Seattle Seahawks 2023 Mock Draft: Addressing each position

Round 2, Seahawks Pick 37 (via DEN)

Fit: Day 1 starter

Strength: Athleticism + Hustle

Seattle’s run defense wasn’t the only problem in 2022. Despite Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor finishing with 9.5 sacks each, they weren’t able to generate consistent pressure. The inconsistency up front allowed opposing teams to move the ball at will. To go along with Jalen Carter in the 1st round, Keion White out of Georgia Tech can help solidify this Seahawks’ defensive line. White was one of the primary stars to emerge from the Senior Bowl.

He has soared up in the rankings. He jumps off the screen when watching film. At 6’5″ tall, and 286 pounds, White has the ability to use his length in pass pursuit. Combine that with his speed and you get the high-motor player that he is. He fits a 3-4 scheme nicely as he can play both edge rusher and defensive end. He is a freak athlete that has unlimited potential. Seems to me that he has Seattle Seahawk written all over his name.

Round 2, Pick 51

Fit: Day 1 starter

Strength: Athleticism + Ability to communicate

To cap off the rebuild of this offensive line, the Seattle Seahawks select C Luke Wypler out of Ohio State. In many eyes, Wypler is the best center of this draft class. The good news is that Ohio State is known to produce good NFL centers — Billy Price, Corey Lindsay, Nick Mangold just to name a few. More importantly, the Seahawks are in need of a center. With Austin Blythe set to be an unrestricted free agent, Seattle is going to need a starter.

One of Blythe’s greatest strengths was his ability to communicate at the line of scrimmage. An attribute that is already attached to the name of Luke Wypler. At 300 pounds, some feel Wypler is undersized to be an NFL center. But, his athleticism makes up for it. He is a good puller and does a good job of getting to the second level in the run game. Wypler is also known to be very steady in his pass protection.

Round 3, Pick 83

Fit: WR3

Strength: Catching radius + YAC

The Seahawks had one of the better offenses in 2022. Yet, they have one recurring issue in their wide receiver room. Over the years, Seattle hasn’t been able to find a WR3. The hope was that Dee Eskridge would settle into that role. But, injuries have derailed him in his NFL career. Rashee Rice out of SMU has the potential to fill that void for the Seahawks.

One of the concerns around his game is inconsistency. But, put him in a room with Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf for the offseason and I would guess his work ethic changes. That is an intangible that can be attained and improved upon over time. At 6’2″, and 203 pounds, Rice presents a nice catching radius. He has shown the ability to go up in traffic and come down with the ball. Arguably, his most impressive skillset is what he can do after the catch.

Round 3, Pick 90 (via DAL)

Fit: CB2 Potential

Strength: Physicality and Size

In last year’s draft, the Seahawks were able to address the cornerback position on day 3. Drafting both Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen has helped turn around this secondary. With no CB2 currently on the roster, a potential day 2 selection in Jaylon Jones might help solve that problem. This class is deep at the cornerback position. They could certainly select a corner earlier in the draft. I am really high on Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon.

But, I think addressing the trenches early on in the draft is the wise thing to do. Plus, Jaylon Jones fits the mold of a Seattle corner and he should be there toward the end of round 3. He is 6’2″ tall, and 205 pounds. While his stats barely show for anything during his time at Texas A&M, he is a high-ceiling prospect. He possesses the adequate arm length to be a disruptor in the passing game and plays with a physical aggression that will blend in well with this Seahawks secondary.