Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Rebuilding the trenches
Seahawks first-round draft picks
TRADE: Seahawks trade pick number 5 to Panthers for picks 9, 60, and a 2024 1st-round pick
Logic: The Seahawks find themselves missing out on Will Anderson Jr and Jalen Carter, the top two defensive prospects in the draft. With one of Bryce Young, CJ Stroud and Will Levis left on the board and viewed as the top 3 QB prospects, this puts Seattle in an advantageous position. If Seattle wants to take a QB, they’ll get one. If they want to go defense, they can trade back and collect valuable picks, while a desperate team takes the number 5 and get their QB.
In this scenario, Geno Smith is Seahawks’ franchise QB, and they become open for business. Carolina is sitting at number 9 and views this draft as their opportunity to get a franchise QB. I’d ask for numbers 9 and 39, plus a 2024 1st rounder. I’d also view pick number 60 as a fair compromise. The relationship between John Schneider and Scott Fritterer gets this done, as Fritterer’s owner wants his QB to build around.
Now the Seahawks still have a top-ten pick, added a third 2nd-round pick, and continued to build off the Russell Wilson trade, adding Seattle another opportunity to get a blue chip player in what looks like a loaded 2024 draft class.
Round 1 Pick 9: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
The 6’6″ and 275 lbs. edge rusher is the clear number 3 defensive prospect in my 2023 draft board. Wilson has massive size and an unreal 7-plus foot wingspan. With an above-average motor to go with his superhuman-like strength, Wilson is one of the most physically gifted edge prospects to enter the draft.
What makes Wilson so interesting is not just that he’s a fantastic all-American level edge rusher, but he’s logged successful snaps at defensive tackle and even as a middle linebacker. His versatility in the trenches reminds me of what Michael Bennett was able to do for Seattle a decade ago. I’d be happy selecting Wilson at #5, but to trade down and still get him was massive.
Round 1 Pick 20: Peter Skoronski, T/G, Northwestern
It’s not just the defense that needs a major talent infusion in the trenches, as Seattle drafts one of the best offensive linemen available in Peter Skoronski.
Skoronski, a 6’4″ and 315 lbs tackle for the Wildcats, would be a top pick and in real contention to go number 1 to Chicago if he didn’t have short arms. His arms would make it difficult for him to be a top-tier left tackle in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a dominant guard.
In this scenario, we’re able to take advantage of his slip, and Seattle gets arguably the best offensive lineman to help strengthen the interior offensive line.