Tracking the QBs Seahawks should take in 2023 NFL draft: Week 13
Seahawks 2023 QB targets: Tier 3 (3rd-5th round in the draft)
Tier #3 of the NFL draft takes a look at some talented prospects that I believe can eventually be a starter, but they need to be in the right environment, the right system and have a couple of seasons to cook and get properly ready. These are the types of quarterbacks to look at if Geno Smith is locked up on a 3-year deal that is full of guaranteed money.
Number 8: KJ Jefferson
NFL Comp: Jacoby Brissett
KJ Jefferson and Arkansas continued their inconsistent season, with a road upset loss at Missouri. Jefferson didn’t play badly, with 250 total yards and 3 touchdowns, but he struggled to get his team the final score they needed to get to 7 wins.
Like Gabriel, Jefferson is a junior who may return or transfer at the season’s end. I still believe that he could get drafted in the 5h round if he leaves, and he’s someone who could help add another offensive dimension that the team needs. At 6’3” and 242 lbs, Jefferson can be a battering ram while also developing into an intriguing QB prospect.
Number 7: Jaren Hall
NFL Comp: Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson has had quite the career for only playing in 19 games. The much-maligned quarterback has all the talent in the world to be great. Don’t forget, the San Francisco 49ers supposedly traded their future to draft him, but were sniped by the Jets at #2. The team and environment is critically important to success, and I believe Wilson would be in a much better situation playing for the 49ers, than New York.
That being said, Zach Wilson looks like the worst quarterback I’ve seen in the NFL since Tim Tebow, he’s been that bad. He also appears to be failing to lead, and that will get him out of the league within 2 years.
Why do I bring Wilson up? Because Jaren Hall is a clone of Zach Wilson. Size, playing style, similar arms, it all matches up. The only difference is BYU has struggled, and this year’s class is much stronger than the 2020 Covid class.
I’m pretty high on Hall, but his season has been quite inconsistent. This could potentially lead to him falling to anywhere between the late 3rd to 5th rounds. The way BYU has used his talent is very weird. In their win over Stanford to get to 7 wins, Hall only threw 11 passes, completing seven for 93 yards and 2 TDs. He also ran the ball 11 times for 69 yards and a score.
Despite the lack of use for such a talented player, Hall has still put up some incredible numbers. Through 12 games, Hall has thrown for 3,171 yards, good for 17th in the country. He has a 31’6 TD/INT ratio and a QBR of 79.5, good for 15th in the nation.
I fully expect the junior who will be 25 at the draft to declare. He’s in a tight battle with our next prospect in terms of my rankings, and I think the Seahawks would have a hard time passing him up in the 3rd round. Seattle should look to snag him, he could be fully ready to flourish in 2025.
Number 6: Hendon Hooker
NFL Comp: Less mobile Lamar Jackson
The former Heisman hopeful had to sit and watch his Volunteers roll over Vanderbilt 56-0. As Tennessee improves to 10-2 and likely a berth in the Orange Bowl, Hooker will begin his rehab from a torn ACL. The injury ended a magical season at Tennessee while raising questions heading into the draft process.
I believe the injury and history of injuries will likely drop Hooker out of the second, and maybe even the third round of the draft. I have questions about his ability to transfer his skills to the next level, but he remains an interesting “redshirt” draft prospect for me.