This late-round Seahawks pick in 2024 NFL draft could be Sam Howell's replacement

The Seattle Seahawks do not need to take a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft. One might assume that general manager John Schneider might be jonesing to take a QB, however, as former head coach Pete Carroll might not have wanted to take one in most drafts. Between 2010 and 2023, Schneider and Carroll only took two quarterbacks during drafts, but Carroll always had final roster control.

Schneider has already said this offseason after Carroll was relieved of his duties that he is not proud of the fact that Seattle chose only two quarterbacks in 14 years. To be fair, that might be a bragging point for many general managers. That would mean that one of those quarterbacks was likely a home run, which is the case for Seattle in choosing Russell Wilson in the third round in 2012.

Seattle's current quarterback, Geno Smith, is signed through 2025. So is his backup, Sam Howell. Taking a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft and having that player do well in training camp and the preseason could cause a small issue. Seattle would not want to keep that player off the final 53-man roster which takes away a position spot from another group with a greater need for depth.

Seattle Seahawks drafting Jordan Travis could be a long-term steal

But assuming Schneider goes his first draft in full control of the roster without taking a quarterback seems wrong. He is likely to choose a quarterback somewhere in the 2024 draft. If he chooses Florida State's Jordan Travis then Travis could eventually turn into a long-term quarterback for the Seahawks.

Travis is probably going to fall to Day 3 of the draft. He suffered a broken leg late in 2023 after leading his team to an undefeated record before he got hurt. He is a winner and he has the drive to get better. The problem is that sometimes sheer will to improve does not mean high-end success. Travis cannot do anything about his size as he is 6'1" and 200 pounds with adequate arm strength for his size.

He is a bit slow in his reads and getting the ball out on intermediate throws. He is capable of fantastic escapability, however, so his athleticism can help him overcome his lack of elite arm strength. Travis is also a natural leader whose teammates want to follow him.

The reason he could be a long-term Seahawk is because Seattle taking him in the 2024 draft will keep him under contract for four seasons. Yes, he will eat up a roster spot, but at most for only two years. The Seahawks could release Geno Smith next offseason, save $25 million, and make Sam Howell the starter. Travis would be his backup. If Seattle goes early in the 2025 or 2026 draft with a quarterback, Travis could still be the backup but knows the offense well enough to be a good fill-in as a starter.

Taking Jordan Travis would not be a mistake. He would be great in the locker room and even as a backup could be a team leader. As a potential sixth-or-seventh-round choice, he could be a steal.

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