Discover how the Seattle Seahawks’ 2023 NFL Draft picks could transform their roster—written for beginners, with insider analysis, fan reactions, and a touch of Pacific Northwest flair. seahawks draft blog Deep Dive
Picture this: It’s April 27th, 2023. The NFL Draft kicks off in Kansas City, and Seahawks fans are glued to their screens, caffeine in hand, debating whether the team should draft a cornerback or trade down for extra picks. Sound familiar? If you’re new to the Seahawks or the NFL Draft chaos, don’t worry—we’ve all been there. Let’s break down Seattle’s 2023 draft picks, why they matter, and what they reveal about the team’s plan to climb back to Super Bowl contention.
Why the Seahawks’ Draft Strategy Feels Like a Chess Match
Let’s start with the basics. The NFL Draft isn’t just about picking the “best player available.” It’s a mix of strategy, luck, and reading the room. For the Seahawks, this year was about fixing last season’s flaws without losing sight of the future. Remember that playoff game against the 49ers where the defense gave up 41 points? Yikes. Or the Week 18 nail-biter against the Rams where Geno Smith had to play hero ball? General Manager John Schneider and Coach Pete Carroll knew they couldn’t run it back with the same roster.
So, what’d they do? They used their seven picks to target three things:
- Defensive Reinforcements (because letting opponents score 23.6 points per game won’t cut it).
- Offensive Firepower (imagine DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett getting help).
- Depth in the Trenches (games are won in the trenches, folks).
Let’s meet the rookies who could make or break Seattle’s season.
Round 1, Pick 5: Devon Witherspoon – The “No-Fly Zone” Cornerback
The Pick: Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois)
The Hype: Witherspoon isn’t just a cornerback—he’s a human lockdown. In 2022, he held opposing quarterbacks to a 35% completion rate when targeted (best in college football). His tape against Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy? Pure dominance.
Why Fans Should Care: Seattle’s secondary was a revolving door last year. Riq Woolen was a revelation, but injuries to Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs left the defense scrambling. Witherspoon’s arrival means two things:
- Versatility: He can play outside, slot, or even safety in a pinch.
- Swagger: Watch his press coverage. He’s got that Richard Sherman-esque confidence, minus the trash talk (so far).
But Wait… Is he too aggressive? Witherspoon had 3 pass interference penalties in 2022. Against savvy NFL receivers, that could backfire.
Round 1, Pick 20: Jaxon Smith-Njigba – The Slot Machine
The Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State)
The Hype: Before a hamstring injury derailed his 2022 season, JSN torched defenses for 1,606 yards in 2021. His 15-catch, 347-yard game against Utah? Legendary.
Why Fans Should Care: Sure, Seattle has Metcalf and Lockett. But Smith-Njigba isn’t here to replace them—he’s here to unlock them. Think of him as the offense’s Swiss Army knife:
- Third-Down Security Blanket: His route-running is so crisp, he’ll feast on short and intermediate routes.
- Mismatch Creator: Linebackers can’t cover him, and safeties are too slow.
But Wait… Hamstring injuries can linger. If JSN isn’t 100%, this pick looks risky.
Round 2, Pick 37: Derick Hall – The Pass-Rush Savior
The Pick: Derick Hall (EDGE, Auburn)
The Hype: Hall racked up 7 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in the SEC (aka the “prove-it” conference). At 6’3”, 256 lbs, he’s got the size to bully tackles and the speed to chase down mobile QBs.
Why Fans Should Care: Seattle’s pass rush was inconsistent last year. Hall joins Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe to form a young, hungry trio. His motor never stops—watch his fourth-quarter reps.
But Wait… Can he defend the run? Auburn used him mostly as a pass-rush specialist. If he’s a liability against the run, opposing teams will exploit that.
The Draft’s Hidden Gems: Day 3 Steals
Anthony Bradford (OG, LSU – Round 4)
Why He Matters: Seattle’s O-line allowed 46 sacks last year (10th most in the NFL). Bradford, a 332-pound mauler, could compete for the starting right guard spot.
Cameron Young (DT, Mississippi State – Round 4)
Why He Matters: The Seahawks gave up 150+ rushing yards in six games last year. Young’s job? Plug gaps and free up linebackers like Jordyn Brooks.
The Bigger Picture: Playoffs or Bust?
Let’s be real: The NFC West is a gauntlet. The 49ers are stacked, the Rams have Sean McVay, and the Cardinals… well, they have Kyler Murray. But this draft gives Seattle a fighting chance:
- Best-Case Scenario: Witherspoon becomes a Pro Bowler, JSN stays healthy, and Hall boosts the pass rush. Playoffs? Absolutely.
- Worst-Case Scenario: Injuries pile up, rookies struggle, and the offense becomes one-dimensional.
FAQs: Draft Talk for Beginners
Q: Why do teams trade draft picks?
A: To move up (get a higher pick) or stockpile future picks. Schneider loves trading back—it’s his signature move.
Q: Do all drafted players make the team?
A: Nope. Teams cut down to 53 players before Week 1. Late-round picks often battle for roster spots.
Q: Why didn’t the Seahawks draft a quarterback?
A: They’re all-in on Geno Smith (for now). But keep an eye on 2024—this QB class was weak.
Final Thoughts: A Draft That’s Equal Parts Hope and Hype
The Seahawks’ 2023 draft class feels like a tightrope walk between “win now” and “build for tomorrow.” For beginners, it’s a lesson in balancing flashy picks (JSN) with gritty ones (Hall, Young). Will it pay off? Ask me in January.
What’s Next? Rookie minicamps start soon. Follow beat reporters like @BradyHenderson for behind-the-scenes updates!
Call to Action:
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