A new month brings about another week of mocks predicting the outcome of the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft in April. With the Seahawks brass at the NFL Combine this week to scout this year's class, head coach Pete Carroll discussed the “exciting opportunity” it is for Seattle to have five picks in the first-three rounds, including two firsts.
"This is really an exciting opportunity for us," said Carroll. "We have not been in this situation, we have not felt like this ever. So all of the build up to it has been exciting, and we're hoping to obviously max out everything we can with it. It's another competitive opp for us, and John and I have spent a ton of time already just kind of positioning and posturing where our heads are at and all that stuff. Even at such an early stage of gathering information, it's still really exciting. We know that the opportunity is something special, so we're looking forward to it and we'll see how it goes."
With that in mind, it's time to take a look at what some of the draft experts think the Seahawks might do with the No. 5 and No. 20 picks:
No. 9: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida after a projected trade with Carolina.
Kiper Jr.: Here's a team that could afford to take a developmental quarterback with elite upside. Seattle has said it wants to bring back veteran Geno Smith, but what if the organization uses the franchise tag on Smith, plays him for a season and adds Richardson to take over in 2024? That'd be the ideal scenario for Richardson, a raw passer who completed just 53.8% of his throws last season but has incredible ability as a runner. He had 17 touchdown passes and added nine more scores on the ground. At 6-4, Richardson has the type of arm strength that makes NFL coaches drool. If he gets into the right situation -- and isn't forced to play early -- he could be a star.
The Seahawks make the most sense for Richardson because they have the picks to take a chance on a high-ceiling prospect, including what they're getting in the projected trade with the Panthers. If they don't go with Richardson, they likely would be all-in on the edge rushers, with Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech) and Myles Murphy (Clemson) still available.
No. 20: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
Kiper Jr.: My projected trade between Carolina and Seattle gave the Seahawks some extra capital for moving down four spots, but this is their original pick after a surprise 9-8 season. And if they want to keep improving, they have to add young talent to their front seven. As I mentioned in January, Darrell Taylor, a 2020 second-round pick, is coming off a breakout 9.5-sack season, while Uchenna Nwosu also had 9.5 quarterback takedowns, but they're both entering the final years of their contracts. The Seahawks need to get more production from other players.
Murphy had 17.5 sacks in three seasons at Clemson, and at 6-5, 275 pounds, he's also strong against the run. Seattle ranked 27th in yards per carry allowed (4.9) last season, so that's an area to upgrade. One position to watch: The Seahawks lost middle linebacker Jordyn Brooks to a torn right ACL in January, so they could try to add another off-ball 'backer to help in 2023.
No. 5: Calijah Kancey, DT, PITT
Trapasso: The Seahawks aren't strangers to surprising first-round picks. Kancey should erupt at the combine, and Seattle loves up-the-field penetrating types at the defensive tackle spot.
No. 20: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Trapasso: The Seahawks can't pass on Johnston here, who'd bring another big specimen to the receiver position for Geno Smith.
No. 5: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
Sikkema: 2022 PFF Grade: 83.6. PFF Big Board Rank: 3
This is the Seahawks' dream pick. Look for them to have the phone lines open to trade back, but they won't move if Anderson is still on the board.
No. 20: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Sikkema: 2022 PFF Grade: N/A. PFF Big Board Rank: 20
Tyler Lockett isn't getting any younger. He's certainly not cooked, but drafting a route-running savant in Smith-Njigba creates a great receiver trio with Lockett and jumpstarts a smooth transition over the next few seasons for this passing attack.
No. 5: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
Brooks: Pete Carroll needs to add a dynamic pass rusher to help the Seahawks' defense re-emerge as a premier unit.
No. 20: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
With Ringo joining Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant to handle the perimeter, Seattle's secondary has the young pieces to become a true strength, like the "Legion of Boom" unit that anchored two Super Bowl runs.
Check out photos from Thursday, March 2 at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. participates in the broad jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee participates int the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Texas defensive lineman Keondre Coburn participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Texas defensive lineman Moro Ojomo stretches during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Alabama defensive lineman DJ Dale participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton runs the 40-yard dash during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Iowa defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
TCU defensive lineman Dylan Horton looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Kansas St. defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson participates in a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee runs the 40-yard dash during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Brooke Sutton/NFL)
NFL Network's Rhett Lewis interacts with Bucky Brooks on set during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
A detailed shot of the NFL Scouting Combine equipment is seen during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Calijah Kancey stretches during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
A Denver Broncos scout leads a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Coastal Carolina defensive lineman Jerrod Clark participates in a flexibility test during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Arizona St. defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera participates in a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Arizona St. defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera interacts with West Virginia defensive lineman Dante Stills during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
NFL Network's Rich Eisen is seen on the field during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
NFL Network's Rich Eisen is seen on the field during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Alabama defensive lineman Byron Young participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Davis Stevens/NFL)
Texas defensive lineman Keondre Coburn participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Texas defensive lineman Moro Ojomo participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Jalen Redmond participates in the vertical jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Texas defensive lineman Moro Ojomo participates in the broad jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Arizona St. defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera participates in the broad jump during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Arizona St. defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera poses for a photo during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Arizona St. defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera uses the Hyperice during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Georgia defensive lineman Nolan Smith stretches during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Georgia Tech defensive lineman Keion White stretches during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Clemson defensive lineman KJ Henry looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
The second defensive line group is seen on the field during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Rice defensive lineman Ikenna Enechukwu stretches during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. warms up during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Georgia defensive lineman Robert Beal Jr. participates in a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
A detailed shot of the NOBULL shirts during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton gets set for the 40-yard dash during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Alabama defensive lineman DJ Dale runs the 40-yard dash during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee runs the 40-yard dash during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado celebrates during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
A generic view of Lucas Oil Stadium during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
South Carolina defensive lineman Zacch Pickens runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
NFL Network's Peter Schrager and Chris Rose are seen on set during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Georgia Tech defensive lineman Keion White looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
West Virginia defensive lineman Dante Stills participates in a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
NFL player Calais Campbell is interviewed by NFL Network's Rhett Lewis and Dwight Freeney runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Davis Stevens/NFL)
South Carolina defensive lineman Zacch Pickens runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Davis Stevens/NFL)
West Virginia defensive lineman Dante Stills runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Davis Stevens/NFL)
Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji warms up during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
NFL Network's Kimmi Chex is seen on-set during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Rice defensive lineman Ikenna Enechukwu poses for a photo during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
A detailed shot of measurements during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Jose Ramirez poses for a photo during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Matthew Judon is seen on the field during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Florida A&M defensive lineman Isaiah Land runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Missouri defensive lineman Isaiah McGuire runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Ole Miss defensive lineman Tavius Robinson runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
Central Michigan defensive lineman Thomas Incoom runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Lauren Bacho/NFL)
USC wide receiver Jordan Addison poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
USC wide receiver Jordan Addison poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Central Michigan defensive lineman Thomas Incoom runs a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Davis Stevens/NFL)
USC wide receiver Jordan Addison poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
USC wide receiver Jordan Addison poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Boston college wide receiver Zay Flowers poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Boston college wide receiver Zay Flowers poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Boston college wide receiver Zay Flowers poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Kentucky quarterback Will Levis poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado participates in a drill during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener poses for the NFL Network during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Washington St. linebacker Daiyan Henley looks on during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Georgia defensive lineman Nolan Smith interacts with Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
Georgia Tech linebacker Charlie Thomas warms up during the 2023 Scouting Combine on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/NFL)
