Tracking the QBs Seahawks should take in 2023 NFL draft: Week 13

Seahawks 2023 QB targets: Tier 2

(Potential day 2 picks, but with a big bowl win, or loss, could see their stock fluctuate dramatically)

Number 5: Michael Penix Jr. 

NFL Comp: Geno Smith

While Caleb Williams of USC appears to have won the Heisman on Saturday night against Notre Dame, I can’t help but feel the quarterback with the most impressive season had his most impressive game in an Apple Cup thriller. Williams will win the Heisman, but Michael Penix Jr has been the best quarterback in college football this season.

Penix put on an absolute clinic in Pullman, throwing for 485 yards and 5 total touchdowns against the best defense in the PAC-12. Penix showed every big-time throw you want to see from a prospect. He has likely guided Washington to a top 10 ranking while being a USC win away from a Rose Bowl showdown against CJ Stroud and Ohio State. A big performance in that environment could see Penix threaten to be a 1st round pick.

While Huskies coach Kalen Deboer appears to be angling for Penix to return, he also stated he wants what is best for him. If Penix returns in 2023, he likely slots as my #3 ranked QB, is likely a top 10 team that would be favored in all of their games except USC. So there is the path where Penix stays, and becomes an early to mid-first-round pick, but there is risk involved there.

If Geno is locked up, I truly think he’d be a fantastic apprentice to Geno Smith. Their play is extremely similar, and Penix could help continue the solid play that we hope to see from Geno for a few more years.