Seahawks snatch one of the draft's best players in expert's latest mock
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Seahawks taking one of the draft’s best players in his latest mock draft.
The Seattle Seahawks are faced with a big question this year and that is, "What do we do at QB?"
The former 39th overall pick, Geno Smith, saw a resurgence in Seattle, putting together his best year as a pro. Smith passed for over 4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, all while completing just shy of 70% of his passes. He was also name to his first career Pro Bowl and won the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award.
After having a career year, Smith saw his contract expire and is now slated to hit free agency.
So, do you bring him back if you're Seattle? His price tag surely went up from the mere 3.5 million he made this season. Spotrac has his average annual market value at $39.3 million in their latest evaluation.
That's quite the raise.
Or, do you take a chance on a rookie QB? The Seahawks currently hold the fifth-overall pick in the upcoming draft and it is very possible three QBs are off the board before they even pick. Rumors are already swirling around Bryce Young's, CJ Stroud's, and Will Levis' place in the top-5 of the draft and plenty of mock drafts have them there, as well.
In that case, would the Seahawks take a chance on Anthony Richardson?
One draft expert is working under the assumption the Seahawks will be bringing back Smith so they can turn their attention elsewhere.
In his mock draft 2.0, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has the Seahawks taking Alabama edge rusher, Will Anderson.
Anderson, by most accounts, is a top-2 player in this draft, only behind Georgia defensive tackle, Jalen Carter. Getting Anderson at five would be a home run for the Seahawks. Pairing him up with Uchenna Nwosu would certainly make their EDGE room one of the NFL's most explosive units.
Anderson is an explosive player with an NFL-ready pass-rushing profile. He has the moves, as well as the production.
He has also shined against the run.
Of course, the Seahawks have more than one first-round pick, as they also hold the 20th overall pick No. 20 in the draft.
For that pick, Jeremiah turns his attention to the offensive side of the ball. He gives them Ohio State University, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Njigba has been a roller coaster of evaluations throughout his career at Ohio State. At one time he was being consistently mocked in the top-10, then we saw him nearly falling out of Round 1, altogether. Now, he is back to being projected safely in the 20s.
The Seahawks have their deep threat in Tyler Lockett and they have their big bodied X receiver in DK Metcalf. What they need now is someone who can hold their own on a consistent basis from the slot.
That is exactly what Smith-Njigba can provide. Smith-Njigba is a savvy route runner, knows the soft spots in defenses and knows where he can provide an open window for a QB. He shows effort as a blocker, and has phenomenal body control to come in with throws that are away from his frame. He has an advanced release package as well as is advanced when running in the stem of his route.
Both of these selections are solid choices and both players would be in line to contribute immediately in 2023.
Featured image via Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
