The Seattle Seahawks have the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by way of the Denver Broncos. Should they take a quarterback with this pick? This is quite an interesting problem that Seattle has.
On one hand, they have a 32-year-old Geno Smith who shocked everyone by having one of the most efficient seasons in the NFL by a QB in 2022. On the other hand, they have a soon to be 33 year old QB who only has one season of legitimate play. There have been stories like Smith’s where an unsuspecting QB has a good year only to return to their normal poor self.
Geno Smith could easily follow suit if the trend holds. Furthermore, if that trend doesn’t hold and Smith continues to play well, his age could be a huge factor in Seattle taking a quarterback.
They hold the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by way of the Denver Broncos in the Russell Wilson trade. The Seattle Seahawks went 9-8 last year and made the Wild Card, and I don’t think it’s likely they end up with a top 10 pick next year.
They might have a perfect opportunity on their hands to get their QB of the future. I think it’d be a different story if Geno Smith wasn’t turning 33 this year, but that’s where I stand. They may have a great chance to land Anthony Richardson out of Florida or Will Levis from Kentucky.
They also still hold their own first-round pick which they can use to bolster a defense that was among the league’s worst last year.
The Seattle Seahawks taking a QB isn’t an indictment on Geno Smith or some sort of gesture signaling a lack of confidence, but moreso the Seahawks preparing for their future.
That’s how good teams stay good, right?
They’re able to make savvy and efficient moves to continually stay prepared for their future. Taking a QB with the fifth overall pick is a smart move, but I could also see a scenario where they opt to not take one.
What if they fall in love with an elite defensive prospect at five? That enough might warrant them to take someone like a Jalen Carter or Will Anderson.
However, I think the smartest move is to get the quarterback.