The Seattle Seahawks are just...right there. They are almost on the verge of being a real contender. Sure, there are teams ahead of them, but Seattle is well-coached (don't fight that argument, 12; Seattle has been far too successful since Pete Carroll arrived in 2010), has talent, and just needs to convert on the field to take the next step.
General NFL fans know about people like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Bobby Wagner. But just like a baseball team that needs the 7 through 9 hitters to come through consistently, a football team needs the guys who aren't considered household names to be the glue to success. Seattle has several of these kinds of players.
The stars are going to produce. That is why they are stars, correct? But which players might be ready to take off for the Seahawks in 2023? Maybe the three that follow.
Three Seahawks will surprise everyone in 2023
Seahawks surprise No. 1: Edge rusher Boye Mafe
Mafe seems almost forgotten at this point. He was a second-round pick, just behind Kenneth Walker III, in the 2022 draft. In preseason last year, Mafe looked really good and capable of helping the team immediately. But rookies need time to adjust to the NFL, at least most of them do. Mafe wasn't bad last year, he just didn't produce a bunch of statistics.
He still started three games and finished with 3 sacks. He also had 3 tackles-for-loss and finished with 41 tackles. So while Mafe was solid, he was nowhere near being a Pro Bowler or anything. That might change in 2023. While many expect Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor to get their sacks, Mafe could certainly surprise and get closer to 10 sacks himself. He has the raw ability.
With increased playing time and a year of experience, Mafe could have numbers that resemble this: 9 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 60 tackles. Those would be impact numbers from a player who should be an impact player as he was taken high in the second round. Mafe should burst on the NFL scene this coming season, and be an important part of the Seattle pass rush rotation for several seasons yet.
Seahawks surprise No. 2: Running back Kenny McIntosh
Seattle has hit a home run previously when taking a running back in the seventh round. In 2017, the Seahawks chose Chris Carson who ran for over 1,000 yards in both 2018 and 2019. Except for an injury that ended his career, Carson might still be Seattle's lead back. McIntosh likely won't have to have the workload that Carson did, but that doesn't mean he won't be extremely important.
McIntosh is NFL-ready after playing at Georgia. Sometimes a rookie running back is held back by his lack of being able to pass block. That won't be an issue for McIntosh who was well-coached at Georgia and he played against NFL-type talent in the SEC.
McIntosh is also capable of being a three-down back. He caught 43 passes in 2022. In each of the past three seasons, he averaged at least 11.0 yards a reception and that is excellent production as a receiver. But McIntosh has the size - he is 6'1" and 210 pounds - to take the punishment NFL defenders will dish out so McIntosh shouldn't have many problems with his main gig: Carrying the football.
McIntosh is probably RB4 in the Seahawks' 2023 rotation right now. But Seattle has a recent history of having multiple running backs might games at the same time. McIntosh is likely going to get his chance to get important snaps and I think he will perform so well he could show he is worthy of at least being an RB2.
Seahawks surprise No. 3: Tight end Noah Fant
Fant has been a solid player since coming into the league in 2019, but he hasn't become a superstar. Fant's best seasons were in 2020 and 2021 when he had 62 and 68 receptions, respectively, as well as 673 yards receiving in 2020 and 673 yards in 2021. Decent numbers but nowhere near worthy of getting Pro Bowl attention.
What a day for @nrfant! 👏 pic.twitter.com/b3qby9g56W
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 6, 2022
But Fant is physically capable of more. At 6'4" and 250 pounds, Fant can also run well. In his first three seasons at Denver, he played in a terrible offense that couldn't get the best out of Fant's abilities. Last year with Seattle, Fant was still underused as quarterback Geno Smith chose to get Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf involved more than the tight ends.
That could change in 2023 due to Seattle drafting Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Opposing defenses can only do so much, of course, and while before they could focus more on Lockett and Metcalf while leaving a nickelback to cover the tight end, But Smith-Njigba is going to draw the nickel attention now. This should leave Fant more in coverage against safeties and Fant should be able to get open more.
Fant could have his best season in terms of receptions and receiving yards, but also touchdowns. Fant should be an excellent red zone threat in 2023 with attention going towards Lockett, Metcalf, and Smith-Njigba. Plus, this is a walk year for Noah Fant so he should be extra motivated to earn his next paycheck. Could he get to 10 touchdown receptions? It's a distinct possibility.