John Schneider’s unique ability to scout prospects is second to none, allowing the Seahawks to have a long list of strong prospects and leave draft weekend with gems, and 2023 was no different.
After their recent splurge in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks and John Schneider, general manager, looked to win the 2023 NFL Draft and secure top-end talent to round out their roster. Entering the draft, the Seahawks had 10 picks, four of which were within the top 60 and one in the top five.
Dating back to the end of the 2021 season, the Seahawks fell short of a playoff appearance for a second time under Russell Wilson and decided to part ways with their franchise quarterback. Since suffering their dramatic Super Bowl loss in 2014, Wilson and the Seahawks have held an underwhelming 3-6 playoff record — enough for Wilson to be shipped to the Denver Broncos.
The Seahawks ultimately ended up trading away Wilson to the Broncos alongside a 2022 fourth-round pick (Eyioma Uwazurike). In exchange, they received quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, a 2022 first-round (Charles Cross), second-round (Boye Mafe), fifth-round (Tyreke Smith) pick and a 2023 first-round and second-round pick in exchange.
In turn, the haul of picks they received from the Wilson trade provided them with the draft picks that have ultimately helped them return to being a young and competitive team.
Now heading into the 2023 draft, the Seahawks’ 9-8 record provided them with the 20th-overall selection. However, with Wilson having the worst season of his career in Denver and with the Seahawks owning the rights to the Broncos’ first-round and second-round picks, Seattle doubled up on these picks.
On the clock with the fifth pick, the Seahawks drafted arguably the best corner in the draft, Illinois prospect Devon Witherspoon — a lengthy and physical corner, exactly the type of player Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll loves.
Though I like the idea of bolstering the secondary, I think passing on the value and upside of defensive tackle Jalen Carter, one who most consider being the best player in the draft, might be something Schneider might regret. Nonetheless, the pairing of Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen could set up to create a “L.O.B.” 2.0.
Right back on the clock 15 picks later, the Seahawks selected wide receiver Jaxon “JSN” Smith-Njigba, who was still on the board at 20th overall.
After concerns arose about filling their third receiver role, the Seahawks found themselves a potential long-term solution in JSN.
The Ohio State receiver will bring a lot to the table, providing another weapon for quarterback Geno Smith while also taking defensive attention away from fellow receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Look for JSN to also slowly fill in the shoes of Lockett as the Seahawks’ current No. 2 receiver continues to age.
The final piece in the Wilson trade came in the second round when Auburn linebacker, Derick Hall, was drafted. A Jordyn Brooks ACL injury and a thin linebacker room allows for Hall to bring youth, energy and production to Seattle’s defense.
Hall was not the only second-round selection for Schneider as he took an unexpected turn and drafted UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet at pick 52.
Though the pick makes sense talentwise, I feel as though an addition to the defensive line should have been prioritized rather than aiming to create a two-headed backfield with Kenneth Walker III.
Charbonnet joins the long list of early-round running backs drafted by Schneider.
In the fourth round, the Seahawks addressed both the offensive and defensive line with LSU guard Anthony Bradford and Mississippi State defensive tackle Cameron Young.
A pair of Michigan teammates were selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round. Defensive end Mike Morris and center Olu Oluwatimi marked back-to-back rounds focusing on areas of need in the trenches.
In the final two rounds, the Seahawks took New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II and another running back, Kenny McIntosh, from Georgia.
Schneider’s unique ability to scout prospects is second to none, allowing the Seahawks to have a long list of strong prospects and leave draft weekend with gems, and 2023 was no different.
Contact Eric Hayrapetian at Eric.hayrapetian@gmail.com
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