Seattle is facing a major draft decision that could have ripple effects on the rest of the league.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects Florida QB Anthony Richardson — perhaps the most polarizing player in the draft — to go to the Seahawks at fifth overall.
Richardson could set Seattle up for prolonged success, but with Geno Smith earning the starting role due to his great 2022, the Seahawks could go in an entirely different direction.
It’s possible the draft solves the debate itself and the Seahawks are out of contention for a QB at fifth overall, but that would require a team other than Indianapolis — which has the fourth overall pick — trading up for Arizona’s pick at third overall.
The Cardinals are in a great spot to draft Alabama outside linebacker and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. — who some draft experts consider the best prospect in this year’s class — with a top five pick, so trading down too far may not be an option. It’s more likely than not that Seattle will have a chance to draft a QB at five if it so chooses.
If Richardson were available at fifth overall and Seattle wasn’t interested in adding him to its QB room, it could field offers for its pick and trade down with a team that has a bigger need at quarterback.
Per Kiper’s mock draft, defensive lineman Jalen Carter of Georgia would still be on the board when the Seahawks are on the clock. So would potential stars at cornerback Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) and Devon Witherspoon (Illinois).
Seattle ranked 30th against the rush last season (150.2 yards per game), so Carter would be a no-brainer addition if not for off-the-field concerns. (He was charged with reckless driving in a drag racing incident that resulted in a crash that killed Georgia teammate Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy.)
Gonzalez or Witherspoon could pair with 2022 NFL Draft pick Tariq Woolen to form the next great cornerback pair in Seattle.
In free agency, Seattle has already made improvements to its defense by signing defensive tackles Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, linebacker Devin Bush and safety Julian Love.
If the Seahawks’ draft decision were based simply on needs, Richardson would be off the table. We’ll find out soon how badly they want him.
