The Seattle Seahawks are looking to build off their impressive 2022 regular season this offseason. Appearing to be ahead of schedule in their rebuild, addressing the defensive trenches seems to be the number one item on the to-do list. But, should that be superseded by the QB position?
At the moment, Geno Smith is an unrestricted free agent. Seattle has the option of preventing him from hitting the open market by either franchise tagging him or signing him to a long-term deal. But, holding two 1st-round draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft — one of them being 5th overall thanks to Denver — some are speculating that the Seahawks can address the QB position through one of those picks.
Immediately, people assume Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud as potential early 1st-round selections for Seattle. Although I like Bryce Young, I would suggest an alternative route for the Seahawks. In fact, I think if they were to address the QB position in the 1st-round, they should do it with the 20th overall pick and there is only 1 prospect they should consider.
The only QB the Seattle Seahawks should consider in the 1st-round
Think about the Seahawks’ offense here for a second. They are a run-first offense that wants to use the run game to open up the passing attack. Specifically, the explosive plays via play-action fake. GM John Schneider has made it no secret that he likes tall, athletic QBs who have great arms strength and the ability to make plays happen with their legs. Well, he kept it a secret until Russell Wilson and his camp found out.
Nonetheless, one of the reasons Schneider had his eye on both Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen is he looked to capitalize on their talent while paying them little to nothing. Philadelphia just benefitted from that with Jalen Hurts this past season. When having a QB on a rookie contract, you are able to funnel money into other areas of need to make the team greater.
For argument’s sake, if Seattle wanted to use that approach, there is one prospect who would be close to a perfect fit. And no, it’s not Will Levis. It is Anthony Richardson out of Florida, and it is primarily for two reasons.
Ideal Seahawks QB: Athletic + Big Arm
Anthony Richardson is similar in size to Buffalo Bills QB, Josh Allen. Richardson stands at 6’4″, 232 pounds while Allen is 6’5″, 237 pounds. Richardson, like Allen, will enter the NFL Draft with unique raw ability. In 2018, when Josh Allen was drafted, his strengths jumped off the tape. He had a cannon of an arm and great athletic ability. However, many felt he wasn’t ready to be a day-1 NFL starter. For the most part, they were right.
Josh Allen really struggled in his rookie year. As many expect Richardson to do if he is to be named a day-1 starter for whichever team drafts him. He is seen as more of a project. A prospect with a high ceiling, but needs the right coaching and guidance in order to come into his own. That was the key for Allen in his turnaround in the NFL.
Then offensive coordinator of the Bills, Brian Daboll, helped limit the turnovers for Allen in his 2nd year and helped him turn into one of the better QBs in the NFL. Shane Waldron, one of the up-and-coming offensive coordinators can help do the same for Anthony Richardson.
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Not only does Richardson have the intangibles that fit what the Seahawks want to do offensively, but he also won’t force their hand in selecting him. Meaning, at pick #5, the Seahawks will not have to reach to get Richardson. I’m sure they will have multiple suitors for a potential trade. If they were to get pick number 7 (trade with Las Vegas) or pick number 9 (trade with Carolina), they can still go defense first. Or, they can stay put at pick number 5 and essentially guarantee themselves either Jalen Carter, Will Anderson, or Tyree Wilson.
The need on the defensive line is what ultimately eliminates Seattle from considering Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, or Will Levis. In order to get one of those guys, they would most likely have to trade up from number 5. Something I would advise against when there are other glaring holes on this team. Not to mention the fact they have a viable option in QB at Geno Smith.
Another reason why Richardson is so appealing is that he can come in at pick 20 and learn behind Geno. I don’t think there is anyone suited better to mentor Richardson than Smith himself.
Seahawks have leaders in the right places
Geno Smith entered the NFL as a 2nd-round selection with a high upside. But, immaturity issues coupled with no mentor really hurt him early on in his career. He was thrown right into the deep end and drowned. He understands the harsh realities of the NFL and images that the media can portray based on a rookie’s poor performance. People forget to remember that rookies are allowed to be rookies for a season.
Being thrown into the lion’s den that is the New York media is no easy task for any human. No amount of preparation or schooling can teach you how to deal with it. During Geno’s tenure in New York, he made it harder on himself by attracting headlines. It is no coincidence that he came into his own after backing up Phillip Rivers, Eli Manning, and Russell Wilson.
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Geno Smith presents a really unique perspective on life and I think he can help immensely for a guy like Anthony Richardson. With the ability to franchise tag Geno or re-sign him to a 3-year deal, they would essentially be giving themselves a timeline on when they need to have Richardson ready. Similar to the Jordan Love route that Green Bay is taking.
Or, similar to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. I know many fans want their young players, especially QBs, to play right away so they can attain the necessary experience. But, I push back on that notion simply because each situation is different. Sticking with Mahomes and Kansas City, they were a playoff team back in his rookie year with Alex Smith under center. Meaning, there was no need to rush Mahomes to start.
When, as an organization, they felt he was ready, they installed him as the starting QB. Of course, not everybody is Patrick Mahomes, but the direction a franchise is heading towards factors in heavily whether or not you are going to rush a rookie QB into play.
Given that, it makes that much more sense for Richardson to be the only targeted prospect for Seattle if they wanted a QB in the 1st-round. Not to mention Pete Carroll is a zen master himself. Growing behind Geno, whether it’s 1 or 3 years, can prove to be seismic for the career direction of Richardson if he were to land in Seattle.