3 reasons why Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will win MVP
Reason No. 2: A Seahawks draft that allows Shane Waldron to cook
If the Geno Smith extension was the biggest moment of the offseason, then the 2023 draft was easily second. Thanks to Russell Wilson, the Seahawks had four picks in the top 52 and 10 total, it was a rare opportunity to add elite talent. Thanks to John Schneider sticking to his best player available philosophy, Geno Smith and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron received some major upgrades.
While the defense added two potential blue-chip stars, the offense may have completed some of the best-looking position groups in the NFL. At pick 20, Seattle took the top-ranked receiver in Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba missed most of last season due to injuries, but his 2021 tape would have made him a top-10 pick in 2022 if he was eligible. With one of the best combine numbers ever in the 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle, Smith-Njigba is a perfect fit in the slot, and could easily become one of the best slot receivers in the league by year one.
At pick 52, the Seahawks did what the Seahawks do, and drafted another running back with UCLA's Zach Charbonnet. While the decision may frustrate fans, it does create a special young running back duo with Walker and Charbonnet. A successful running game will lead to more play-action opportunities, an area where Geno was spectacular last season. Charbonnet is also a fantastic receiving back, something Seattle lacked last year when Travis Homer was hurt.
On day 3 of the draft, the Seahawks drafted the best college center last season in Michigan's Olusegun Oluwatimi, and athletic monster Anthony Bradford from LSU. Together, there's a very real chance Seattle upgrades their offensive line for the second straight season, by rolling with two rookies yet again.
In all, the Seahawks may have one of the best wide receivers trios and running back rooms in all of football. Having great running backs that can take a 3 yard pass for 7-10 yards is huge for an offense. Finally giving Shane Waldron, a Sean McVay disciple, 3 great WRs to properly run the McVay offense could be huge. We may see Waldron reach his best self in Seattle in 2023, which is good news for Geno Smith.