Seattle Seahawks post combine three round mock draft
Taking a look at what the Seattle Seahawks will do with their five picks in the first three rounds in this 2023 NFL mock draft
Headed into free agency the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in an interesting spot. After the Russell Wilson trade it looked like they were inevitability heading towards a rebuild, but they struck gold with Geno Smith and last year’s draft class leading them to the playoffs.
Smith won the comeback player of the year last season and was a borderline top ten quarterback in the league. They were able to bring him back with a three year deal for $75 million with $30 million in incentives and $40 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Compared to what Derek Carr and Daniel Jones brought in, this appears to be an excellent contract for the Seahawks as they’re able to retain Smith and leave themselves flexibility to build the supporting cast.
They still have holes in this roster and additions to make before they can be considered contenders. However, through last year’s Russell Wilson trade they have the draft capital to improve the roster through the draft for next season and beyond.
They have two first round picks at 5th and 20th overall. Then on day two they have two second rounders at 37th and 51st overall, plus a third round pick at 83rd overall.
So without further ado, let’s start with the fifth overall pick.
This mock draft is run through a PFF Mock Draft Simulator.
Round One, 5th Overall: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Quarterback is still a possibility for the Seahawks. As phenomenal as Smith was last season he is still 32 years old and having the opportunity to take a quarterback in the top five is rare. So, if they really like a quarterback who’s still on the board here, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them pull the trigger.
With their defensive struggles last season in particular in the front seven, the most likely scenario remains top defensive player on the board for them. In this mock draft scenario, they land Tyree Wilson.
From purely a tools perspective, Wilson is rare. To put it simply, you just aren’t going to find many edge rushers who are 6-foot-6, 275 pounds with his combination of power, length and athleticism.
His power is by far the biggest thing he brings to the table as he can out right bully linemen with his bull rush in pass rushes, as well as taking on blockers in the run game. Because of his physical tools he has a very high ceiling. Teams will have confidence that with the right coaching over time he’ll develop into a very dominant player.
Round One, 20th Overall: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
With the Seahawks’ need for pass rush, doubling down on defensive linemen is a possibility and that’s what I’m projecting here.
Calijah Kancey made headlines with a 4.67 40 yard dash and when watching him his quickness and explosiveness is quite apparent. His pass rush repertoire is also elite as he can win with his hand usage in so many different ways.
At 6-foot-0 ⅝, 281 pounds he is undersized, raising concerns about how he’ll be able to hold up against NFL offensive linemen in the run game. These are fair concerns, but with the way he’s able to rush the passer he’ll still be highly valued by enough teams to be a first round pick.
Round Two, 37th Overall: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
With D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett receiver isn’t necessarily a need for the Seahawks, but you can never have too many weapons in today’s game. Plus, with Lockett on the wrong side of 30, Josh Downs could be a potential replacement for him down the line.
Downs brings an intriguing skillset to the table. He is a good route runner simply because of how effortlessly he moves, not often do you see receivers in college with his quickness and ability to change directions. He also has shown an ability to win on a variety of different routes, which is excellent for his projection as a route runner.
He not only can win as a separator but he also can track and adjust to the ball well when it’s in the air. Often times with shorter, slot receivers like him it’s assumed that he’ll need to create a lot of separation in order to win, but that’s not necessarily with him.
Round Two, 51st Overall: Steve Avila, G, TCU
The Seahawks made two good selections along the offensive line in last year’s draft with Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. Both of them had good rookie seasons and appear to be long term solutions at left and right tackle.
Interior offensive line remains a potential area for them to address and in this scenario they take a guard with their second of three selections on day two.
Steve Avila was a three year starter for the Horned Frogs who was a first team all american last season. He projects well as a guard to the NFL due to his size and athleticism and is ready to be a starter as a rookie and could plug in and play for the Seahawks.
Round Three, 83rd Overall: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
To round out this three round mock draft is yet another front seven player for Seattle. This isn’t a great linebacker class but there are potential starters available on day two.
Dorian Williams was a big contributor along Tulane’s defense for three seasons as he was first team all conference in 2022. He also made an honorable mention and second team for the conference in 2021 and 2020.
He helped his draft stock at the combine as his 4.49 40 yard dash is in the 94th percentile for linebackers. This speed gives him the necessary skill set to be a good coverage defender, which would be valuable in improving the Seahawks’ defense.