5 bold predictions for the Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL draft

Bold prediction No. 2: Three of Seahawks' first four picks are defensive

So I have already said, of course, that Seattle will take Hooker with one of its first four draft choices, but other than that it is all defense for the Seahawks. More on what I predict they will do at pick 5 in a bit, but the first two draft picks in the second round will be defensive players as well.

At pick 37, Seattle will choose edge rusher Will McDonald IV from Iowa State. McDonald is a pure pass rusher at this point and will immediately join the rotation of Uchenna Nwso and Darrell Taylor on obvious passing downs. McDonald could eventually be decent against the run too, but he needs to add weight and that might take a year or two.

There is nothing wrong with having too many pass rushers, of course. Even if I am wrong about who Seattle takes a pick 5 (and I very likely will be), McDonald would still be a solid choice in the second round. Assuming 2022 pick Boye Mafe improves his production, McDonald and Mafe could help make the Seahawks' pass rush very dangerous by 2024.

Also in the second round (pick 52), Seattle will take Baylor nose tackle Siaki Ika. Ika would be a nearly perfect fit for Seattle's defensive line as he would play the middle between Jarran Reed and Dre'Mont Jones. Ika is massive and should immediately help against the run.