Seattle Seahawks 2023 Mock Draft: Addressing each position

Round 4, Seahawks Pick 122

Fit: Rotational rusher

Strength: Ability to disrupt

After selecting Jalen Carter in the 1st and Keion White in the 2nd round, the Seahawks add more depth to their defensive line by selecting K.J. Henry out of Clemson with the 122nd pick. His athleticism jumps off the film. We know Pete Carroll loves having dynamic players on the edge. Darrell Taylor, Boye Mafe, Uchenna Nwosu are just some of the names of players who had an impact on last year’s Seattle defense.

Henry’s greatest ability is disrupting plays. He wasn’t a sack machine at Clemson, but he applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His get-off at the line of scrimmage combined with his good hands’ usage allows him to quickly get into the backfield. It was on constant display at the Senior Bowl earlier this month. If he is able to couple that with a strong combine, he might not be available in the 4th round. Although, for the Seahawks’ sake, I hope he is.

Round 4, Pick 129 (via DAL)

Fit: Potential starting LB

Strength: Bruising play-style and intelligence 

Entering the 2023 draft, the Seahawks linebacker group is a mystery. With Cody Barton an unrestricted free agent and Jordyn Brooks rehabbing a torn ACL, Owen Pappoe can come in and fill in an immediate void. Even if Cody Barton were to be re-signed, Pappoe is talented enough to earn himself a starting role for this Seahawks’ defense.

The biggest knock is that he’s undersized. Which, honestly doesn’t mean much in today’s NFL. My guess is his stock will rise as he is expected to have an impressive 40 time at the combine due to his blazing speed. His physical play style will transition nicely into the NFL. Most importantly, his football IQ allows him to sniff things out. He has good awareness in zone coverage and when he sees a run, he has the ability to shed blockers and make the play. Pappoe could be a hidden gem in this draft class.

Round 5, Pick 153 (via PIT)

Fit: Insurance Policy

Strength: Versatility and Physicality

Most are uncertain about how the Seattle Seahawks are going to address the safety position in the draft. Some mocks have them taking a safety early on in the 2nd round or 3rd round. I think they should wait till day 3 to select a safety. Let’s be honest about this. I know the Seahawks’ safeties have dealt with injuries consistently over the last couple of seasons. But, they have invested a lot of money into that particular position.

Trey Dean III out of Florida fits this Seattle defense. He started off his collegiate career as a cornerback, which explains one of his greatest strengths, man coverage ability. After transitioning to safety, he gained experience as a box safety. Most importantly, Dean plays with a tremendous amount of intensity. However, he does struggle in zone coverage, allowing his eye discipline to mislead him. At pick 153, I think he can come into Seattle to learn and develop from two of the better safeties in the league. Given the right circumstances and coaching, Dean can blossom into a starter.