid run he finished last year on. At the end of the day, he’s on a much better team and his new coach Mario Cristobal is laying the foundation for running the ball with a dominant offensive line.
Next week the Canes travel to a peeved-off Texas A&M squad for a huge road showdown. I expect the Canes will put the ball back in Van Dyke’s hand, and it’ll be fascinating to see how he fares. Van Dyke has good, not great speed and a really good arm, but it’s his accuracy that scouts are drooling over. We should see how much he’s grown by next week.
NFL comp: A more mobile Mac Jones
Number 4: Anthony Richardson, Florida
A week ago, Richardson was the #1 pick. His physical domination as a thrower and a runner led the Gators to a monumental upset over the Utah Utes. This week, a nightmare performance at home as he fell to Will Levis’s Kentucky Wildcats 26-16. The Gators were shut out in the second half, as Richardson went 14/35 for 143 yards and two picks.
Kentucky is the most underrated team in the country, and Richardson felt their CFP-worthy defense. He’s young and as raw as any player on this list. He also has the highest ceiling of anyone on this list, and if put in the right environment to succeed, AR-15 can be dominant.
NFL comp: A young Cam Newton
Number 3: Bryce Young, Alabama
Most rankings will have Young at the top overall spot, or at worst second. I really like Young and think he can be great, but I have him at number 3 for a few reasons. First, his size is a legitimate concern. His play reminds me most of Kyler Murray. The speed and ease at which the ball is released is beautiful to watch.
He’s also as small as Murray and Wilson, but with a much slimmer frame. Where Wilson has been durable, Murray has had his challenges staying healthy. Young will need to prove that he can still be dominant when he’s at the pro level and not in the cozy confines of Tuscaloosa. He showed his talent and ability to finish in the game-winning drive to avoid the upset against Texas.
NFL comp: Somewhere between Tyler Huntley and Kyler Murray