Seattle Seahawks mock draft tracker: No consensus on a quarterback

There is still a lot to obviously play out for the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. The team could still finish 10-7 and make the postseason. But a recent four-game skid does not show any evidence that Seattle is about to go on a win streak suddenly. What is Geno Smith gets back to QB1 and has a great final three or four games?

That might change the conversation on whether the Seahawks choose a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Some people who cover Seattle, such as ESPN's Brady Henderson, don't think Seattle will grab a QB with their first pick no matter what. They foresee general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll still trying to build the overall roster and not start over at quarterback.

Geno Smith is still signed for two seasons beyond 2023. He could stay the starter next year and Seattle could take a quarterback in the 2025 draft. I am not saying that is what I think Seattle should do, but that is as possible of outcome as any other at this point.

Since the season is coming to an end in a few weeks, mock drafts are trending up. We have already done a couple on this site. All mock drafts are just educated guesses, obviously, but even Schneider admits to reading them for fun. So who do some sites see the Seahawks grabbing with their first choice? Here are some samples.

Seattle Seahawks mock drafts show there is no clear favorite in the first round

Edge rusher Jared Verse, Florida State - 33rd Team and ESPN, among others

ESPN compared Verse to Trey Hendrickson of Cincinnati so that is awesome. The four-letter network also says Verse can bounce inside and outside the defensive line, which sounds like what Michael Bennett used to do. Verse finished 9 sacks during the regular season.

Cornerback Cooper DeJean, Iowa - Pro Football Network

Well, this one was a surprise. And a pretty harsh critique of how 2022 Pro Bowler Riq Woolen has played in his second season. Should he be replaced already? PFN thinks so and loves DeJean's athleticism.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Michigan - CBS Sports

McCarthy might not be the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2024 draft, but he knows how to win and that is important. He has also been coached in a pro system in Michigan. That should make his transition to the NFL easier.

Quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., Washington - San Diego Union-Tribune

I realize the San Diego paper might be an odd one to choose a mock draft from, but at least they had Penix being picked by the Seahawks. Lots of 12s already love the Washington Husky product. The SDUT says of Penix, "The Heisman Trophy finalist is a big-armed, athletic talent who might get nitpicked for his unorthodox throwing style and being a lefty."