How each Seattle Seahawks 2023 draft pick can help the team
By Boade Rowe
Seahawks second-round picks
2nd round, 37th overall pick - Derick Hall, Defensive End, Auburn
Derick Hall was once again a somewhat surprising choice for the Seahawks, But another “under the radar” prospect with an extremely high upside. Hall is a perfect fit for the Seahawk's newly adopted 3-4 defense and shows traits of an all-around elite edge rusher. Though Hall has some flaws in his game, I believe Hall’s flaws are fixable at the professional level.
Although Derick Hall is only 6’3” and 255 pounds, he plays with much more strength than expected. He doesn't possess elite power, but he routinely sets the edge at a high level and rarely gets manhandled by bigger offensive linemen in pass-rush scenarios. Hall also shows slightly above-average bend and rip-through, but where Hall will excel at the NFL level is his exceptional burst and explosion. His first step flashed on tape, and you can regularly notice the lineman struggling to stay in front of him.
The Seattle Seahawks needed help in pass rush and in run defense. Hall is an already proven threat in pass-rush and has all the strength and athleticism to impact the run game as an edge rusher. With Hall being the final pick in the Russel Wilson trade, the Seahawks felt like Derick Hall was the perfect piece to add to Seattle's defensive mix. If he can reach his maximum potential in the Seahawk’s scheme, Derrick Hall could be the motor that starts Seattle’s pass rush.
2nd round, 52nd overall pick - Zach Charbonnet, Running back, UCLA
My favorite aspect of the draft is the prospects that fly under the radar, and many prospects need to be noticed due to a lack of opportunity or just the absence of production in a poor scheme fit. Zach Charbonnet may have been the most overshadowed running back in the 2023 NFL draft. John Schneider may share this sentiment as he seems increasingly excited as the draft gets later, and he was pretty happy to pick Zach Charbonnet.
Charbonnet exhibited a powerful and elusive running style and was a four-star recruit out of high school. He chose to attend Michigan University, where a crowded backfield overshadowed him while still showing flashes in a limited role. He was given a promising lead running back position. Last season at UCLA, Zach Charbonnet rushed for 1,350 yards and 14 touchdowns.
As I alluded to before, Cahrbonnet is a powerful and elusive runner. He possesses elite footwork and contact balance. Charbonnet also seems a willing and capable pass blocker, routinely laying big blocks on blitzing defenders.
Charbonnet exhibits reliable hands and a great catch radius out of the backfield, not to forget he also had only two career college fumbles. Where Zach needs to improve at the next level is his pad level and his decisiveness when picking a hole to run through. Charbonnet is a patient runner who allows his blocks to develop, but a higher sense of urgency at the next level would serve him well.