The Seattle Seahawks have officially embarked upon their new era with head coach Mike Macdonald. While certain decisions have stirred some controversy, what matters is the people in the building buying into the new vision. The one constant is John Schneider who was promoted to a higher role after the departure of Pete Carroll.
In less than a week, Schneider and Macdonald will be looking to improve this roster in the 2024 NFL Draft. Over the last two seasons, the Seattle Seahawks held multiple picks in both the first and second rounds. This year, the Seahawks only have two picks between the first two nights of the draft.
The good news, this roster is pretty complete. Certainly, it has holes just like the other 31 NFL teams and one very well could make the argument that by staying put with where they currently pick, the Seahawks can continually build upon their draft success. That, of course, requires hitting on the pick, and with only a first and third-rounder between the first two nights, that adds a lot of pressure on this staff.
Three potential Day 1 trades for the Seattle Seahawks
In a draft class filled with depth at certain positions, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Seahawks make some moves. Particularly, on the first night of the draft. How far back they are willing to drop will play an important role in regards to what else they receive in return for the 16th overall pick if they decide to move off it.
Or, maybe they are in love with a prospect so much that they decide to move up in the draft. There have been a lot of questions surrounding the quarterback situation of the Seahawks and with a draft class filled with whom many believe are starting-caliber quarterbacks, it wouldn't be surprising to see Seattle make an aggressive push.
Seattle Seahawks proposed trade No. 1
The first trade would be with a partner whom Seattle has been very familiar with over the last two seasons, the Denver Broncos. While Denver is also in the quarterback market, it wouldn't be the worst idea for them to accumulate more picks in an attempt to fill out a roster with a lot of holes.
In this scenario, they swap first and fourth-round picks with the Seahawks adding their second-round pick in next year's draft. For Seattle, the obvious target is QB Michael Penix Jr. By trading up to pick number 12, they move in front of the Raiders, who have also been linked to the former Huskies quarterback. Besides the Washington connection with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the overall fit is perfect.
The argument can be made that Michael Penix Jr. is the best pure passer in this draft class, and that says a lot given the talent at the quarterback position. Penix can make almost any throw with accuracy and velocity. Not to mention the beautiful deep ball that. His comparison has been Tua Tagovailoa.
It is a fair one at that, given they are both lefties and have had injury concerns. But, when looking at Tua's time in Miami, in particular with Mike McDaniel, he has been putting up elite numbers. If Penix is like him in the sense he needs to be surrounded by great players to play great, that will not be a problem in Seattle given the offense they have built.
Seattle Seahawks proposed trade No. 2
If Seattle was satisfied with its current quarterback room and not willing to invest future picks in moving up for Michael Penix Jr., they will certainly have other suitors who want to trade with them. Sitting right in the middle of the first round and depending on how the draft goes, the Seahawks may have plenty of options to trade down.
After moving off Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis in free agency, the Buffalo Bills have an immediate need at the wide receiver position. While they could stay put at 28 and select the likes of Troy Franklin, in this situation, they have their eyes on a guy who either slid or wants to move ahead of other WR-needy teams and pick Brian Thomas Jr. Another option for Buffalo would be adding a cornerback, potentially Cooper DeJean or Quinyon Mitchell.
For Seattle, they get a 2nd round selection, which they currently do not have due to the Leonard Williams trade. Sliding down 12 picks, they will be presented with numerous options. They have placed a heavy emphasis on addressing the interior of the offensive line. With the 28th pick, maybe they add Graham Barton or Jackson Powers-Johnson.
The alternative could be addressing the defensive side. Late in the first round, Jer'Zhan Newton might be available to help reinforce the interior of the defensive line. They could even select an edge rusher or linebacker. Outside of the offensive line, I'd be surprised to see Seattle use this pick on any other offensive skill position.
Seattle Seahawks proposed trade No. 3
The last option would be for Seattle to have their eye on a particular prospect who they think might slip down a couple of spots from pick 16. Now, this isn't always the best approach because historically in the NFL draft, teams have reached because of how much they love a prospect. But, this last trade involves some risk.
Adding Russell Wilson, the Steelers are in win-now mode. With some questions on the offensive line, it would make sense for them to move up and add reassurance. They have been linked to Amarius Mims, the athletic tackle out of Georgia. There are a handful of other prospects that might be available at 16 as well -- Taliese Fuaga, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, and Troy Fautanu.
For Seattle, maybe Troy Fautanu is one of the prospects they are hoping falls down to 20. If not him, Chop Robinson, an edge rusher out of Penn State, is someone to keep an eye on. Although they have drafted Derrick Hall and Boye Mafe in consecutive drafts, I think Chop Robinson has the highest ceiling entering the NFL in comparison.
Also, I could be entirely wrong and Seattle takes the best player available approach when trading down. Although, they haven't done that in years past, more so focusing on players with a chip on their shoulder, entering the NFL with a hunger to prove they are worth something. It will certainly be interesting to see what the Seahawks do with their first-round pick on Thursday Night.