Seattle Seahawks 2023 Mock Draft: Addressing each position

Round 5, Seahawks Pick 156

Fit: Rotational HB

Strength: Home-Run hitter + Receiving ability

It is easy to overlook Deuce Vaughn as a prospect as he is only 5’6″ tall. But, man, he has the potential to be one of the better running backs in this draft class. His NFL comparison is Darren Sproles, who ironically, also went to Kansas State. Like Sproles, Vaughn has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Over the last 3 years in college football, Vaughn lead all running backs in receiving 1st downs.

Most impressively, he has elite speed and playmaking ability. Not knowing the future of Rashaad Penny, it would be wise for the Seahawks to select an insurance policy in Deuce Vaughn. To be quite frank, getting him at pick 156 would be a steal. Regardless, he fits the Seahawks’ style of play and I believe he would earn himself an increased percentage of touches as the season progresses based on his work ethic that his coaches rave about.

Round 6, Pick 197

Fit: Backup TE

Strength: Good size 

It’s interesting to see what many think the Seahawks are going to do at the tight end position in the draft. Some have them selecting Michael Mayer in the 1st round. Others project a Tucker Kraft or Darnell Washington pick. I think Seattle should select Will Mallory in the 6th round. I thought the Seahawks’ tight end group had a fantastic 2022 season. Yes, Noah Fant is coming up on his contract year, but I can see Mallory playing a similar role to that of Colby Parkinson when he was drafted.

Coming out of Stanford, Parkinson was 6’7″ tall, and 252 pounds. He had to pay his dues and work his way into more snaps. Mallory presents a similar frame at 6-feet-5-inches tall, 245 pounds. Given his size, he presents quarterbacks with a nice catching radius. He also has the ability to be an effective blocker in the open field. He can be an asset in outside zone running and screen passes.

Round 7, Pick 239

Fit: Backup QB

Strength: Arm + Athleticism

There seems to be some confusion regarding the Seahawks and whether or not they have a 7th-round pick. In 2021, the Seahawks made a trade with the Texans, sending a conditional 2023 7th-round pick for CB John Reid. As it turns out, they didn’t have to give that 7th-round pick and that is why they end up with UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson with pick 239.

Assuming Geno Smith re-signs, I see them taking a flyer on Thompson-Robinson with their last pick. He is an accurate thrower of the football, has good arm strength, and can make plays happen with his legs. He is going to have to become a more steady pocket passer. Oftentimes, his eyes are in the pocket rather than down the field going through progression. But, his style of play fits what the Seahawks want to do offensively.

Seattle Seahawks 2023 Mock Draft Results 

Rd. 1, Pk 5 (via DEN) – DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

Rd. 1, Pk 26 (via DAL) – G O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

Rd. 2, Pk 37 (via DEN) – ED Keion White, Georgia Tech

Rd. 2, Pk 51 – C Luke Wypler, Ohio State

Rd. 3, Pk 83 – WR Rashee Rice, SMU

Rd. 3, Pk 90 (via DAL) – CB Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M

Rd. 4, Pk 122 – LB Noah Sewell, Oregon

Rd. 4, Pk 129 (via DAL) – ED K.J. Henry, Clemson

Rd. 5, Pk 153 (via PIT) – S Trey Dean III, Florida

Rd. 5, Pk 156 – HB Deuce Vaughn, Kansas St

Rd. 6, Pk 197 – TE Will Mallory, Miami

Rd. 7, Pk 239 – QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA