The 2022 season was a major success for the Seattle Seahawks. After trading Russell Wilson, Seattle was supposed to be one of the NFL’s worst teams. Instead, quarterback Geno Smith led the Seahawks to a postseason appearance and a 9-8 regular-season record.
Thanks to the Denver Broncos blunders, Seattle still holds a top-five pick and its own first-round selection. The Seahawks have plenty of areas to improve in the offseason, especially on defense. Seattle is gearing up for a big haul in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Let’s check the latest NFL picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL news. We’ve got plenty of NFL lines for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft Preview Games.
2022 Season Record: 9-8
Status of Coach: Pete Carroll – Safe
Positions of Need
- Defensive line
- Offensive line
- Cornerback
- Linebacker
- Wide receiver
Notable Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 5 (from Broncos)
- Round 1, Pick 20
- Round 2, Pick 37 (from Broncos)
- Round 2, Pick 52
Potential First-Round Targets
Early in the 2022 season, most assumed the Seahawks would draft a quarterback if they had a top-10 selection. After Smith’s good season, that now seems unlikely. The 32-year-old QB is a free agent but will likely be back in Seattle. However, will the franchise have a top-five pick again anytime soon? This could be the Seahawks’ chance to select a franchise QB. Smith is only getting older.
For now, we will assume the Seahawks ride it out with Smith and look for a franchise signal-caller in a future draft. If it’s not a quarterback, taking an edge rusher at No. 5 is a no-brainer.
Seattle got better pass rush production than expected in the 2022 season, finishing eighth in team sacks. Uchenna Nwosu enjoyed a breakout season with 9.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Plus, Darrell Taylor posted 6.5 sacks in his final seven games. However, the Seahawks still lack consistency at the edge spot and could use a game-wrecker.
Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson is the perfect candidate to fill the void. He has overwhelming physical traits at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. This is the kind of length you see from NBA superstars – like Giannis Antetokounmpo with a 7-foot-3 wingspan at 7-foot. Wilson is also one of the most physically imposing edge prospects you will see. He is a near-perfect scheme fit as well in the Seahawks’ 3-4 defense.
Texas Tech Edge – Tyree Wilson
6’6 275lbs
35 5/8” arm length + 86” (both should be top edge class) wingspan allows him to consistently create leverage vs. OL.
A Physically dominant people mover, excels in both stopping the run + pass rush. pic.twitter.com/OdgoAOVkYk
— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) January 24, 2023
Later in the first round, Seattle should target a cornerback with the No. 20 pick. Wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line can wait until the second day of the draft. The cornerback class is top-heavy, meaning the Seahawks should grab one early. South Carolina’s Cam Smith and Illinois’s Devon Witherspoon are two cornerbacks that would fit well in a zone-heavy defense with their great tracking ability.
Potential Second-Round Targets
With the No. 37 pick, Seattle could target a wide receiver or linebacker. The offense lacked a third wideout, especially in the slot. Zay Flowers of Boston College is a rising prospect with elite speed that excels as a ball carrier. Josh Downs of North Carolina is another speedy wideout that is a great deep threat. Flowers would be the most ideal fit with his ability to work in the intermediate field.
Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders is another option early in the second round. The rangy 6-foot-5 linebacker would be the perfect candidate to replace free agent Cody Barton. Sanders would be the versatile linebacker that Seattle desperately needs. The Arkansas product can even rush the passer at a high level.
Offensive line should be at the top list for the No. 52 pick. The Seahawks need a center and could use an upgrade at right guard. Ohio State center Luke Wypler could be the best option. He will likely be the top center of the class and should be an immediate starter with his good technique, especially in pass protection.
Seattle has a busy draft season ahead with plenty of valuable picks at its disposal.
