Get ready, 12s. Many might want the Seattle Seahawks to look for quarterback Geno Smith's replacement as high as possible in the 2024 NFL draft, but general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll might have other ideas. A lot of what Seattle does depends on how Smith finishes the season as well, of course.
But Seattle does have needs at positions that aren't quarterback, of course. While Seattle is young at cornerback, running back, and the offensive line, there are other position groups that are getting a bit older. The back end of the secondary is one of them. This is what CBS Sports thinks the Seahawks address with their first pick in the 2024 draft.
Instead of taking a quarterback, Seattle would choose Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin. Nubin is 6'2" and 210 pounds, but he plays much more like Jamal Adams than Quandre Diggs. Nubin also fits the mold of what Carroll likes in his defensive backs: Nubin can pack a punch and doesn't mind dishing out punishment when he hits opponents. And he is an excellent tackler.
CBS Sports says Seahawks might choose safety Tyler Nubin in 2024 NFL Draft
Nubin also can be a ball-hawk, though. He has 12 interceptions in his career. He also has allowed the lowest completion percentage when targets among Big Ten defensive backs through Week 10 of the 2023 college season.
CBS Sports writes of Nubin, "(He) is another instinctual player who trusts his eyes and acts accordingly." But taking him in the first round might mean the Seahawks have to move on from one of its high-priced veteran safeties. The question is, which one?
Nubin seems like more of a natural fit to replace Adams as Nubin, while good in coverage, is somewhat limited in backend coverage. Plus, the way he attacks the running game, Seattle would likely want Nubin closer to the line of scrimmage. The issue is that Adams restructured his current contract at the beginning of the season and while his cap hit is a monstrous $26,916,666 in 2024, his dead cap is now $20,833,334 so Seattle doesn't save that much by releasing Adams.
Maybe Seattle sees Nubin as a replacement for Quandre Diggs. Financially, that makes more sense. Diggs is only signed through 2024 and his cap hit is $21,262,500 but his dead cap is just $10,262,500. Seattle would save $11 million by releasing him. So whether the Seahawks choose Tyler Nubin in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft or not, Diggs might no longer be on the roster next year.