The Seattle Seahawks have two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, putting them in a position to come away with two impact players for next season and beyond. While much of the focus centers on the fifth pick, Seattle could have even more surprising plans later in the first round.
Sitting near the top of the draft order, there are a few potential directions the Seahawks could go on draft night. Seattle might use the pick on a quarterback, such as Anthony Richardson, developing the young arm behind Geno Smith, until they are ready to become the face of the team.
Trading down is another possibility, with some rumors indicating Seattle is floating interest in the 2023 quarterback class to entice another team to trade up. Another possible outcome for the Seahawks would. be using the fifth pick on either Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter to bolster their front seven.
Related: Seattle Seahawks draft picks 2023
Amid all the focus on the fifth overall selection, Seattle has even more options later in the first round. The 20th overall pick is in a spot where the Seahawks could grab a top-15 prospect who is sliding down the board. With needs on both sides of the ball, general manager John Schneider is weighing numerous possibilities.
With the 2023 NFL Draft closing in, though, there appears to be some buzz around the league regarding Seattle’s plans. Specifically, the possibility of trading up from the 20th pick to grab a player the front office likes.
Related: Evaluating Seattle Seahawks’ trade-down scenarios
On the Yahoo Sports’ You Pod to Win the Game podcast NFL reporter Charles Robinson noted there is buzz that the Seahawks have interest in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and could even trade up for him on draft night.
“I do think Seattle potentially, from what I’m hearing. People would not be completely shocked if Jaxon Smith-Njigba starts to slide down the board, if that is a guy they target with their 20th overall pick, trying to move potentially. I don’t think they’re going to sit there and wait for him to come to them. I wouldn’t be surprised though if they make an aggressive play, see if they can move up a couple of spots.”
Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson on Seattle Seahawks interest in Jaxon Smith-Njigba
In the mock draft conducted by Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports, discussed on the podcast, Seattle drafted Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers. While the position might not seem like a need for an offense with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks are believed to be in the market for a third wide receiver.
Trading up from the 20th pick into the 14-18 range could give Seattle an opportunity to land Smith-Njigba, but there might also be a different option. The Tennessee Titans are believed to be high on the 2023 quarterback class and might want to trade up for the fifth pick.
Seattle could trade down to No. 11, acquiring the Titans’ 2024 first-round pick and additional assets in exchange. After sliding outside the top 10 picks, the Seahawks could draft Smith-Njigba at 11th overall then use the 20th pick on a wide receiver.
