Seahawks 7-Round Mock Draft 2023: March Edition

The Seattle Seahawks have addressed several needs throughout free agency. First and foremost, they re-signed quarterback Geno Smith, eliminating all questions regarding their future signal-caller. But could a first-round quarterback still be in play?

Defensively, general manager John Schneider made a splash by signing Dre’Mont Jones and Devin Bush. More talent is required across the defensive line, including at EDGE. Receiver and guard could be viewed as long-term needs.
With the first wave of free agency delivering some clarity regarding Seattle’s remaining needs, here’s what a seven-round draft for the Seahawks might look like if it happened now.

(Note: I completed this mock draft using the Beta version of our Mock Draft Machine 2.0, which you can access by becoming a TDN Premium member!)

Round 1 (No. 5 overall): Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

Smith revealed himself to be an above-average starter, but his three-year contract shouldn’t prevent the Seahawks from drafting a quarterback of the future. Equipped with two-first round selections, now’s the time for Seattle to take a swing. Behind Smith, Drew Lock’s one-year extension contains just $1.75 million in guaranteed money.

C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young will likely be drafted before the Seahawks come on the clock. Seattle could be looking at Anthony Richardson or Will Levis. Richardson is today’s quarterback, a supreme dual-threat athlete. A bit raw in the technical aspects, Richardson would be the perfect candidate to be groomed behind Smith.

Round 1 (No. 20 overall): Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

The Seahawks love big, athletic defensive linemen and Van Ness checks a lot of boxes. The 6-foot-5, 272-pound Van Ness possesses 34-inch arms. Van Ness converts speed to power and plays right through the face of opposing O-linemen.

Look for Seattle to keep stacking young defensive linemen to pair with Darrell Taylor and Boye Mafe, the latter of which continues to acclimate to the pro game. Adding another true EDGE is a definite need. Van Ness fits the bill.

Round 2 (No. 37 overall): Calijah Kancey DT, Pittsburgh

Kancey is an undersized but lightning-fast penetrator that plays with quickness and urgency. Kancey has attached a jetpack to his draft stock throughout the predraft process. He ran a ridiculous 4.67 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine despite weighing 281 pounds. Kancey’s size deficiencies are undeniable, but placing him next to the massive Dre’Mont Jones could help hide his natural shortcomings.

Round 2 (No. 52 overall): Cedric Tillman WR, Tennessee

The aging Tyler Lockett is entering his age-31 season and may not be on the roster in 2024. The Dee Eskridge selection hasn’t panned out for the Seahawks. Schneider has typically addressed the receiver position in the second or third round throughout his tenure.

Tennessee’s Tillman is a dominant boundary receiver that delivered a 1,000-yard campaign when healthy in 2021. Tillman could develop into D.K. Metcalf’s long-term running mate.

Round 3 (No. 84 overall): Emil Ekiyor Jr. IOL, Alabama

The Seahawks have multiple question marks across the interior of their offensive line. Ekiyor Jr. has plug-and-play potential at right guard opposite Damien Lewis at left guard. Ekiyor also played some center at this year’s Senior Bowl, proving that he carries three-position potential.

Round 4 (No. 123 overall): Ivan Pace Jr. LB, Cincinnati

Jordyn Brooks suffered a torn ACL in Week 17. Veteran linebacker Cody Barton also departed in free agency. Signing Devin Bush to a one-year prove-it deal was a wise investment, but more is required at the position. Pace Jr. is a hyper-athletic linebacker that ran a 4.50 at the Bearcats’ Pro Day.

Round 5 (No. 151 overall): Cameron Young, NT, Mississippi State

The Seahawks have held not one, but two pre-draft meetings with Young. Schneider is apparently extremely interested in Young’s run-stuffing services. Young would be a like-for-like replacement for recently released nose tackle Al Woods.

Round 5 (No. 154 overall): Juice Scruggs IOL, Penn State

The Seahawks love positional versatility. While I see Ekiyor playing guard at the next level, I view Scruggs as a primary center with swing guard potential. Scruggs could push newly-signed Evan Brown for a starting role.

Round 6 (No. 198 overall): Mekhi Garner CB, LSU

Day three represents an excellent opportunity to add cornerback depth. Garner has plus arm length at 32.25 inches (78th percentile), which is sometimes a prerequisite in Seattle’s defensive backfield. Garner is a zone-coverage quarterback that understands how to bait quarterbacks into mistakes.

Round 7 (No. 237 overall): Keaton Mitchell RB, Eastern Carolina

Mitchell ran for a combined 2,584 yards and 23 touchdowns across the previous two campaigns. A dual-threat back, Mitchell also accounted for 580 receiving yards throughout his time with the Pirates. Mitchell could push for third-down playing time.