Tracking the QBs Seahawks should take in 2023 NFL draft: Week 10

Seahawks 2023 QB targets numbers 6 and 5

Number 6: Michael Penix Jr.

NFL Comp: Geno Smith

Guys like Daniels and Hall are really interesting, but perhaps the most intriguing prospect heading into the draft may be Michael Penix Jr. at Washington.

Penix Jr has been one of the most impressive and consistent quarterbacks this season in college football. On an extremely windy Friday night at home against a really good Oregon State team, Penix had arguably his toughest challenge yet and delivered.

In a game where Oregon State chose to keep the ball on the ground amid the swirling gusts, the Penix fought through the wind, slicing through and throwing for almost 300 yards and a touchdown. He constantly came up huge on 3rd down and led an impressive game-winning drive in the final minutes to give UW the 24-21 win.

With the win, the Huskies will likely be ranked as they head to Oregon to take on a top 10 team, a great opportunity for Penix Jr. to show he belongs and is worthy of a draft pick on day 2 of the NFL draft.

Number 5: Hendon Hooker

NFL Comp: Slightly less mobile Lamar Jackson

The hype and comparisons to the 2019 LSU Tigers came to a crashing halt on Saturday, as Hendon Hooker and the Volunteers were taken to the woodshed by the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs 27-13. The game was over midway through the 2nd quarter as Tennessee couldn’t stop Georgia, and Hendon Hooker had no chance of moving the ball against that great Bulldog defense.

Hooker finished with only 185 yards and an interception. He looked awful, no doubt, but his line was also overmatched. It was a tough game to read, but it definitely ended the whispers of Hooker jumping all the way into the top ten range of the draft.

Hooker still strikes me as a guy that could be great in the right environment, but it will take the absolute right environment for him to reach his potential.