The 2023 Seattle Seahawks draft includes two first-round picks, the first of which came via the Russell Wilson blockbuster trade with the Denver Broncos last year.
Fresh off a surprise playoff appearance last season, Seattle retained reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year Geno Smith. Despite this, the team is still being linked to quarterbacks at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft. We fully expect general manager John Schneider and Co. to target a signal caller early.
With the annual event quickly approaching, let’s look at five players the Seahawks should target when all is said and done. Before that, let’s check in on the Seattle Seahawks draft picks for the annual event.
Related: 2023 Seattle Seahawks mock draft
Seattle Seahawks draft picks in 2023
- Round 1 (via DEN) – 5th overall
- Round 1 – 20th overall
- Round 2 (via DEN) – 37th overall
- Round 2 – 52nd overall
- Round 3 – 83rd overall
- Round 4 – 123rd overall
- Round 5 (via PIT) – 151st overall
- Round 6 – 198th overall
- Round 7 – 237th overall
Seattle Seahawks draft targets: First round
Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Seattle likes what it has in young edge rusher Darrell Taylor. But the idea of adding a top-flight guy to go with him might be too hard for the Seahawks to pass up on. At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Anderson needs to add some bulk to his frame. But the dude boasts elite-level athleticism and pro-ready pass-rush moves. In fact, he could be the best non-quarterback in the entire 2023 class.
Over the course of the past two seasons with the Crimson Tide, Anderson registered an absurd 48 tackles for loss to go with 27.5 sacks. He did this against elite SEC competition. This would be a home run pick at five.
Related: Seattle Seahawks NFL free agency grade
Hendon Hooker, quarterback, Tennessee
Hooker was a legitimate Heisman candidate for Tennessee a season ago before suffering a torn ACL. At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Hooker also boasts the ideal frame for a quarterback in today’s NFL.
Sure, there’s some issues with sample size. But we’re talking about a young kid who has plus-level arm strength and shows a great amount of athleticism for someone his size.
- Hendon Hooker stats (2022): 69.6% completion, 3,135 passing yards, 430 rushing yards, 32 total TD, 2 INT
Smith’s contract for the Seahawks is pretty much for one season (two at the most). His presence in the Pacific Northwest would help Hooker learn the nuances of the NFL game for a season or two before he takes over under center. Based on what we’re hearing, selecting him 20th overall wouldn’t be a reach.
Joey Porter Jr., cornerback, Penn State
Fellow cornerback Tariq Woolen was tremendous as a rookie last season, recording six interceptions while yielding a mere 48.7 QB rating when targeted. Why wouldn’t Seattle want to double down at this position in order to create a modern “Legion of Boom?”
Porter Jr. displayed all of the traits you look for in a quarterback during his time with Penn State. His technique and athleticism were on full display for the Nittany Lions. That included great footwork and change of direction ability. Porter Jr. could be a Day 1 starter for Seattle.
Related: 2023 NFL mock draft
Seattle Seahawks draft targets: Second round
Cedric Tillman, wide receiver, Tennessee
Seattle boasts two high-priced wide receivers in that of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. We’re just not sure that’s sustainable. Equally as important, the Seahawks lack that true third option in the passing game for Wilson.
Tillman (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) would make sense as another big-body target. Prior to an injury-plagued 2022 season, Tillman caught 64 passes for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns the previous year. He’s surprisingly athletic for someone his size and can make that contested catch. This is highly valuable in today’s NFL.
Related: Bobby Wagner returns to Seattle Seahawks at a steal of a price
Jack Campbell, linebacker, Iowa
Seattle signed Devin Bush and brought back All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner in free agency. These are mere short-term fixes in an area that plagued the Seahawks’ defense on a consistent basis throughout the 2022 season.
Former first-round pick Jordyn Brooks yielded a 72% completion and 122.6 QB rating when targeted a season ago. Having someone at this position who can play three downs and cover is important. Campbell proved he can do that during his time with Iowa. He tallied seven passes defended and four interceptions in his final two seasons with the Hawkeyes.
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