Seahawks 1st-Round Mock: How Seattle can win Day 1 of the NFL Draft

Round 1, Seahawks Pick 7 (via LV)

With the 5th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks make their first chess move. In a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, they acquire more draft capital, move down 2 spots and still get their first choice in QB Anthony Richardson.

In this scenario, both teams get their franchise QB. Ironically, both Seattle and Vegas signed their respective quarterbacks that allow for an out after year-1. The reason Vegas trades up is because they fear Seattle will select their quarterback of choice. Here is how I envision the quarterbacks being selected in this situation.

Round 1, Pick 1: Carolina Panthers select QB, Bryce Young, Alabama

After going all in and making a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears for the number 1 overall pick, the Carolina Panthers end their drought of searching for a new QB since Cam Newton. Despite the concerns about his height and durability, the Panthers get the consensus best QB in this draft, Bryce Young.

Round 1, Pick 4: Indianapolis Colts select QB Will Levis, Kentucky

This may come as a surprise to many, but I think the Colts are in love with Will Levis. His radar has been relatively quiet over the last couple of weeks and I think it is because the Colts are hoping he slides to fourth overall. Although he isn't necessarily considered a Day-1 starter, the Colts will insert him into that role and let him grow with the rest of that young roster.

Round 1, Pick 5 (via SEA): Las Vegas Raiders select QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

For the majority of the off-season, many felt that C.J. Stroud would be a top-2 pick. But, over the last week or so, Stroud has been getting hammered in the media. Is it possible a team is leaking this news hoping he slips in the draft? Many are anticipating that Stroud falls out of the top-7, but the Raiders capitalize on this move and trade up with the Seahawks to ensure they get their guy.

For the Seattle Seahawks, Anthony Richardson is the QB who makes the most sense. He seems to be the most athletically gifted and his selection will create a healthy competition between him and Geno Smith. While I would anticipate Geno to be the starter in this upcoming season, his mentorship towards Richardson would help him succeed Geno in the proceeding season.

I think Seattle's interest in Richardson is very real and I see it coming to fruition on Thursday night. Keep in mind that in this trade with the Raiders, the Seahawks are still left with pick 20 in the first round as well as two selections in rounds 2, 3, and 4.