The Seattle Seahawks will have two selections in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Their first pick (fifth overall) was acquired in last offseason’s blockbuster trade of Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. What a boon this deal proved to be for general manager John Schneider and Co.
Seattle also has its original first-round pick (20th overall) as well as the Broncos’ second-round selection (37th overall). It’s a good place for the team to be in after a surprise playoff run a season ago.
As we dive into our final Seahawks mock draft of 2023, the central focus in the Pacific Northwest has to be on building around quarterback Geno Smith. The reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year re-signed in free agency and is at least the short-term option under center.
With that said, Seattle has also flirted with some of the top quarterbacks in the draft. Could it use one of these early-round picks to address that position long-term? Before we get into our seven-round Seahawks mock draft, let’s check on all of their major needs and the picks they boast for the annual event.
Related: Evaluating 3 Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft trade scenarios
Seattle Seahawks draft needs 2023
Here is a list of the Seattle Seahawks draft needs heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
- EDGE
- LB
- QB
- WR
- CB
- S
- DT
2023 Seattle Seahawks draft picks
Here is a list of the Seattle Seahawks’ draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
- Round 1, 5th overall
- Round 1, 20th overall
- Round 2, 37th overall
- Round 2, 52nd overall
- Round 3, 83rd overall
- Round 4, 123rd overall
- Round 5, 151st overall
- Round 5, 154th overall
- Round 6, 198th overall
- Round 7, 237th overall
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated 2023 NFL mock draft
Seattle Seahawks mock draft: Help on both sides
Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our Seahawks mock draft.
Round 1, 7th overall: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Trade: Seahawks trade 5th pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for the 7th pick and the 70th pick
Production was key for the 6-foot-6, 271-pound Wilson during his time with the Red Raiders. Over the course of his final two seasons in Lubbock, Wilson registered 27.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. Despite his size, Wilson has the functional athleticism to play in both the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. He’d fit perfectly in what the Seahawks are planning to do on defense and is a Day 1 starter.
By moving down two spots in this Seahawks mock draft, we have them picking up an additional third-round selection. In turn, Pete Carroll and Co. find a long-term option to team up with Darnell Taylor out on the edge.
Initially, it’s needed due to depth issues at this position in Seattle. Moving forward, Wilson has all of the traits to become a legitimate All-Pro performer. You don’t need us to tell you how important that is at this position in the modern NFL.
Round 1, 20th overall: Brian Branch, safety, Alabama
Tariq Woolen was absolutely brilliant at cornerback as a rookie for the Seahawks a season ago. In fact, their entire secondary performed extremely well. Opposing quarterbacks threw just 23 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions.
If there’s one area of need here, it has to be a high-upside youngster to help anchor the unit with Woolen moving forward. Branch not only provides that, but he also has an ability to play both safety spots as well as slot cornerback. Then-rookie Coby Bryant struggled to an extent in this role last season, yielding a 75% completion and 116.5 QB rating when targeted.
Branch could be an immediate impact performer given his elite athleticism and wide-ranging cover skills. Last season with the Crimson Tide, this 6-foot defensive back registered 90 tackles (14 for loss), seven passes defended, three sacks and two interceptions. He can be a force in the box, too, making the youngster an elite fit in Seattle. He could also be a long-term replacement for the injury-plagued Jamal Adams.
Round 2, 37th overall: Zay Flowers, wide receiver, Boston College
Seattle boasts two capable 1,000-yard receivers in that of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. However, it must be noted that Metcalf is in the initial stages of his massive contract extension while the 30-year-old Lockett will count a combined $47.9 million against the cap in 2024 and 2025.
With a surplus of picks, the Seahawks draft should include adding a wide receiver relatively early. It just makes too much sense to find an heir-apparent for Lockett sooner rather than later.
That’s where Flowers comes into play. The 5-foot-11 former Boston College star recorded 78 receptions for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago. He’s seen as someone who can make plays in space, is dynamic after the catch and can come away with the difficult catch. While there’s some issues with Flowers’ natural catching ability, that’s something the Seahawks can work on out of the gate.
Round 2, 52nd overall: Hendon Hooker, quarterback, Tennessee
Speaking of a potential heir-apparent, Seattle will need to add a young quarterback. First off, Geno Smith was nothing more than a journeyman ahead of the 2022 campaign. The former second-round pick threw 34 touchdowns against 37 interceptions in his first nine NFL seasons. General manager John Schneider and Co. must protect themselves. It also must be noted that Smith’s new deal only really links Seattle to the quarterback financially through next season.
That’s where Hendon Hooker comes into play. He was the Heisman favorite for Tennessee prior to suffering a torn ACL late last season. We’re talking about a kid that stands strong in the pocket at 6-foot-4. He’s your prototypical signal caller with great arm strength and velocity on the ball.
With the physical traits to be a franchise quarterback, Seattle would be doing cartwheels if it were able to land Hooker at the end of Round 2. That’s especially true with some teams considering the volatile prospect in Round 1.
Round 3, 70th overall: Drew Sanders, linebacker, Arkansas
After transferring from Alabama to Arkansas ahead of the 2022 season, Sanders upped his stock big time. He went from off-ball linebacker to playing more on the ball with the Razorbacks. The impact was immediately felt with the 6-foot-4, 235-pound backer recording 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He can play inside and out on the edge. That type of versatility is needed.
As for a specific need, Seattle just brought back aging veteran Bobby Wagner in free agency after a one-year hiatus. However, it’s an open question whether he’s a long-term option. It would also be great to see Sanders learn from a pro like Wagner while the youngster takes on situational duties early in his career.
Full 7-round Seattle Seahawks mock draft
- Round 1, 5th overall: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Round 1, 20th overall: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
- Round 2, 37th overall: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
- Round 2, 52nd overall: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
- Round 3, 70th overall: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
- Round 3, 83rd overall: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
- Round 4, 123rd overall: Braeden Daniels, G, Utah
- Round 5, 151st overall: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
- Round 5, 154th overall: Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
- Round 6, 198th overall: Dante Stills, DT, West Virginia
- Round 7, 237th overall: Camren McDonald, TE, Florida State
Let us know what you think of our Seattle Seahawks mock draft in comments section.
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