Seattle Seahawks 2023 Mock Draft: Building a championship nucleus

Round 2, Seahawks Pick 37 (via DEN)

In 2021 when the Seattle Seahawks only had 3 draft selections, they used their first in the second round on WR Dee Eskridge. In doing so, they passed up on C Creed Humphrey out of Oklahoma, who was eventually drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. In a short period of time, Humphrey has established himself as one of the best centers in the NFL and reminds me a lot of John Michael Schmitz. With a vastly improved offensive line, the Seahawks will add more youth to it by selecting 1st-team AP All-American, John Michael Schmitz out of Minnesota.

His intelligence is one of his strengths, which is quite important for the signal caller of the offensive line. He is projected as the best interior offensive lineman in this class and that is primarily because of his stout run-blocking ability. He would be in competition with Evan Brown for the starting position, but there is no doubt in my mind he would wind up as the eventual starting center for years to come.

Round 2, Pick 52

At 6'3", 335 pounds, Siaki Ika can serve as a brick wall in the interior of this Seattle Seahawks defensive line. In the 3-4 defense, Siaki will certainly draw attention, allowing Bobby Wagner and Devin Bush to have free rushing lanes into the backfield. Someone of his size with his quickness will make an immediate contribution. Ranking 30th in rush defense last season, the Seattle Seahawks need thick bodies up front.

Even more so after releasing Al Woods and with Poona Ford as a pending free agent, Ika fills a void at nose tackle. Also, the selection of him allows Seattle to address this need later in the draft rather than passing up on Anthony Richardson with the 5th overall pick and selecting Jalen Carter. Ika is certainly not as talented as Carter, but he possesses unique athletic ability for his size and we know Pete Carroll loves drafting athletes. With the right coaching, he can be polished into a future starter for this Seahawks defense.

Round 3, Pick 83

At the NFL Combine, Julius Brents proved himself to be one of the more athletic, if not, the most athletic defensive back in this class. At 6'4", 202 pounds, many have drawn comparisons to Seahawks CB Tariq Woolen of last year's class. But, unlike Woolen, Brents will not fall all the way to the 5th round. For Seattle, drafting Brents would solidify the CB2 spot and have two lengthy, physical, speedy corners on the boundaries for a revamped Seahawks secondary.

Being known as a zone corner coming out of Kansas State, his press and release technique will translate well into this Seahawks' defense. Despite the freakish athletic ability Tariq Woolen displayed last year entering the draft, no one would have thought he would end up as a Pro Bowler in his rookie season. Not only is Pete Carroll a master motivator, he particularly knows how to get the most out of young cornerbacks.

Round 3, Pick 88 (via JAX)

WR A.T. Perry out of Wake Forest can come in and fill an immediate void for this Seahawks offense. For years, they have been in search of a WR3 and while Marquise Goodwin was more than adequate last season, he signed elsewhere in free agency. With Dee Eskridge battling injuries over the last two seasons, the Seahawks must address this need in the draft and do so, at pick 88 thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Running a 4.47 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Perry presents a unique challenge to opposing defenders.

Not only does he have blazing speed, but he stands at 6-feet-3-inches tall. His large catching radius helped him post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Wake Forest. Not to mention catching 26 TDs and averaging more than 15 yards per reception in his last two seasons. While drops have been a primary concern, a potential receiving core of D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and A.T. Perry would certainly be a sight to see. It would make the life of Geno Smith and eventual starter, Anthony Richardson, way easier.