2023 surprises and a look toward 2024
Who's been the biggest surprise this season not named Bobo?
There are several, some good and some bad. I will name two, though. Dre’Mont Jones has been a major disappointment so far with only 2.5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. The problem for Seattle is Jones is basically on pace with his career averages, but Seattle didn’t give him a huge contract to have him be the same player he has been. They needed him to be transformative and he hasn’t been.
Jordyn Brooks was a surprise just to be back by Week 1, and he has been Seattle’s best linebacker at times this year. As Shane Lantz wrote in The Seattle Times, Brooks is playing at a remarkable level. He seems to be able to anticipate plays better than even Wagner at times. Brooks has already surpassed his career highs for sacks and QB hits, and will likely better his personal best of tackles for loss. Seattle needs to re-sign him this offseason.
Should the Hawks take a QB with their first pick in 2024, or wait for what many expect to be a stronger class in 2025, and shore up other areas this time?
What a silly question! Seattle already has their answer at quarterback in Drew Lock! (Joking.) I think this depends on where Seattle actually picks in the draft and who is available. I do not think they should just take a quarterback to take a quarterback. If Seattle finishes something like 8-9 they would have a better chance to get a decent QB than if they finish 11-6, of course. If players such as Drake Maye are available for Seattle with their first pick, they have to take him. Otherwise, positions like safety and defensive tackle could be bigger concerns.