Wednesday featured Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider's and head coach Pete Carroll's 14th pre-draft press conference as both took the podium and answered questions from reporters.

As mentioned, they've seen a lot of drafts in their respective positions and it can be argued that none are more exciting than what the team has in store for 2023. Four selections in the first 52 picks, which includes the No. 5 overall pick, has opened an unlimited world of possibilities for the Seahawks' top brass.

But, it hasn't made things any easier, unfortunately.

"I would say yes, compared to last year I would say yes," Schneider said when asked if figuring out how the top of the draft will fall is harder to predict this year than in years past. "Besides that, I don't really know. I think there's just a ton of variables up there, a lo of different scenarios, a lot of different ways we can go."

Schneider's answer confirms what draft-niks and experts, alike, have been saying for months: this draft is quite unpredictable.

The reasoning boils down to there is a lot of top talent in this draft, yet each one has their questions. And, of course, there are multiple quarterback prospects worthy of first-round selections, which throws a jug of gas on the already-burning fire.

Bryce Young looks like a can't miss prospect, but there has never been a successful QB at his height and weight. Outside of that, he's pretty much a lock to have a solid career.

CJ Stroud looks like a fantastic prospect, but he comes from the Ohio State system, and they haven't exactly produced many All-Pro quarterbacks. He could easily become the exception to the rule, however.

Anthony Richardson might have the highest ceiling, but he will need time to get there. You will need to ask yourself, do we have that type of coaching staff in place? Coaches on the hot seat need to avoid him at all costs and it's likely you're on the hot seat if you're picking high in the draft.

Jalen Carter looks like a blue-chip prospect, but recent off-field concerns have been popping up, and he has been falling in mock drafts, as a result. Outside of that, he's a game-wrecker and arguably the best prospect in the draft.

Schneider is absolutely correct in saying this years draft is more unpredictable than last year's. Last year there was plenty of buzz that the Jaguars were enamored with Travon Walker, and that the Lions would take Hutchinson if he was available.

And what makes everything even more predictable is you have three playoff contenders with multiple draft picks in the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seahawks. Those teams are pretty much free to maneuver however they please and they could easily create ripple effects throughout the draft.

But, that's what makes this year so much fun.

"What I think is exciting about this one is you get the first challenge coming up at 5, and then we've got a whole other one at 20, and day two we come right back again," said Carroll. "Those three big events of those early picks, it kind of comes back at us in a hurry, makes it really fun and a challenge, and a lot of scenarios, more than normal. That keeps us just active and functioning and having fun doing it, The whole thing is pretty cool. We know nothing, though, it feels like."