We have finally made it my friends! Welcome to the most important draft in the 48-year history of the Seattle Seahawks (Hey, that’s a good number!). The Seahawks aren’t just loaded with ten draft picks, but they have four picks in the top 52, two in the top 20, and the golden Russell Wilson-sized nugget at pick 5. While the world thought John Schneider and Pete Carroll would tank in 2022, they showed everyone they were so much more than Wilson, going 9-8 and making the playoffs.
Heading into 2023, this draft is so important not just because of the incredible draft capital, but what’s for the taking. The NFC West is the weakest it has looked since probably 2016. The NFC just had its weakest season since potentially 2005, and things don’t look better in 2023. The Eagles locked up Jalen Hurts, but have multiple starters this offseason, including Miles Sanders, Isaac Seumalo, and Javon Hargrave.
The 49ers don’t have a viable QB at the moment, the Packers just traded Aaron Rodgers to the AFC, Tom Brady retired, and the Lions may be gambling away a golden opportunity in 2023. There’s a legitimate case to be made that, with an apparent successful free agency and the potential of a strong draft, the Seahawks could be the biggest threat to Philadelphia in 2023.
Notes from the Nest: Seahawks Draft Manifesto
It is with this potential that myself and so many others on 12th Man Rising have put so much time and effort into studying these players, and how the Seahawks can make the jump. After hundreds of hours of studying players, tape, workouts, and social media smokescreens, I am so excited to share my first-ever Seahawks draft manifesto.
Here you will have my top personal Seahawks Big Board with the top 52 players for Seattle to pick from with their first four picks. We'll also take a look at my top players I most desperately want Seattle to draft, and those I want them to avoid. Lastly, I’ll run through each round and pick, breaking down how I think Seattle will proceed and how I’d attack that pick. So, without further ado, here’s the 2023 Seahawks draft manifesto.
Top 52 Seahawks Big Board
This big board was created specifically for the Seattle Seahawks, with the massive four picks in the top 52 in mind. There are very few OT’s in this mock, as it is not a position of need, while the top 140 players on my board are loaded with trench players on both sides of the ball, as well as the best offensive weapons and defensive backs coming to the League.
1. Will Anderson Jr. - Edge
The best edge prospect in years. A B+ version of Von Miller, Anderson will be the best player on the defensive front by the end of year one.
2. CJ Stroud - QB
My comp for CJ is a ceiling of Joe Burrow and a floor of Dak Prescott. He's the safest QB in this draft and it's not even close. The most accurate passer to enter the draft since Burrow.
3. Anthony Richardson - QB
I've believed in Richardson more than anyone all year. The system and environment is vital to his success, but if you hit right, you're looking at the absolute best version of 2015 Can Newton on a consistent basis.
4. Jalen Carter - DT
The biggest boom or bust player in the draft. If right, Jeffrey Simmons. If wrong, Malik McDowell 2.0.
5. Tyree Wilson - Edge
Raw, but physically the most impressive defensive prospect in the class. Incredible size and length, Wilson's versatility makes him an intruiging option at 5.
6. Devon Witherspoon - CB
One of the more physical corners you'll see. A perfect zone coverage DB to pair with Woolen. Should smoothly translate to a safety in the back half of his career.
Seahawks top 52 Big Board 7-14
7. Joey Porter Jr. - CB
Son of the Steelers legend, Porter Jr is an impressive DB that didn't get challenged often in the Big Ten.
8. Carlos Gonzalez - CB
An Interception machine, the Colorado transfer exploded in Eugene for the Ducks. He is not as technically sound as Witherspoon or Porter, but he's a future #1 DB.
9. Peter Skoronski - IOL
The best offensive lineman in the draft, Skor is a really good OT that should translate into a dominant guard at the next level.
10. Will Levis - QB
Will he go number 1 or number 11? We'll have to wait and see with the Kentucky signal caller. His measurables and intangibles are immaculate, but his stats are hard to look at. I really like that he played in the Shane Waldron scheme.
11. Jaxon Smith- Njigba - WR
The best WR in the past two years of the draft. Should immediately become one of the best slot receivers in the league immediately.
12. Lukas Van Ness - DL
With a good enough speed to go with blue chip level power, Van Ness has a near perfect frame to be a versatile weapon used at multiple positions along the d-line. He's raw, but at only 22 years old, he could easily develop into a Trey Hendrickson type power rusher and run game disruptor.
13. Bijan Robinson - RB
More than just a running back, Bijan is an all-around weapon. Could be the next Marshall Faulk.
14. Darnell Washington - TE
The most intimidating TE prospect I've ever seen. The receiving needs work, but he may be the best blocking TE since Gronk entered the league.
Seahawks top 52 Big Board 15-24
15. Michael Mayer - TE
The safest bet to be a great TE, Mayer is good at everything, even if nothing pops.
16. Quentin Johnston - WR
I see a lot of young Larry Fitzgerald in Johnstown, but he must improve on catching.
17. Nolan Smith - Edge
The size and health is a little concerning, but Smith could be an immediate upgrade over Darrell Taylor for the Seahawks.
18. Jordan Addison - WR
One of the best WR's in college football the past two years, Addison is a tremendously twitchy YAC monster. He's done really well catching passes from Kenny Pickett and Caleb Williams.
19. Keion White - DL
The lone bright spot on a terrible Georgia Tech team, White was a ferocious 3-4 DE that is an immediate plug and play for the Seahawks.
20. Dawand Jones - OT
Best right tackle prospect in this class, Dawand Jones creates a possible monster offensive line where Abe Lucas could move to right guard.
21. Brian Branch - S
The best safety in this draft, Branch could help the Seahawks at either safety position, slot or even some outside corner.
22. Kelee Ringo - CB
Arguably the best looking DB getting off the bus, the 2022 CFP championship hero had a rough junior season that saw his stock drop quite a bit.
23. John Michael Schmitz - C
One of the best centers in the draft, JMS was the star of the Senior Bowl. Would have been drafted ahead of Tyler Linderbaum in 2022.
24. Myles Murphy - Edge
Much like Ringo, Murphy looks great, but has just as many bad highlights as good ones.
Seahawks top 52 Big Board 25-30
25. Kalijah Kancey - DT
If he was a little taller and longer, he'd be a top 5 pick. Kancey was dominant in college, but his measurables would make him one of the rarest success stories in NFL history. A really tough call here.
26. Dalton Kincaid - TE
Has only played 6 years of organized football, so raw is an understatement. Was fantastic in the 2022 Rose Bowl vs Ohio State and when healthy, could be the best TE in a historic class.
27. Bryce Young - QB
I don't hate Bryce Young, but he's too small, frail and lacks the arm strength to trust him to carry the franchise for over a decade. He's a guy you try to win with in his rookie contract and then move on. Has incredible intangibles and leadership, and really good accuracy.
28. Felix Anudike-Uzomah - Edge
The best motor in the entire draft class, Felix was the heart and soul of Kansas State's Big 12 championship defense. Probably a #2 edge rusher in the NFL, but has 10+ sack potential.
29. Joe Tippmann - C
Arguably the best center prospect for the Seahawks in this class, Tippmann is the perfect combination of a mauler, with a history running the McVay zone blocking scheme. A prime pick #20 trade back candidate.
30. Keanu Benton - DT
Benton is a player many haven't heard enough about, but in a few minutes of watching tape, Benton jumps out as a potential star as DT. His ability to play the NT makes him extremely valuable to Seattle.
Seahawks top 52 Big Board 31-37
31. Cody Mauch - IOL
One of the coolest stories in the draft, the champion from NDSU Bison played OT, but is another lineman that will play IOL in the NFL. He should dominate with the long flowing red hair and toothless smile.
32. Zay Flowers - WR
The size is a little concerning, but Flowers was a stud on a bad Boston College team that had little to no talent around him. Smells like a potential Tyreke Hill replacement for Kansas City at pick #31.
33. Trenton Simpson - LB
More of a weapon than a linebacker, Simpson can line up all over the field and cause havoc. A bigger version of what the Seahawks may have been hoping for from Jamal Adams.
34. Mazi Smith - DT
Bruce Feldman named Mazi the ultimate freak in college football. His stats don't show it, but Mazi controls the line of scrimmage in a way that allows those around him to be great.
35. Bryan Bresee - DT
Injuries and family tragedies have kept Bresee from being able to see the field as much as you'd like to see,but the potential for greatness is there.
36. J.L. Skinner - S
An offseason injury has put his rookie season in doubt, but there's a potential superstar safety in Skinner. His tape reminds me of some real Kam Chancellor vibes.
37. Kayshon Boutte - WR
A year ago, Boutte was a top 10 pick. A difficult season with a new coach and QB, Boutte could potentially slip into the 3rd round. Seattle should jump on this talent. He has #1 WR skills and could unlock the Seahawks passing game.
Seahawks top 52 Big Board 38-45
38. Jack Campbell- LB
Captain Jack was a tackling machine for Iowa, and has some really good grades in pass coverage. Potentially a perfect LB to learn from Bobby Wagner.
39. Dew Sanders- LB
If not Campbell, Drew Sanders is another perfect fit to potentially replace a legend in the future. Sanders can play multiple positions and has a higher ceiling/lower floor comp to Campbell.
40. Jalin Hyatt - WR
Speed and home run power, Hyatt is the ultimate boom or bust WR prospect in this draft. If Lockett is not going to be in Seattle for much longer, Hyatt makes sense in round 2.
41. Deonte Banks - CB
An underrated DB out of Maryland, Banks was a combine star that could be a strong #2 in Seattle.
42. O' Cyrus Torrence - IOL
If Anthony Richardson is the choice at #5, his partner from Gainesville could be a perfect addition. Experience in the SEC, Torrence is another plug and play IOL.
43. Josh Downs - WR
After a dominant season with future star QB Drake Maye at UNC, Downs looks and plays like a young Tyler Lockett. Imagine DK Metcalf and two Tyler Lockett's for Geno Smith.
44. Luke Musgrave - TE
Known as the Seam God, Musgrave is a perfect downfield threat down the middle for the Seahawks. His measurables and combine numbers are eerily similar to Travis Kelce when Kelce entered the league.
45. Daiyan Henley - LB
The all-american linebacker from Washington State, this Cougar can do it all. Very similar player to Trenton Simpson, but maybe 20 picks later in the draft.
Seahawks top 52 Big Board 46-52
46. Noah Sewell - LB
A physical and north/south type of player, Sewell is another player that I expect him to outperform where the media has him slipping to. Sewell is a solid bet to take late in Day 2.
47. Steve Avila - IOL
One of the most underrated players from the stunning TCU football team, Steve Avila has been a consistent gem at the guard position during his career in Fort Worth. His push to play center in the draft process should help him get drafted higher than expected.
48. Siaki Ika - DT
The man who blocks out the sun. Siaki Ika is the immovable object at the NT position. If the Seahawks are truly committed to building a 3-4 defense, Ika is a perfect fit for anchoring the D-line, allowing Dre' Jones to feast.
49. Will McDonald IV - Edge
A star in college, McDonald always produced for Iowa State in the Big 12. With Darrell Taylor in his last year of his contract, McDonald could step into his role in 2024.
50. Marvim Mims Jr. - WR
Despite some inconsistent QB play, Mims produced whenever he did get the ball at Oklahoma. A deep threat with breakaway speed, Mims and DK running deep would be tough to stop.
51. Julius Brents - CB
Last year the Seahawks struck gold with the raw, but massively talented Tariq Woolen. Julius Brents from Kansas State looks like a very similar player. At 6-2 200 lbs, Brents has all the physical tools to be a #1 level corner, but he needs some of that Pete Carroll magic to potentially have the biggest DB room in the league.
52. Clark Phillips III - CB
While Phillips may not have the size of a typical Seahawks DB, he's an absolute playmaker that could be a perfect fit in the slot. A 2022 All American, Phillips had six interceptions and 15 passes defended.
Seahawks must-haves
Darnell Washington
This is one of if not the greatest tight end draft class of all time. There's a path where three to four of them go in the top 40. I expect the Seahawks O-line to be better this year than last, but adding the best tight end blocker in over a decade would be massive for Kenneth Walker and the run game. His massive size makes him an intriguing YAC monster and a red zone target that Geno could really use. He'll probably be there at around pick 20, but not 37.
Lukas Van Ness
We talked about his raw abilities, and his youth. This is a guy where if things go south at pick #5, a trade back between 8-11 is a sweet spot to get the next Trey Hendrickson.
Kayshon Boutte
Boutte is looking at a massive slide, going from top 10 last fall to potentially the 70's-80's. Again, get this man a QB and a scheme that allows him to show his athleticism, and you'll get a poor man's Deebo Samuel. Look for Seattle to trade up to get him around the early 3rd round.
Demarvion Overshown
A former DB turned LB at Texas, Overshown is an athletic mismatch for offenses. He plays the run well despite a smaller than average LB frame, but his quickness is something the Seahawks haven't seen from that position since prime Bobby. Missed on an edge guy in the first two rounds? Overshown can be a sack hunting LB in the early 100's picks.
Roschon Johnson
Overshown's teammates and the forgotten Robin to Bijan Robinson's Batman, Roschon Johnson will have a better NFL career than college. At 6ft 225 lbs, Roschon is a powerful back that is fresh, has the measurables that are similar to Chris Carson and would be the thunder to KW9's lightning. I think he's a must-have if still available at pick 123.
The Seahawks please-no's
Bryce Young
I don't foresee a scenario where Young makes it to #5, but there's too much recent history (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray) that these smaller QB's are destined for injuries and a limited offensive scheme for the franchise. I simply don't get how Carolina could think to trade so much draft capital, and to select a guy that is less talented and durable than the three other available QB options. Get on me if I'm wrong, but I expect the Panthers will regret this decision forever if they take Young.
Bryan Bresee
I feel bad about the tragedies, but the tape has never shown a 5 star prospect talent that Clemson was so excited about. I don't think he's worth the risk compared to the other defensive tackle options.
Byron Young (Tennessee)
Byron Young screams Seahawks pick. Older, senior bowl, high floor, low ceiling. I'll lose some hair if John Schneider takes Young on Day 2.
Hendon Hooker
Rumors are swirling that Hooker will go in the late first round. He should be ready to play at some point next season, but I'm not comfortable drafting him at pick #20. I think Geno is a better option, there's some real value in trading back from pick #20, and the 2024 QB class is so deep, he's not worth the pick, despite a fun season at Tennessee.
Jonathan Mingo
People are looking for the next AJ Brown or DK Metcalf, and maybe going to the well too many times. Mingo is a fine 3rd-4th round pick lottery ticket, not a top 40 pick that he's been rumored to be.
How the Seahawks may approach the draft
Seahawks: What to do at pick 5
As we've discussed, this is the most valuable pick ever in the John Schneider/Pete Carroll era of Seahawks football. A hit here, and Seattle is likely set for a decade. A miss, and the opportunity to make a run in the next 3 seasons is likely not realistic. Here's how I expect their thought process to go.
Option 1- Take Will Anderson Jr.
He's the best player in the class and fills a need as a great run defender and a very good pass rusher. Incredible intangibles and looks like a potential Von Miller to me. If this man somehow is there at pick #5, the Seahawks should call that pick in as fast as any pick in team history. The ultimate final gift from Russell Wilson.
Option 2- If Anderson Jr. Is gone, take CJ Stroud or Anthony Richardson
There's a chance Will Anderson Jr makes it to pick 5 in the first round, but I would not bet on it. If he is gone, I think Seattle will take a long look at QB. Is it the type of move that would help the Seahawks make a Super Bowl run this season? No, but this is the type of move that would help secure the future at the most important position for Seattle. The Kansas City Chiefs experienced strong success with Alex Smith at QB, averaging 10.6 wins over his 5 seasons, but went 1-4 in the playoffs. In his final season in KC, the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes and had him sit for the 2017 season. Mahomes was allowed to properly wait and learn from a fantastic mentor in Alex Smith. After the season, the Chiefs traded Smith to DC for a starting cornerback and a 3rd round pick, and the rest is history in Kansas City.
This is the path to take for Seattle with a Stroud or Richardson. Let them sit and learn from Geno, and see what happens in 2023. Stroud is the safer bet, while Richardson has perhaps one of the highest ceilings, but a very low floor. No matter the preference, This is easily my #2 option.
Option 3- Trade back to 7 and take best player available
In option 3, Will Anderson is gone, and the Seahawks have made the decision to pass on QB in 2023. They feel that this is their best chance to make a run, and want defensive talent to help alleviate pressure from Geno Smith and the #9 ranked offense. While I prefer the route of looking for a young franchise QB, I would expect this to be Seattle’s backup option.
In my big board, I have Jalen Carter, Tyree Wilson, and Devon Witherspoon all closely ranked between 4-6. I would expect the Seahawks to look to a QB desperate team like the Raiders or Falcons for a trade back. The Seahawks could collect another top 75 pick, while still getting one of those three prospects, all of whom could help the team immediately.
In my preference, I’d want Jalen Carter most, then Tyree Wilson, then Devon Witherspoon.
Seahawks: What to do at 20
This pick is a non-negotiable, this is a clear trade back decision. The middle of the first round to the end of the first round is going to be wild. You could make a case that nearly all players on my 52 players board could be selected in this 15-31 range. The draft may not be loaded with blue chip talent, but there's close to 100 players that will be in the discussion for late Day 1 through Day 2 picks.
There will be talented players that slip, or certain players (Hendon Hooker) that are more valuable with that 1st round 5th year option available. The Seahawks at #20 are in a fantastic spot to move back and collect yet another Day 2 pick where the draft is the deepest.
Using the Rich Hill Trade Value Chart, here are the 5 best trades that are fair, but wins from a Seahawks perspective. I expect a trade from one of these 5 teams.
Potential trade partners:
Minnesota 23 & 87
Jacksonville 24 & 88
New Orleans 29 & 71
Kansas City 31 & 63
Philadelphia 30 & 62
Draft focus: With this pick, the Seahawks are in a great position to take the best player available and have fun. For me personally, players like Darnell Washington, Michael Mayer, Lukas Van Ness, Joey Porter, Keion White, Bijan Robinson, or a wide receiver, are the players that I'm looking for here.
There may be a draw to select a center here with a mid 20's pick, but I say stay patient.
Seahawks round 2 Selections
What to do at pick 37
Still in the middle of the meat of the draft, the Seahawks could easily go with BPA again, and be totally happy. Championship drafts happen when you're able to blend BPA and fill a need. The Chiefs did this in 2021 with Creed Humphrey, the Seahawks last year with Charles Cross and Abe Lucas. At pick #37, the Seahawks should be able to find that sweet spot with a stud center.
Big Ten stars John Michael Schmitz and Joe Tippmann are the prospects to be watching at this pick. John Michael Schmitz is the highest rated center prospect by most in the media, while Tippmann may be the best zone blocking center, a running scheme the Seahawks run.
Personally, I'd love to see JMS as a Seahawk. If you feel like he can understand and handle the zone blocking schemes, then he's the pick.
What to do at pick 52
Much like pick #37, BPA should line up perfectly with a quality defensive tackle. Whether the Seahawks take Jalen Carter or pass, a player that can play the nose tackle is vital for Seattle, who currently don't have a nose tackle on their roster.
My preferred pick here is either Keanu Benton or Mazi Smith. I think there's about a 35% chance they'll be there at #52, but I feel confident one of Bryan Bresee, Gervon Dexter, or Siaki Ika will be available.
By the end of Day 2, I expect the Seahawks will have added two high impact players, despite their position while fortifying the trenches up the middle with the other two picks.
Focus for the rest of the Seahawks draft
For the rest of the draft, the best player available philosophy is the right path to long term success, but that doesn't mean there aren't more needs that must be filled. The Seahawks need a wide receiver, at least one linebacker, and a running back.
The Seahawks, in this scenario, could potentially have three selections between picks 70-90. Even if they surprise and don’t trade back, they’re still looking at six more draft selections. There’s plenty of opportunity to find the BPA at running back, linebacker, and running back.
I believe that when the draft ends on Saturday evening, the Seahawks should have every opportunity to solidify their offensive and defensive trenches, the true anchors of championship teams. Depth at the linebacker, running back and wide receiver positions should be filled as well. There will likely still be some holes or concerns with the roster, but the beauty of this draft is that there’s so much depth, no matter the route or vision you take, there’s no reason Seattle shouldn’t get noticeably better.
Before last season, there would be extreme nervousness from the fanbase allowing Schneider or Carroll to make these franchise altering decisions. After last year’s draft however, it’s a completely different feel. The 2022 draft was a historic hit, Geno Smith played like a franchise QB, and now this draft could put Seattle over the top. Here’s to a special weekend and some future Seahawk stars coming to help bring home a 2nd Super Bowl.