ESPN analyst explains what the Seattle Seahawks should do with their first-round pick
As the NFL Draft nears, Mina Kimes of ESPN details exactly what the Seattle Seahawks should do with the No. 5 selection on April 27.
The Seattle Seahawks have near-countless options heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
At pick No. 5, there is a legitimate debate as to whether the Seahawks should attempt to trade up for a quarterback or see what type of player is available to them if they don't make a single move.
Recently, ESPN's Mina Kimes explained what she expects Seattle will do with its rare opportunity to select a player early in the first round.
"If they love Anthony Richardson, because of his upside, I think it makes sense," Kimes said of Seattle making a move for a young quarterback. "There is that high bar of love for a couple of reasons. One, Geno Smith played like a top-10 quarterback last year. Some people are saying it's a flash in the pan. But we didn't see the guy play football forever. So, I think there is a reason to be optimistic that he can repeat it. The other thing is, this is a good roster. I love what they did in free agency on defense… Really, all they need is juice at pass rusher, and it seems like that is going to be available to them at pick five."
Kimes added, "The Seahawks should be able to contend this year with Geno Smith."
There you have it. Richardson is the flashy pick. But the practical pick would be a difference-maker in the pass rush.
Too often teams fall into the habit of believing, by virtue of picking early, they must select a quarterback.
Seattle isn't hamstrung by that reality.
Smith is a good quarterback. The defense has improved with the additions of Julian Love, Dre'mont Jones, and bringing back Bobby Wagner.
Selecting a quarterback wouldn't make Seattle better in the 2023 season. And after going 9-8, Seattle is closer to contention than needing a tear-down to rebuild.
When all is said and done, Seattle really has agency either way. And in the NFL, that is all a team can ask for.
