2023 NFL draft: Final prediction for the Seahawks and their No. 5 overall pick

Anything can happen, but based on what we know, here’s how we think tonight will go for the Seahawks.

The 2023 NFL draft begins in eight hours. Anything can happen, but based on what we know, here’s how we think tonight will go for the Seahawks.

First and foremost, we believe the one prospect they’re really holding out hope for is Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. Reports from the combine indicated he had an “instant rapport” with head coach Pete Carroll.  Richardson has unprecedented athleticism and nearly-unlimited potential, and we believe he’s too good to pass on if he’s there. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is another prospect that’s probably too good to pass on, but it’s highly unlikely he will be available.

Assuming that both Stroud and Richardson are off the board, we believe the Seahawks will take the top defensive lineman available, which means Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter or Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr..

Carter is the consensus best-overall player in this class and Seattle needs another starter up front to complete the look with returning Jarran Reed and free agent pickup Dre’Mont Jones. Then again, Carter is a bit of a gamble given how his draft season went. Anderson would be a far safer choice and Seattle has a serious need to upgrade their edge rusher group as well as their interior rotation. We believe Anderson will be the pick at No. 5 overall.

Final prediction: Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=548261968]