Seattle Seahawks 2023 Mock Draft: Building a championship nucleus

Round 1, Seahawks Pick 24 (via JAX)

In selecting Anthony Richardson at number 5, the Seattle Seahawks then trade down and address a need on their defensive line. In my latest Mock Draft, I had the Seahawks trading down with the Cowboys to address their need at WR2/3. After trading for Brandin Cooks, that deal seems highly unlikely. That is why I have them trading down with the Jaguars. Jacksonville has a handful of needs on the defensive side. By moving up 4 spots, they can address any one of those needs. For Seattle, they can slide down 4 spots, still get an edge rusher, and add an extra 3rd to their collection.

With that 24th pick, I have them selecting the edge rusher out of Georgia, Nolan Smith. A standout at the combine, in particular, running a 4.39 40-yard dash, Smith is climbing up draft boards. His pure athleticism fits exactly what Seattle likes to draft. One knock against him is his size. But, if you look at who Seattle currently has on the edge, Smith will fit right in.

Uchenna Nwosu is 6'2", 251 pounds. Boye Mafe is 6'4", 261 pounds. Darrell Taylor is 6'4", 267 pounds and Alton Robinson is 6'3", 259 pounds. Smith is currently 6'2", and 235 pounds. He's certainly smaller in weight, but most edge rushers who get drafted into the NFL almost always bulk up. His speed and bend help him tremendously in his pursuit.

Ending his 2022 season after 8 games with a torn pectoral muscle has general managers concerned about his ability to carry on more weight. That is why Seattle is able to snag him with the 24th pick. Adding another athletic, speedy edge rusher will give Seattle the depth to rotate guys in and out. It was made very clear after the Wild Card loss to the 49ers that the Seahawks wanted to improve in the defensive trenches. This pick helps them continounsly move in the right direction.