Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL Draft Review
Seahawks 2023 Draft Grade
The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2023 NFL Draft looking to build off of their success as a surprise playoff team from the 2022 season. They also looked to capitalize on a high draft pick from the Denver Broncos after former quarterback Russell Wilson’s disappointing campaign. The team’s current roster has numerous talented pieces, but the Seahawks wanted to add more depth and tools to help the team succeed. With nine picks spread over the draft, the team had the opportunity to make an impact and improve on last year.
Round 1, Pick 5 Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Seahawks pass on a gaping need at nose tackle and instead strengthen the defensive backfield. Witherspoon is a tall and physical corner who can both press and play off-man coverage. His athletic ability is excellent and he is comfortable in coverage when defending both receivers and tight ends. For the Seahawks, he provides a much-needed defender in the secondary to help support the team from the CB2 position. While better options may have been available, Witherspoon looks to step in as a day-one starter.
Grade: B
Round 1, Pick 20 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
It seems like Seattle has been looking for another receiver forever. Dwayne Eskridge doesn’t appear to have worked out and Tyler Lockett is aging. Smith-Njigba is by far the most explosive receiver in the draft. He’s a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. While he was my second favorite receiver in the draft, I understand why he was the first taken. He is a tall wideout with good size and speed to make plays on the ball down the field. The only strike against him is that he only played one year at Ohio State. If he stays healthy, Smith-Njigba is an excellent fit for Seattle’s offense and should help open up the field for the passing attack.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 37 Derrick Hall, LB, Auburn
Hall is a classic Pete Carroll SPARQ special player. He is a versatile player who can play off the line and also rush the passer. As mentioned, his excellent athleticism and length are assets to his game. Hall excels at being able to make plays in coverage and pressure quarterbacks. For Seattle, I see him playing as a pass-rushing linebacker in their 3-4 defense. Hall does need to improve against the run before he’s an every-down linebacker.
Grade: B
Round 2, Pick 52 Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
My controversial highest-ranked running back in the 2023 NFL Draft. So off the bat, you know I think this is an excellent value pick. Charbonnet has good vision and an elite combination of power and speed. The only issue I have with this pick is that the Seahawks have Kenneth Walker III on the team and he was one of the best rookies in the NFL last year. However, Walker is coming off an injury. Also, I believe Charbonnet is also a better receiving back than Walker with his sure hands and elusiveness. The Seahawks should have two excellent young running backs to use in 2023. Great for the team, but problematic for fantasy football owners.
Grade: A-
Round 4, Pick 108 Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
The Seahawks have needed an upgrade at the interior of the offensive line ever since Alex Mack was traded. Bradford is another player with a nice SPARQ score, but unfortunately, he plays guard where athleticism isn’t the number one skill I look for. Bradford is a physical blocker who excels in the run game but needs to improve his pass blocking which is where Seattle needs the most help. He’ll need some time to develop, but he’s depth at a shallow position.
Grade: C
Round 4, Pick 123 Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi State
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, Seattle takes a player with impressive measurables and a high ceiling who needs to develop. They do fill a gaping hole at nose tackle with this pick. Young has a powerful upper body and extremely long arms for a defensive tackle. He will also help with their run defense immediately by filling up running lanes and maintaining double teams. Young needs to learn how to use his natural abilities to improve as a pass rusher.
Grade: C+
