NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks QB decision should actually be a simple one
Seattle was named as one of the five best landing spots for Ohio State star quarterback C.J. Stroud, making the Seahawks’ decision come NFL Draft night a simple one.
Whether the Seattle Seahawks re-sign quarterback Geno Smith or not is beside the point.
With a top selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seahawks should attempt to land C.J. Stroud, the quarterback out of Ohio State, who was named as a great fit for the Seahawks by CBS Sports.
On the list, Seattle was listed as the second-best team regarding fit. Coming in first was Indiana, which is a team poised to compete if it can find the right quarterback. Seattle sits in the same position.
Take a look at what was written regarding Stroud:
"Whether Seattle decides to re-sign Geno Smith or not, the Seahawks are going to need a young quarterback to develop. The best case for Seattle would be to franchise tag Smith and give a young quarterback a year to develop so that he can take over the starting job in Year 2. Seattle could hope that Stroud falls to No. 5, but the Seahawks would probably have to move up a spot or two in the draft to have an opportunity at Stroud. Getting Stroud and his arm with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron would be crucial for success in the NFL. Just ask Geno Smith how the last two years of his career have played out."
Stroud could be a perfect fit within Pete Carroll's offense. At Ohio State in 2022, he amassed an impressive 3,688 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. His touchdown marked ranked second in the nation.
Additionally, Stroud notched an 88.9 QBR, the second-highest ranking in college football.
It is clear the Seahawks are open to drafting a quarterback with its high selection. Carroll admitted so at the NFL combine last week. He went as far as to say not selecting a quarterback, or at least looking at the quarterback position, would be throwing away a "rare opportunity."
Stroud has been described as a ball-placing specialist. His strongest trait as a quarterback is his accuracy, which bodes well at the NFL level. Some of his best games have come at critical times during his college career, meaning he is a high-pressure producer.
The most impressive game of his college career came against Georgia in the College Football semifinal. Stroud threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns with a 67.4% completion percentage. He did everything in that game to put Ohio State in a position to win, including tallying a 94.1 QBR.
At least on the surface, it looks like Stroud is the real deal.
Though Seattle is looking to bring back Smith for the right price, not at least trying to go after Stroud may prove to be a mistake. More so if Stroud is available by the time Seattle is picking in the first round.
Feature image via Kyle Robertson / USA TODAY NETWORK.
