Geno Smith is the biggest winner coming out of the 2023 NFL Draft
Seattle didn’t draft a quarterback, indicating that the team believes in what Geno Smith brings to the table.
The lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft was full of speculation and projection that had the Seattle Seahawks drafting a quarterback early to replace Geno Smith, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2022.
Head coach Pete Carroll didn't do much to dispel those rumors, indicating that the Seahawks were very connected to the quarterbacks in this year's draft class back at the NFL Draft combine. But following draft weekend, when Seattle passed on several talented quarterbacks, the real winner of the draft was revealed to be Smith, whom the Seahawks appear to believe in enough to run it back on a three-year contract extension.
ESPN also acknowledged as much for Smith, labeling him a post-draft winner in a recent story.
"Smith had about as smooth of a draft weekend as possible," the article states. "There was plenty of speculation the Seahawks might consider drafting a long-term replacement for him at No. 5 overall, but after three quarterbacks came off the board in the first four picks, general manager John Schneider & Co. opted to use the pick on cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Doing so increases the chances Smith will be the team's starting quarterback in 2024."
Also listed in the rationale for labeling Smith a winner was the selection of Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, giving Smith a legitimate No. 3 pass-catcher in the offense next season.
"Smith-Njigba instantly becomes the NFL's most exciting third wideout and offers some security if receivers Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf miss time with injuries," the article states. "For a guy whose top receiver with the Jets was once Jeremy Kerley, Smith is spoiled for choice in Seattle."
Life comes at you fast. And for Smith, his circumstances have drastically improved from his time with the Jets. He now has the security of being the long-term starter. There is no young quarterback forcing him to look over his shoulder. Additionally, the Seahawks improved the interior offensive line, added depth to the run game, and gave Smith a great third option at wide receiver. It's easy to see why the draft weekend was as smooth as can be for the former journeyman quarterback turned the face of the franchise.
