Perfect Picks 2023: Seattle Seahawks
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Will Anderson (Edge Rusher, Alabama)
It feels like the Seahawks are sitting pretty awaiting for the chaos of the first five picks to unfold. They could jump on a falling quarterback or sit and see what defensive talent remains on the board. In this case, three quarterbacks go off the board and Tyree Wilson is the surprise pick for the Cardinals. If I’m the Seahawks, I’d be racing the card up.
Anderson was a dominant force who made a charge at the Heisman in 2021. Pretty impressive for an edge rusher. A slight drop off was to be expected as SEC opponents double and triple-teamed him. Although the ‘Hawks have invested draft picks in pass rushers, none of them have done enough to warrant passing over a talent like Anderson. His frame is a slight question mark but it feels like people are overthinking Anderson as the draft draws nearer.
Round 1 - Deonte Banks (Cornerback, Maryland)
The Seahawks can feel pretty happy with their evaluation of cornerbacks given last year’s draft. Snagging Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant in the same draft class went a long way to completing this secondary. Julian Love arrives from New York to play safety or slot at times but could the Seahawks still ustilise their second first round pick to take another outside corner?
If Deonte Baks is still on the board then I think they should. Mike Jackson was rated 84th out of 118 cornerbacks in the NFL and therefore Banks could be an immediate upgrade and partner for Woolen. Banks is a true lockdown corner who thrives when given the responsibility to go toe-to-toe with number 1 receivers. He has elite recovery speed and a knack for getting his hands up to break up plays.
Mid Round Gem - Hendon Hooker (Quarterback, Tennessee)
Geno Smith gave the Seahawks a decision to make this offseason. Although his performance weakened at the back end of the year, nobody was expecting Smith to have the bounceback he enjoyed. Credit to Seattle for finding a balance in their contract offer. It rewarded Smith’s play and gave him a large chunk of cash but didn’t offer long-term commitment that would prevent them finding a young successor.
I could definitely see them getting drawn into taking a quarterback in the first round but if the dominoes don’t fall their way, they may sit tight. In this scenario, they have two elite players in the bag and Hendon Hooker is sat waiting in the second round. Hooker’s age, injury history and simplified offense are all major concerns but his high points are enticing. He has good athleticism and a strong arm. He could sit behind Smith and be ready to step in next season.
Late Round Sleeper - Karl Brooks (Defensive Line, Bowling Green)
The Seahawks made a major invesment in their defensive front with the addition of Dre’Mont Jones. They also brought back Jarran Reed to provide some interior pass rush ability. On the face of it, with Will Anderson and Boye Mafe on the outside and those two inside, the ‘Hawks have a solid base to build from. That said behind the starters depth is needed.
The plus point of Bowling Green’s Karl Brooks is that he has inside/outside versatility. He played as a true edge rusher in college but his frame (6’4 and 300lbs) is seemingly more suited to the interior. One thing is for sure, he has excellent production. He recorded 12 sacks and 49 hurries in his final season and then proceeded to blow up the Senior Bowl. How far that will boost his stock is still unknown but his versatility make him a nice fit in Seattle.
Draft In Full:
Round 1 – Will Anderson (Defensive End, Alabama)
Round 1 – Deonte Banks (Cornerback, Maryland)
Round 2 – O’Cyrus Torrence (Offensive Guard, Florida)
Round 2 – Hendon Hooker (Quarterback, Tennessee)
Round 3 – Jonathan Mingo (Wide Receiver, Ole Miss)
Round 4 – Luke Schoonmaker (Tight End, Michigan)
Round 5 – Juice Scruggs (Offensive Guard, Penn State)
Round 5 – Dorian Williams (Linebacker, Tulane)
Round 6 – Earl Bostick Jr (Offensive Tackle, Kansas)
Round 7 – Karl Brooks (Defensive Line, Bowling Green)
