Seahawks grab defensive difference maker in CBS Sports mock draft

The 2023 NFL draft is in late April but it feels years away. The Seahawks have the number 5 overall pick. With that choice, CBS Sports says Seattle gets a potential superstar and a player that should make an immediate impact. The question might be whether Seattle’s defensive coaching staff knows how to use the player correctly.

12s know that Seattle’s roster is young and talented overall, but still has entire units that could be upgraded. One of these is the interior of the defensive line but good defensive tackles can usually be found later in the first round or beyond. If there is one DT that Seattle could use immediately it would be Georgia’s Jalen Carter as Carter can stop the run and provide pass rush. But Carter will probably be gone by pick 5.

Seattle also needs help along the interior of its offensive line but centers and guards are usually found in round 2 and beyond. Seattle should take a center with a decently high pick, but not in the first round. And a guard can wait until round 3 or so. Seattle still has Damien Lewis at one spot and can probably go with Phil Haynes at the other.

Seahawks select Will Anderson in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft

But CBS Sports’ recent mock draft has the Seahawks taking Alabama’s edge rusher Will Anderson. It will clearly be anyone’s guess until probably pick 4 of the NFL draft who will be available at number 4. At least two teams above the Seahawks – the Texans and the Colts – will probably choose quarterbacks. This like leaves Anderson, Carter and maybe Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson among the players Seattle will have to choose from that could enhance their pass rush.

All should be excellent NFL players but Anderson is probably more well-rounded than Wilson and isn’t limited to playing inside like Carter. If Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt finds a way to best use Anderson’s immense skills, Anderson should be a Micah Parsons-type edge rusher. Anderson has the strength, speed and skill to cause chaos from day one of rookie camp and should help transform Seattle’s defense from one that likely underperformed to a good one.