Mel Kiper published a new 2023 NFL mock draft this morning at ESPN and he has an interesting scenario playing out for Seattle in the top 10.
At No. 5 overall, the Seahawks trade down with the Panthers, then select Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson at No. 9.
“Here’s a team that could afford to take a developmental quarterback with elite upside. Seattle has said it wants to bring back veteran Geno Smith, but what if the organization uses the franchise tag on Smith, plays him for a season and adds Richardson to take over in 2024? That’d be the ideal scenario for Richardson, a raw passer who completed just 53.8% of his throws last season but has incredible ability as a runner… The Seahawks make the most sense for Richardson because they have the picks to take a chance on a high-ceiling prospect, including what they’re getting in the projected trade with the Panthers.”
It’s hard to think of a better idea.
For one thing, trading down from No. 5 expands the value of the Russell Wilson trade and will help keep them more competitive in the long run. Kiper is also correct in stating that the Seahawks are in the right spot to take a chance on a developmental QB.
While we wouldn’t object to taking either Jalen Carter or Will Anderson Jr. if they are available, picking a QB in the top 10 is a better use of draft capital and more likely to deliver more value.
There’s not much sense in taking top QB prospects Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud when Geno Smith is expected to start at least next season and likely in 2024, as well. Young and Stroud look ready to start right away, but taking a chance on a raw QB like Richardson is the right call. With a season or two to develop behind Smith, he could eventually deliver on his awesome potential.
Pro comps for Richardson have been all over the place – but our favorite is Cam Newton. While Richardson looks more like the bad/injured version of Newton we saw in New England, his age and athletic gifts imply he has a chance of being more like the good Newton – who won league MVP in 2015 with only Greg Olsen and a bunch of scrubs as a supporting cast.
Other roll-the-dice QBs in this class include Will Levis – who Carolina took at No. 5 in Kiper’s mock – as well as Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker.
