Seahawks should prepare to face this extreme upgrade for one NFC West rival

The Seattle Seahawks don't have a high-priority need in the secondary currently. The cornerback group consists of Devon Witherspoon, who as a rookie was a Pro Bowler in 2023, and Riq Woolen, who even though he wasn't great in 2023 was also a Pro Bowler in 2022 as a rookie. The safety group had 2023 Pro Bowler Julian Love as well as new veterans Rayshawn Jenkins and K'Von Wallace. Seattle also has good depth at cornerback.

NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, were only 4-13 in 2023 but they did not act like they were a bad team whose starting quarterback missed half the season. Arizona could definitely take a big jump in 2024 with some added talent and having a year under the coaching staff they added in 2023. The San Francisco 49ers are presumably the best team in the division, and the Los Angeles Rams finished second last season; the Seahawks could battle the Cardinals for last in 2024.

The difference between Seattle and Arizona in head-to-head matchups last season (Seattle won both) was only 11 points. Seattle was lucky to pull out a late victory in the final game of the season. The point is that there was not much difference in the Cardinals and Seahawks last year and if Arizona adds more talent this offseason than Seattle, the balance could be tilted toward Arizona.

Seattle Seahawks should be prepared to face Marvin Harrison, Jr. with the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals also hold the number four pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They don't need a quarterback but they do not more offensive weapons. They are clearly interested in taking a wide receiver and they reportedly hosted Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. on a top-30 visit last week. Harrison is the best receiver of the deep wide receiver class in 2024.

In fact, Harrison is capable of stepping into the WR1 role for many teams and being someone that defensive coordinators have to scheme for immediately. This means when Seattle faces Arizona next season, Mike Macdonald is going to have to plan to slow down Harrison and Witherspoon and Woolen will be tasked with doing so.

Almost every other team in the top of the NFL draft needs a quarterback or is willing to trade with a team that needs a quarterback. The Los Angeles Chargers hold the number five pick and don't need a quarterback but the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and New York Giants do. Arizona should just sit at number four and take Harrison. Even if there are trades ahead of the number four choice, those teams are going to take a quarterback.

Seattle is almost certainly going to face Harrison with the Cardinals. 11 points was not much of a total point difference between Seattle and Arizona last year. Harrison could easily help make up that difference as soon as 2024.

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