The 2023 NFL season did not go as planned for the Seattle Seahawks. Although many did not have Super Bowl aspirations for this young roster, they were expected to take a step forward after a surprising 2022 season. Even though they finished with the same record as the previous season (9-8), the decisions that followed were extremely different.
Despite the rumors heading into Week 18 of the 2023 season finale, not many expected Pete Carroll to step down from coaching. The 72-year-old was as energetic as ever this past season, showing no signs of age or retirement. However, Jody Allen and company decided to make a franchise-altering move when they ultimately fired Pete Carroll.
In spite of the fact that the franchise's winningest head coach was continuing to stack winning seasons, the poor defensive play over recent years had many feeling this organization was stagnant. Could some of the outside noise have crept into this decision? Possibly. But, the result of what followed should have 12s excited about what's to come.
Seattle Seahawks mock draft includes players to watch at the 2024 NFL Combine
From the oldest coach to youngest, Mike Macdonald will be taking over a Seahawks team that is expecting a defensive turnaround, given the success shown in Baltimore over the last two seasons. The common denominator in the past and present is John Schneider. Who, by the way, was elevated into the General Manager position, with the final say on all personnel decisions and staff hiring.
I say that to say whatever culture Macdonald will be looking to install in Seattle for 2024, the draft philosophy will remain the same. As alluded to last year, Schneider mentioned post-draft that all the players they selected had an axe or hammer next to their name on the draft board. Indicating a hard-nosed player with a chip on their shoulder.
In this mock draft, which I computed through Pro Football Network's draft simulator, I have the Seattle Seahawks using that same principle as they attempt to bridge the gap between them, the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the rest of the contenders in the NFC.
Round 1, Seahawks Pick 16 - Edge rusher Chop Robinson, Penn State
Last year, the Seattle Seahawks pass rush struggled. While a lot didn't go right on defense, the lack of pass rush has been a consistent storyline for the Seahawks. Granted, Uchenna Nwosu missed the majority of the season and Boye Mafe showed true promise. But, with new head coach Mike Macdonald, I'm sure he would love to replicate his league-high 60 sacks in 2023.
Certainly, schematics and game planning will have a direct impact on that. Another way of addressing it is to add one of the best pass-rushers in this draft class.
Chop Robinson cutup pic.twitter.com/OlpBf7ALNs
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) February 21, 2024
Over the last two or three seasons, as we have seen Seattle make a shift in defensive philosophy, they've targeted athletic edge rushers. Guys who have a quick get-off at the line of scrimmage, utilizing their speed to get around offensive linemen. But, also have the strength to bullrush and get through offensive linemen in pursuit of the quarterback.
Edge rusher out of Penn State, Chop Robinson, checks all those boxes. In the tape displayed above, you will see Robinson get to the quarterback in different ways. In fact, he was versatile enough in college to be deployed all over the defensive front.
His get-off and quick hands at the line of scrimmage immediately jump off the tape. But, more importantly, the blend of that along with his size, power, and relentlessness will serve wonders on this Seattle defensive front. The scary part about Robinson is that he still has room to grow. The transfer from Maryland has arguably the highest ceiling at his position in this draft.
Round 3, Seahawks Pick 78 - DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
It should come as no surprise that the Seattle Seahawks select a Michigan Wolverine. Many expect the Seahawks to invest in the interior of the defensive line with their first-round selection. In this case, the Seahawks stay on the athletic trend and select Kris Jenkins with the 78th overall pick. My guess is Seattle re-signs Leonard Williams and turns to Jenkins as a developmental piece.
With that said, it doesn't mean he cannot have an impact in his rookie season. I wouldn't even be surprised if Jenkins' draft stock were to rise after the NFL Combine. His swim move seems to be his signature but he is also known for his twitchiness and leveraging his head movement in getting past offensive linemen to secure tackles. After watching Seattle last year, tackling was a huge issue, especially at the line of scrimmage.
Round 3, Pick 81 (via DEN) - Safety Calen Bullock, USC
Let's stick with the defensive side of the ball. With the 81st pick, the Seattle Seahawks select 2023 First-team All-Pac 12 safety, Calen Bullock. Jamal Adams could serve as a potential cap casualty for the Seahawks and we know how much Mike Macdonald values the safety room. I know there are few Kyle Hamiltons walking around the planet, but Bullock fits the mold and could be used as a chess piece.
Don’t sleep on Calen Bullock⚔️@uscfb pic.twitter.com/p7Vw5iKjhR
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 20, 2024
On tape, he resembles Quandre Diggs with his impressive ball-hawking skills. But, what makes him a good fit for this defense is his man-coverage ability. He's lengthy at 6-foot-3-inches tall and has good speed that allows him to stay with wide receivers. Although he struggles with tackling at times, he is not afraid to turn on the jets and lower his pads. I think he could end up being a very valuable member of this Seattle defense.
Round 4, Seahawks Pick 119 - OT Sataoa Laumea, Utah
Sataoa Laumea played the majority of his 4-year college career as a tackle. But, might be better at guard in the NFL and that is exactly why the Seahawks select him in the 4th round. At 6-foot-4-inches, 319 pounds, Laumea has great hands and athleticism. He can be used as a puller in gap schemes but also has displayed on tape his ability to drive defenders backward. I don't know if he would be a day 1 starter, but I can see him eventually playing his way into the starting guard position.
Round 5, Pick 151 - TE Erick All, Iowa
It will be interesting to see how the Seahawks address free agency with both Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson set to hit the market. The usage of tight ends was important to Shane Waldron and I'd imagine, they will be with Ryan Grubb. Despite having an ACL tear, it's worth taking a flyer on Erick All. The attribute that will jump off tape is his physicality. He likes to put his hands on defenders but also has the ability to make plays in the open field with his ability after the catch.
Round 6, Pick 194 - LB Maema Njongmeta, Wisconsin
Similar to the TE position, Seattle will have to make decisions surrounding Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks at the linebacker position. Selecting Maema Njongmeta in the 6th round could serve as an insurance premium for Brooks, given his injury history (if he were re-signed). But, do not be mistaken, Njongmeta will not want to be on the bench for long. He has the ability to play in coverage which will be important for Macdonald's scheme. But, most importantly, and what jumps off tape, is his controlled violence.
Round 7, Pick 233 - WR Anthony Gould, Oregon
Despite being a 7th-round selection, Anthony Gould could make an immediate impact on this Seahawks team. With his blazing speed, he can make a difference as a special teams returner. Although he is certainly undersized at 5-foot-8-inches tall, he does have the ability to run the route tree. Will primarily be effective in screens and other quick passes that get him in space. But, I could see him having the ability that Seattle thought Dee Eskridge would possess when selecting him.