The Seattle Seahawks have a rare gift going into the 2023 NFL draft in the form of a top-five overall pick. That’s the highest selection they’ve ever had during the Pete Carroll and John Schneider era and it offers them a chance to land a potential game-changing talent to help close the gap with the 49ers.
In the unlikely event that Florida’s Anthony Richardson, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Alabama’s Bryce Young are still on the board, then all bets are off. However, here’s how we rank seven potential picks for Seattle at No. 5 overall, not including the top-three projected quarterbacks.
7
Texas RB Bijan Robinson
The Seahawks are going to take a running back earlier than you’d like anyway, so why not go for broke and pick the best RB prospect to come along in years? Robinson has such a rare ability to force missed tackles that his game has brought on comparisons to Barry Sanders. Adding Robinson alone might give Pete Carroll the dominant run game he wants, regardless of what the offensive line looks like.
6
Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Wide receiver is the second-most improtant position in the modern game after QB, but the Seahawks usually target their receivers on Day 2 of the draft. However, they have a chance to give themselves the singular best wide receiver corps in the NFL if they take one earlier. Smith-Njigba’s skillset makes him a great fit with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and he’s been one of the most-efficient route runners from the slot in years.
5
Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
Cornerbacks are also extremely important for winning in today’s NFL, and Seattle has a chance to pair Tariq Woolen with another potential star by taking advantage of a deep corner class. Gonzalez has the look, length and physicality of a prototypical Pete Carroll corner. He’s also proven adept at press man coverage and last season demonstrated ball skills with four INTs.
4
Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
Everything Gonzalez can do Witherspoon can, as well – and just as good. Like Richard Sherman, he’s a bully at the line of scrimmage and a willing tackler. There may be some serious interest on Seattle’s part here, too. ESPN reported that they “love” Witherspoon at No. 5 if the top two pass rushers are off the board.
3
Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson
Now we get to the real meat of the top prospects with the three players who could help this team where they need it most. Wilson is freakishly athletic and long for his position. At the combine his arms were measured at just under 36″. He was also remarkably productive over the last two years at Texas A&M, posting 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for a loss.
2
Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr.
According to the consensus big board, Anderson now ranks even higher than the next guy on this list. He was certainly more disruptive at the college level, totaling 34.5 sacks and 58.5 tackles for a loss in just 41 games. The Seahawks met with Anderson on the final day for official visits, so he’s definitely on their radar.
1
Georgia DT Jalen Carter
For a minute there it looked like Carter would tumble down everybody’s boards. However, as the draft approaches all signs indicate that he won’t slip any lower than Chicago at No. 9. More likely he will be taken by Seattle, though. Peter King reported in his column this week that many officials around the league are expecting Carter to be their pick. You’ll hear no argument from us if that’s the case – so long as they don’t pass on Anthony Richardson or C.J. Stroud in the process.
