Daniel Jeremiah: Seahawks should take C.J. Stroud at 5 if he’s there

Perhaps a year learning behind quarterback Geno Smith would do Stroud wonders in his development.

We are sprinting towards the 2023 NFL Draft. All eyes in the Pacific Northwest are focused squarely on the Seattle Seahawks. With the best draft capital in many of our collective lifetimes, the Seahawks have a big decision. Conventional wisdom suggests they will be taking one of the two top defensive line prospects: Will Anderson of Alabama, or Jalen Carter of Georgia.

But what if there is a third option? One perhaps not strongly considered by many. What if Seattle sees Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud sitting at No. 5, having fallen perfectly to them. According to NFL Network’s draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, the Seahawks shouldn’t hesitate in selecting the Buckeye standout.

A key to the possibility of this happening is if the San Francisco 49ers trade quarterback Trey Lance to the Houston Texans, who own the No. 2 pick. Reportedly, teams have been inquiring about Lance’s availability. If the Texans acquire him, Jeremiah sees them taking Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson.

Jeremiah then went on to explain the Indianapolis Colts might pick Kentucky’s Will Levis, even if C.J. Stroud is on the board. Which of course leaves the Seahawks at the end of this chain of events. If Stroud is available, Jeremiah believes Seattle should take him.

The reasoning makes sense. Stroud has been widely regarded as one of the top two quarterback prospects this entire draft and was a stud at Ohio State. Perhaps a year learning behind quarterback Geno Smith would do Stroud wonders in his development as a potential franchise signal caller for the Seahawks.