4 Seattle Seahawks players that could be replaced in the 2023 NFL Draft

Player No. 3: Seahawks tight end Noah Fant

Seattle has three tight ends on the roster who will get the majority of the snaps. But one, Fant, is more of a pass catcher than a blocker. In fact, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Fant was the lowest-graded TE for Seattle in 2022 and all because of his blocking. Fant was much worse at that part of his game than Will Dissly or Colby Parkinson.

Fant did have his fifth-year option picked up by Seattle last offseason when Fant was part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Broncos and Fant came to Seattle, but that means Fant is set to be a free agent next offseason. In 2022, Fant was just OK as a receiver. He caught 50 passes for 486 yards and 4 touchdowns. Fant will have every opportunity to be better in 2023.

But is due to make $6,850,000 this coming season and unless his numbers improve much, Seattle could replace him by taking a tight end in the 2023 draft who is just as productive but a lot less costly. Plus, Seattle likes tight ends that can block well. Sure, years ago they traded fro Jimmy Graham but that didn't really pay off. A player like Dissly is more their guy and that shows in the fact that Seattle likely overpaid for Dissly in free agency last offseason.

There are several tight ends in the 2023 draft capable of replacing Fant by 2024. Iowa's Sam LaPorta can run well and break tackles while also being a good blocker. Georgia's Darnell Washington is 6'7" and 270 pounds with good hands. Plus, both those guys won't go until the second round or later meaning the price the Seahawks will have to pay them is much lower than Fant.