When the calendar hit December this season, Seahawks fans realized that the dream of having a top-ten pick was not just real, but becoming an expectation. Thanks to the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson being a massive disappointment, the Seahawks have an opportunity to add a blue-chip talent on a cheap salary at a draft pick slot they haven’t seen in over a decade. So naturally, we’re gonna mock up some drafts!
Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be talking about potential mock drafts that could enhance, or completely reshape this roster. For drafting purposes, I used Pro Football Network’s rankings and mock simulator. Unlike PFF, PFN’s big board falls in line with the majority of the draft rankings you can find out there.
This week, I wanted to build a mock draft after the first two waves of free agency have passed. We saw the big deals that are immediately announced after the transfer window opens, such as Javon Hargrave, Jessie Bates III, and the Seahawks signing defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones who massively upgrades this defense. Then there was the second wave, where we saw players like Baker Mayfield, C.J. Gardner Johnson, and Isaac Seumalo switch teams.
2023 Seahawks Mock Draft: Pairing a strong free agency with a strong draft
This was an area of free agency where the Seahawks were extremely active. On top of the Jones signing, Seattle re-signed Drew Lock and Jarran Reed while signing center Evan Brown from Detroit, linebacker Devin Bush from Pittsburgh, and safety Julian Love from the Giants.
While there is likely still a move or two left for the Seahawks in free agency (cough…Bobby), this is most likely the roster we will see when John Schneider and Pete Carroll are set to draft in a little over a month. With that being said, here’s an updated mock draft on how Seattle may attack the draft.
Seahawks round 1 pick 5- Will Anderson Jr, Edge, Alabama
When the Carolina Panthers decided to trade up so early in the NFL draft, it became clear that the top of the draft was going to be dominated by the quarterback position. With Carolina jumping the herd of QB-needy teams, it appears that Arizona, sitting at number 3, is set up nicely for the Cardinals to select the best defensive player. But will they stay there?
Considering how far Arizona is from contention, would it make more sense for the Cardinals to trade back (potentially with Las Vegas)? In my scenario, the Cardinals get a nice haul to move from 3 to 7 and the Raiders get the number 3 quarterback off the board. With the likelihood of QBs going in the top 4 picks, this puts Seattle in an incredible position. I have the Seattle Seahawks selecting my number 1 player in this class at number 5, Will Anderson, Jr.
Anderson Jr is a 6’4″ and 235 lbs edge rusher that has been one of the greatest defensive players college football has seen in decades. During his three seasons under the legendary Nick Saban down in Tuscaloosa, Anderson, Jr. has 34.5 sacks, 58.5 tackles for loss, and over 200 tackles. As a freshman, Anderson, Jr. was a rookie in college football, playing a key cog in Alabama’s national championship season.
As a sophomore, Anderson, Jr. put together arguably the greatest season from an edge rusher that we have ever seen. In a year where he should have won the Heisman, Anderson, Jr. posted 17.5 sacks, 3 passes deflected, and an NCAA record 31 tackles for loss. Anderson, Jr. carried the Crimson Tide back to the national championship game.
While his junior season may not have been as dominant as the year prior, Anderson, Jr. still managed 10 sacks in just 13 games. At the end of the day, Nick Saban speaks highly about his work ethic, character, and leadership. He has proven to be a strong rush defender, with the ability to drop and not be a liability in coverage while bringing a blue chip number 1 potential pass rush to the field. He’s not perfect, and probably won’t be viewed as highly as a Nick Bosa or Myles Garrett, but this guy has some real Von Miller traits and that ceiling is worth a number 1 overall pick, let alone at number 5.
If this scenario comes to fruition, I think this will be a special day in Seahawks history, a day where the Seahawks get their next Hall of Fame talent on defense. Teams win Super Bowls with a guy like Will Anderson, Jr., and Seattle gets him here.
Trade! Seahawks trade Pick 20 to the New York Giants for Picks 25 & 89
Round 1 Pick 25- Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
The freakiest of the freaks, Mazi Smith may be the most physically imposing and gifted defensive tackle the Seahawks have had at that position in years. A man that’s 6’3″ and weighs 327 pounds should not move and be as athletic as Smith. Smith is not a sack guy, but he will eat up blocks and double teams in the run game, creating opportunities for the defense to improve their rush defense significantly.
When this draft process started, there were questions about Smith with the gun charges he was facing, but after this dropped, his stock skyrocketed. A guy that was looking like a late 2nd to 3rd rounder, is now getting meetings with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with some believing that he may end up being their selection in the first round. Considering all the needs that the Steelers have, I still find it hard to see the Steelers taking him at their pick.
With Seattle falling back 5 spots in exchange for an extra 3rd round pick, they choose the perfect time to jump in on a defensive tackle. Imagine a defensive front over the next few years with Uchenna Nwosu, Dre’Mont Jones, Mazi Smith, and Will Anderson, Jr. It is going to be hard to find a group as young and as talented as this squad. I believe Mazi works, and some of the character concerns are not as extreme as some other prospects, so he’s Seattle’s new defensive wall at pick number 25.
Seahawks round 2 picks
Round 2 Pick 37: Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah
The 23-year-old tight end that transferred from San Diego to Utah in 2020, Kincaid has quickly become one of the most productive tight ends in all of college football. In his second season at Utah, Kincaid had 36 receptions for over 500 yards and 8 touchdowns. Last season, Kincaid followed that up with 70 receptions, nearly 900 yards, and 8 touchdowns again. Pretty incredible for a guy that had only started playing football just six years ago.
The 6’4″ and 242 lbs TE is solid in both run game blocking as well as receiving. In Utah’s first victory over USC, Kincaid was the best player on the field, all due respect to Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams, as Kincaid hauled in 16 receptions for 234 yards and a score. Kincaid is just scratching the surface of the player he can be. He’s a perfect fit in Seattle, and the Seahawks walk away with one of the core four TEs in this draft.
Round 2 Pick 52: Jarrett Patterson, Guard/Center, Notre Dame
With Evan Brown looking like the day 1 starter at the center position for Seattle, the Seahawks appear set in 2023 at the O-line. While that is really nice to hear, I still think there’s a great opportunity here for Seattle to improve their interior offensive line in the long term, and Jarrett Patterson is our pick at number 52.
The two-time captain in South Bend, Patterson switched from center to guard in 2022, but injuries really affected his play. He’s a decent guard, but his earlier tape at center definitely caught the eye. He’s a Notre Dame guy, and his agility is good enough, but his power and ability to execute is right up there with all the great Irish linemen of the past decade that have easily translated to the pro game.
Patterson’s versatility is great depth for a team with playoff aspirations, at least. But I fully expect Patterson to push Brown and Haynes for a starting job, raising Seattle’s ceiling.
Seahawks round 3 picks
Round 3 Pick 83: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
When the college football season began, LSU’s Kayshon Boutte was a near-lock as a 1st round pick. An excellent route runner with SEC elite-level speed, the 6-foot and 205 lbs receiver was destined for a massive season. Instead, an uneven season with new coach Brian Kelly leaves Boutte on the outside looking in at Day 1 of the NFL draft, and a potential steal for the Seahawks.
With pick 89 added to their stockpile, the Seahawks can use pick 83 to add a best-player-available type of pick, while still upgrading the trenches. With Boutte, the Seahawks have a unique weapon from a school that consistently produces star wideouts.
When I watch the tape, I see so many similarities to Deebo Samuel. The size, running ability, burst, and power as both a receiver and running back. In the right scheme, this is a true number 1 guy that just needs the right environment to flourish.
Round 3 Pick 89: Demarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
As an Oklahoma Sooners fan, it’s tough to show love to a guy in burnt orange, but Demarvion Overshown is worthy of the rival praise. A defensive back as a freshman, the 6’4″ and 217 lbs 5th-year senior has evolved into an explosive, and versatile weapon that typically lines up in the linebacker spot. In 2022, Overshown totaled 96 tackles, including 10 for a loss and 4 sacks. His elite athleticism may bring the Seahawks a much cheaper version of Jamal Adams.
Seahawks early Day 3 picks
Round 4 Pick 123: Mike Morris, DE, Michigan
The Seahawks selected a big defensive end in the first round with Lukas Van Ness, and they nab another to really need up their 3-4 defense with Michigan’s Mike Morris. Morris had a fantastic season for Michigan, recording 7.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolverines, and is a great DE rotational player for Boye Mafe.
Round 5 Pick 151: Cory Trice, Cornerback, Purdue
The redshirt senior out of Purdue, Trice is a massive cornerback who started his career as a safety. At 6-3 215 lbs, his size is comparable to Seahawks star corner Tariq Woolen. Much like Woolen, Trice had moments of brilliance and struggle learning playing corner.
In Seattle’s system, he could be a strong special teams player, while developing into Woolen’s partner down the road. Too much potential here to not take him at pick #151. I believe he will fare a little better than Purdue did in the NCAA Tournament.
Round 5 Pick 154: Roschon Johnson, Running Back, Texas
Another Longhorn, what’s wrong with me? While Bijan Robinson received all the accolades at Texas, his backup is also a pretty darn good ball player. Johnson totaled 682 yards and 6 touchdowns on just over 100 touches as a backup.
Danny Kelly, senior staff writer at the Ringer, recently tweeted out a creepily similar between Johnson and former Seahawks back Chris Carson. Carson exploded when he got to the NFL, and with the departures, Seattle is facing at the running back position, Johnson is a perfect addition.
Seahawks round 6 and 7 picks
Round 6 Pick 198: Dylan Horton, DL, TCU
Horton is a name nobody was talking about for the NFL, and then he single-handedly demolished the best offensive line in college football in Michigan at the Fiesta Bowl. Horton, a transfer that has looked good as an LB, DE, and DT for TCU, recorded 6 tackles, 4 sacks, and a pass deflection in their victory.
Horton’s versatility is definitely intriguing for a team like Seattle that is playing mixtures of a 3-4 and 4-3 defense. At 6’4″ and, 244 lbs, Horton could be a star special teamer while getting snaps at DE.
Round 7 Pick 237: Dee Winters, Linebacker, TCU
I have the Seahawks double dipping on the TCU Horned Frogs with their final draft picks, this time grabbing Dee Winters. While Horton was fantastic for TCU in the trenches, linebacker Dee Winters was the best player on the field for TCU’s defense in their shocking CFP Semifinal upset over Michigan. The defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl, Winters had 7 tackles, with 3 going for a loss, as well as a 29-yard pick-six in the 4th quarter that helped hold off the Wolverines.
Undersized at around 5’11” and 225 lbs, this small but speedy linebacker packs a massive punch when he hits you. His speed and ability to be a potential hybrid on defense while excelling on special teams should be a major interest for a Seahawks team that needs to get quicker and more athletic at the LB spots.