As the calendar officially flips to April, discussions about the 2023 NFL Draft are sure to ramp up each day. With it will come enough mock drafts to satiate even the most diehard draft junkies.
USA TODAY’s Draft Wire recently did a three round mock draft, and we at Seahawks Wire are going to take a look at what they predict Seattle will do.
Pick No. 5 – Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Will Anderson made a career of terrorizing opposing quarterbacks in college football. Putting Anderson in Seattle’s defensive front will no doubt improve the Seahawks suspect pass rush. What is interesting is Draft Wire has Seattle taking Anderson OVER Jalen Carter, who is mocked to go one pick later to the New York Jets (who traded with the Lions to move up in this mock).
Pick No. 20 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Seahawks are in dire need of a legitimate No. 3 receiver to give the passing attack more depth and diversity. Jaxon Smith-Njigba would fill this role perfectly. The Ohio State Buckeye was explosive in 2021, hauling in 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. A hamstring injury kept Smith-Njigba out of all but three games last year, but an impressive combine performance might put some health questions to rest.
Pick No. 37 – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Seattle used free agency to address needs at the linebacker position by signing Devin Bush and bringing Bobby Wagner back home. However, Draft Wire clearly believes the Seahawks still have work to do, and that’s why they’ve mocked Drew Sanders here with their first pick in the second round. Sanders is a versatile player, who has the ability to either be an inside linebacker or an asset for the pass rush.
Pick No. 47 – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
In this mock draft, the Seahawks orchestrate a trade with the Washington Commanders to move up from No. 52 and pick a potential quarterback of the future. Although he’s a little on the older side as far as rookies go, Hooker’s final year at Tennessee was more than enough to turn heads. Hooker finished the year with 27 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions before an ACL injury ended his season prematurely. Seattle may have Geno Smith and Drew Lock, but it’s obvious they need to be thinking about the future of the position.
Pick No. 83 – Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
If the Seahawks aren’t drafting Jalen Carter at No. 5, they’ll need to address the defensive line elsewhere. Gervon Dexter has tantalizing size to eat up blocks, but his draft profile isn’t too bullish on him overall. Although, there is an admission he may function well in a 3-4 defense… which is what Seattle currently has.