My first 2023 NFL mock draft (two rounds)

Here it is then. My first two-round mock.

I’ve tried to think outside of the box but be realistic. The unexpected happens every year so just going with ‘predictable’ seems pointless. There are a million mocks out there saying the same thing. What’s the point of me doing that?

A few thoughts before getting into the mock:

1. I think Bijan Robinson, Jalen Carter and Will Anderson will likely be the three players with the highest grades on most boards.

2. A team will select Bijan Robinson in the top-10 because he’ll likely be the consensus best player in the draft.

3. Anthony Richardson at #1 overall will get the most criticism in this mock. His upside, however, is MVP level. There are not many humans who can do what he can do. I suspect teams will see a combination of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Plus he’s worked in something close to a pro-system, where he’s required to make checks and adjustments. As the process goes on, I think Richardson will emerge as a contender to go very early in this draft.

4. I really like Bryce Young. He is immensely talented, creative and seems to have a winners mentality. However, none of us really know how the NFL is going to feel about drafting a 5-10, 185lbs quarterback. This is a first. I suspect, rightly or wrongly, he will last a bit longer than people think due to his size. Especially in a year where he’s suffered an injury — that doesn’t help allay durability concerns.

5. I think Calijah Kancey is going to go a lot earlier than people are projecting.

One big trade

I have the Colts moving from #14 to #3 and likely giving up a haul to do so (two additional firsts) in a deal with the Bears. This will give Chicago the best possible opportunity to build up their roster and it gives the Colts an opportunity to get a much needed long-term answer at quarterback.

Round One

#1 Houston — Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida)
Here’s what I’m projecting. I think they sign Jimmy Garoppolo to a two-year deal. They then draft Richardson with the intention of redshirting him. Frankly, it’s a plan that would make some sense.

#2 Carolina — Will Levis (QB, Kentucky)
Levis is best prepared to come in and start quickly and that is what the Panthers need next year. His upside is Justin Herbert’s level.

#3 Indianapolis (v/CHI) — CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State)
The Colts have been in no mans land at quarterback for years. I think there’ll be some pressure on Chris Ballard to move up and sort the problem out.

#4 Las Vegas — Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)
I think he’ll be the first non-quarterback drafted. Since returning from injury he has been unblockable at times. Impressive.

#5 Seattle (v/DEN) — Will Anderson (DE, Alabama)
Anderson has had a disappointing 2022 season and needs to learn how to counter. However, he has immense potential and would give the Seahawks a shot to find a X-factor rusher.

#6 Detroit (v/LAR) — Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Yes, they need a long term answer at quarterback. However, three are gone already and Robinson will top many (most?) draft boards. A team in the top-10 will decide he’s too good to pass up. There’s talk he’s being graded higher than Saquon Barkley. Detroit uses two running backs and D’Andre Swift has had injury issues. Is it controversial? Sure. But it would fit the identity of the coach.

#7 Houston (v/CLE) — Tyree Wilson (DE, Texas Tech)
He has outstanding length (+35 inch arms) and size (275lbs) and when he turns it on he can be incredibly disruptive.

#8 Pittsburgh — Mazi Smith (DT, Michigan)
Smith is going to go to the combine, put on a dazzling performance, and go much earlier than people think. He’s been disruptive all season.

#9 Jacksonville — Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame)
Just a quality player who would fit nicely in Doug Pederson’s offense.

#10 Philadelphia (v/NO) — Myles Murphy (DE, Clemson)
An outstanding athlete with great size and an ability to dazzle as a pass rusher. However, his pad-level and run defense are a cause for concern.

#11 Arionza — Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)
Johnston, at times, looks like a poor-mans Larry Fitzgerald.

#12 Green Bay — Bryce Young (QB, Alabama)
Jordan Love has not convinced anyone in fleeting appearances. The Packers need to start their next era at quarterback. Someone, eventually, will take the chance on Young’s size not being an issue. I think after Aaron Rodgers’ never-ending sulking and drama — they’ll enjoy working with the ultimate pro in Bryce Young.

#13 Detroit — Bryan Bresee (DT, Clemson)
Bresee’s tape has been quite poor at times but there’s no getting away from his enormous upside. He’s another player whose character ‘fits’ the Lions.

#14 Chicago (v/IND) — Darnell Wright (T, Tennessee)
The Bears trade down and collect a haul in the process — then address their biggest need. Wright shut down Will Anderson. He is incredibly underrated.

#15 Atlanta — Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh)
I get it — nobody is going to be Aaron Donald. Kancey, however, is as close as you’ll ever get to finding another.

#16 LA Chargers — Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia)
He has amazing size and speed and he’s made some nice plays in 2022. He’s also been beaten too often and needs work to max out his potential.

#17 Washington — Joey Porter Jr (CB, Detroit)
Porter Jr plays with a physical, competitive edge and he would fit Ron Rivera’s team.

#18 NY Jets — Brian Branch (S, Alabama)
He’s a silky smooth chess piece who can also lay a hit from time to time.

#19 Tampa Bay — Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama)
There’s a noticeable difference when Gibbs isn’t on the field for Alabama. A very exciting player.

#20 Denver (v/SF) — Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina)
A very competitive, well-sized cornerback who can start quickly across from Patrick Surtain.

#21 Seattle — J.L. Skinner (S, Boise State)
He just screams ‘Seahawks’. His size, length, violent hitting, attitude, playmaking qualities. It’s all there. He looks like a leaner Kam Chancellor. I think they’re going to love him and might not risk waiting until round two.

#22 New England — Cedric Tillman (WR, Tennessee)
An elegant bigger receiver and a player New England has seemingly been trying to find for years.

#23 Cincinnati — Paris Johnson Jr (T, Ohio State)
He’s a day-two talent for me but the Bengals have little choice but to keep drafting for their O-line.

#24 Buffalo — Jaxson Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State)
You can never have too many weapons and he’d make a good option as a slot receiver. A lack of pure speed could push him into day two.

#25 Baltimore — Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)
A very athletic, talented cornerback who can stick in coverage and make plays.

#26 Tennessee — Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee)
They need speed, quickness and dynamic playmaking and Hyatt’s ability to accelerate and separate at the end of a route is top-level.

#27 Dallas — D.J. Turner (CB, Michigan)
His testing performance will be excellent, securing a likely top-40 placing.

#28 NY Giants — Jordan Addison (WR, USC)
They need a lot of positions but given they’re picking this late in round one, the value might be at receiver.

#29 Miami — forfeited

#30 Minnesota — K.J. Henry (DE, Clemson)
He has been consistently good all year, creating pressure and making plays. A former five-star recruit with superb character.

#31 Kansas City — Mike Morris (DE, Michigan)
I wish he’d play with more urgency at times but he’s big, fast and difficult to block.

#32 Philadelphia — Peter Skoronski (T/G, Northwestern)
He plays left tackle but I prefer him at guard.

Round Two

#33 Houston — Broderick Jones (T/G, Georgia)
Another player I think is better suited to guard but could be tried at tackle first.

#34 Pittsburgh (v/CHI) — Jordan McFadden (T/G, Clemson)
I’m a huge fan of McFadden. What a brilliantly polished, athletic, balanced and consistent player. Despite his lack of orthodox size I think he can stick at tackle or he could become a top-level guard.

#35 Carolina — Jonathan Mingo (WR, Ole Miss)
A tremendous player with fantastic size and quickness and the ability to play out wide or in the slot. Very underrated.

#36 Seattle (v/DEN) — Nolan Smith (LB, Georgia)
Smith’s a tweener and it’ll keep him on the board but he has outstanding character, elite physical tools (141.18 SPARQ) and an ability to play off the edge or at linebacker. That could appeal to the Seahawks as they continue to build up their front seven.

#37 LA Rams — Ji’Ayir Brown (S, Penn State)
He’s a playmaker who collects interceptions, will test well at the combine and he’s the vocal leader of the Penn State team.

#38 Cleveland — B.J. Ojulari (EDGE, LSU)
Long, lean, disruptive, capable of dropping if needed and wears #18 (a sign of high character at LSU).

#39 Pittsburgh — Byron Young (DE, Alabama)
I love Byron Young. He makes plays every week. A classic AFC North player.

#40 Jacksonville — Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College)
Keep adding weapons for Trevor Lawrence.

#41 Las Vegas — Isaiah Foskey (EDGE, Notre Dame)
He’s had a decent season and he’s the kind of defender Belichick takes. This is a very New England influenced setup in Vegas.

#42 Green Bay — Christopher Smith (S, Georgia)
This feels like a good match for player and scheme. Smith is rangy, physical and can close and hit.

#43 New Orleans — Kyu Blu Kelly (CB, Stanford)
On a struggling Cardinal team he competes and consistently makes plays.

#44 Detroit — Trenton Simpson (LB, Clemson)
He’s had a disappointing 2022 season but his athletic profile is top-notch and he has special qualities.

#45 Arizona — John Michael Schmitz (C, Minnesota)
A great big brawling center who sets the tone up front.

#46 Indianapolis — Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
I think he’s red raw but his size and potential will intrigue some.

#47 Atlanta — Will McDonald (DE, Iowa State)
A praying mantis of a pass rusher with elite physical tools but almost no consistent technique other than a violent spin move. Having a poor 2022 season.

#48 LA Chargers — Keeanu Benton (DT, Wisconsin)
They’re still not plugging gaps up the middle and Benton gives them a chance to add some size, disruption and anchor.

#49 Washington — Drew Sanders (LB, Arkansas)
A multi-faceted linebacker who can reduce down and rush the edge situationally.

#50 NY Jets — Joe Tippmann (C, Wisconsin)
Tippmann will test off the charts at the combine and his combination of explosive power and agility will interest teams like the Jets who value athleticism up front.

#51 Tampa Bay — Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
Big, physical, mobile for his size and gets after it. I love a bit of Beebe.

#52 Carolina (v/SF) — Josh Downs (WR, North Carolina)
A combination of Tyler Lockett and Golden Tate.

#53 New England — Antonio Johnson (S, Texas A&M)
A bit overrated for me but I can see why his size and range will appeal to some teams.

#54 Cincinnati — Luke Musgrave (TE, Oregon State)
A brilliant combine will set the stage for second round talk surrounding the extremely talented Musgrave who does everything well.

#55 Seattle — Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA)
Seahawks twitter will go nuts if they take another second round runner but here’s the thing — Seattle has re-established its identity and they need depth and talent at running back. Charbonnet is a fantastic player with amazing feet, size, finishing ability and pass-catching qualities.

#56 Buffalo — Kenny McIntosh (RB, Georgia)
He just seems like a great fit for what they do and is a more natural RB1 type compared to James Cook.

#57 Tennessee — Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)
I love this fit and he could provide an immediate X-factor for the Titans. Kincaid just makes plays every week and the block he made to spring a touchdown against Oregon at the weekend was first class.

#58 Dallas — Kayshon Boutte (WR, LSU)
He’s had a stinking 2022 season but Dallas often likes to roll the dice on a fallen star.

#59 NY Giants — Bryce Ford-Wheaton (WR, West Virginia)
A big target with untapped potential and an outstanding physical profile.

#60 Chicago (v/BAL) — Jaelyn Duncan (T, Maryland)
They clearly need to start repairing their O-line.

#61 Miami — O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida)
I’m not a huge fan and grade him lower than this but there’s a lot of buzz that he’ll go early.

#62 Detroit (v/MIN) — Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia)
Another player I just think fits what the Lions want to do. He’s like another offensive lineman on the field given his ridiculous size.

#63 Kansas City — Zacch Pickens (DT, South Carolina)
He plays in fits and starts and his stamina can be questioned but there’s no mistaking he can be disruptive.

#64 Philadelphia — Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
Good in coverage, good tackler — this would be sound value for the Eagles.

The mock draft in list form:

#1 Houston — Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida)
#2 Carolina — Will Levis (QB, Kentucky)
#3 Indianapolis (v/CHI) — CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State)
#4 Las Vegas — Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)
#5 Seattle (v/DEN) — Will Anderson (DE, Alabama)
#6 Detroit (v/LAR) — Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)
#7 Houston (v/CLE) — Tyree Wilson (DE, Texas Tech)
#8 Pittsburgh — Mazi Smith (DT, Michigan)
#9 Jacksonville — Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame)
#10 Philadelphia (v/NO) — Myles Murphy (DE, Clemson)
#11 Arionza — Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)
#12 Green Bay — Bryce Young (QB, Alabama)
#13 Detroit — Bryan Bresee (DT, Clemson)
#14 Chicago (v/IND) — Darnell Wright (T, Tennessee)
#15 Atlanta — Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh)
#16 LA Chargers — Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia)
#17 Washington — Joey Porter Jr (CB, Detroit)
#18 NY Jets — Brian Branch (S, Alabama)
#19 Tampa Bay — Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama)
#20 Denver (v/SF) — Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina)
#21 Seattle — J.L. Skinner (S, Boise States)
#22 New England — Cedric Tillman (WR, Tennessee)
#23 Cincinnati — Paris Johnson Jr (T, Ohio State)
#24 Buffalo — Jaxson Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State)
#25 Baltimore — Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)
#26 Tennessee — Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee)
#27 Dallas — D.J. Turner (CB, Michigan)
#28 NY Giants — Jordan Addison (WR, USC)
#29 Miami — forfeited
#30 Minnesota — K.J. Henry (DE, Clemson)
#31 Kansas City — Mike Morris (DE, Michigan)
#32 Philadelphia — Peter Skoronski (T/G, Northwestern)

#33 Houston — Broderick Jones (T/G, Georgia)
#34 Pittsburgh (v/CHI) — Jordan McFadden (T/G, Clemson)
#35 Carolina — Jonathan Mingo (WR, Ole Miss)
#36 Seattle (v/DEN) — Nolan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#37 LA Rams — Ji’Ayir Brown (S, Penn State)
#38 Cleveland — B.J. Ojulari (EDGE, LSU)
#39 Pittsburgh — Byron Young (DE, Alabama)
#40 Jacksonville — Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College)
#41 Las Vegas — Isaiah Foskey (EDGE, Notre Dame)
#42 Green Bay — Christopher Smith (S, Georgia)
#43 New Orleans — Kyu Blu Kelly (CB, Stanford)
#44 Detroit — Trenton Simpson (LB, Clemson)
#45 Arizona — John Michael Schmitz (C, Minnesota)
#46 Indianapolis — Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
#47 Atlanta — Will McDonald (DE, Iowa State)
#48 LA Chargers — Keeanu Benton (DT, Wisconsin)
#49 Washington — Drew Sanders (LB, Arkansas)
#50 NY Jets — Joe Tippmann (C, Wisconsin)
#51 Tampa Bay — Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
#52 Carolina (v/SF) — Josh Downs (WR, North Carolina)
#53 New England — Antonio Johnson (S, Texas A&M)
#54 Cincinnati — Luke Musgrave (TE, Oregon State)
#55 Seattle — Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA)
#56 Buffalo — Kenny McIntosh (RB, Georgia)
#57 Tennessee — Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)
#58 Dallas — Kayshon Boutte (WR, LSU)
#59 NY Giants — Bryce Ford-Wheaton (WR, West Virginia)
#60 Chicago (v/BAL) — Jaelyn Duncan (T, Maryland)
#61 Miami — O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida)
#62 Detroit (v/MIN) — Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia)
#63 Kansas City — Zacch Pickens (DT, South Carolina)
#64 Philadelphia — Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)

Seattle’s picks:

#5 Will Anderson (DE, Alabama)
#21 J.L. Skinner (S, Boise State)
#36 Nolan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#55 Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA)

With this collection of players, the Seahawks add talent to their defense. The front seven is bolstered and they add physicality to the secondary. Charbonnet provides a fantastic one-two punch with Ken Walker. The four picks add to the identity of the team and put the Seahawks in a position to take on any opponent.

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80 Comments

  1. cha

    I could work with that class very nicely. Thank you Rob. Great work.

    Where do you think Skinner fits better, FS or SS ?

    And Nolan, I honestly don’t know much about him. Would employing him as a mate to Brooks and occasionally using him as a blitzer be a good use of his talents? Or more of an edge rusher who can occasionally stand up and take a TE on in coverage?

    • Spectator

      Im not Rob, and he probably has a better answer than me, but from what I’ve read and watched Smith, he would be a creative chess piece to use. I think at Georgia he plays the role he does just cause he is the best athlete to play it, kind of how Simmons was used in areas that they just wanted the best athlete and leader. Injury should be able to bounce back quickly from too. We seem to blitz Barton a lot, and that would be a good role to put Smith in. Freak athlete, used as a Rusher, but undersized to be that in NFL. Let him play the Barton role and we will be able to keep that position on the field more.

      • Spectator

        Im not saying he is like Simmons as a player, just in that they use him in his position because of his athletic profile. Maybe like a Baron Browning would be a good comp size wise. And denver has been able to get more out of him than OSU did in college.

    • Rob Staton

      SS for Skinner IMO

      And yes on Smith

  2. Spectator

    This is great! Would absolutely love this draft!! Those are all alpha player types, too.

  3. Tatupu51

    That sounds like a great haul!

    Rob, wouldn’t a receiver with our second second rounder make more sense than another RB?

    • Big Mike

      Not Rob but I will say imo, the answer to your question is no. The Hawks must have a healthy top end RB and the position is always an injury waiting to happen. Having 2 guys in that vein keeps both fresher and gives you needed depth. Plus I feel like Goodwin is a quality 3rd WR.

      • Roy Batty

        And only Walker and Dallas are under contract for next year. They will probably retain Homer for a very reasonable price, also.

  4. Peppapig

    That would be an awesome 4 picks!

  5. TomLPDX

    Good Lord, we could be so lucky! I really love this particular draft Rob.

    • TomLPDX

      Also like what you’ve done for Detroit. Goof (no, that is not a typo!) is not their biggest problem, defense is. Give them a potential game changer on offense yo shore it up and give Goff some help and then address the D with some solid firepower not only in round 2 but further into the draft.

  6. Erik

    Our first pick in the second round is so early it feels like a first! What a fun draft this will be. Enjoyable read, Rob. Thank you.

  7. Ukhawk

    Love the Hawks draft you’ve mocked in all but for the fact there is no additions in the trenches esp DT.

    Just feels like we need some inside pressure most of all on D. I think you can manufacture to some degree outside but inside it’s harder.

    Given you’ve gone with your board (and rightly so), it means we miss out on Smith or Kancey with our 2nd pick. Lets hope the rest of the league sleeps on these guys so they slide a bit to us.

    • Rob Staton

      Problem is it’s a very light DT class

      Will be hard to tap into it unless you get lucky

      • Tim

        Hi Rob!

        You’ve been talking about Mazi Smith quite favorably, and in your mock drafts he’s likely to be available to the Seahawks.

        What sort of testing ought we to expect? Is he anything close to an Aaron Donald? And if so — light class as it is… why not draft for that interior push after multiple years drafting for Edge?

        • Rob Staton

          He’s 50lbs heavier than Donald so doubt it will be as good as that. I would rather get a lighter potentially more disruptive type. But Smith is expected to destroy the combine.

  8. Mick

    I like it. Plenty to think about here.
    Playing the contrarian for a second, it seems like the Seahawks need to start thinking about the post-Lockett era now. Seattle could realistically move on from Lockett after 2023, when they’d save around $10m by cutting him, or more likely after 2024, when they’d save $16mm. Smith-Njigba seems like a good succession plan at 21, with plenty of present value as a good WR3 behind Lockett and DK. Safeties like Chris Smith and Jordan Battle should be available in round 2 if you’re looking for help there, but my preference would be to retain Ryan Neal if the price is right. RB in round 2 is a little rich for my blood, especially with Zach Evans still theoretically available in round 3 and lots of needs on the O-line.

    My picks for Seattle (based on availability in your mock):
    5: Will Anderson (DE)
    21: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)
    36: Nolan Smith (LB)
    55: Sedric Van Pran (C)

    • Peter

      I don’t think that’s contrarian at all. Time is going to catch Lockett. Seems they need to think about it sooner than later.

    • Rob Staton

      I’m not sure Smith-Njigba is fast enough for Seattle

      They put a lot on speed at WR

      • Mick

        That’s fair. Addison and Hyatt are both fast, so you could substitute those guys for JSM. The point about needing a long-term plan at WR still stands.

        • Rob Staton

          I think they need a WR3

          I don’t think we need to draft Lockett’s replacement yet. He’s only 30.

          • Mick

            Hopefully you’re right. Ideally though you get a WR3 for the next 2 years and then he grows into more, much like Lockett himself did behind Baldwin, and DK did behind Lockett. I imagine the team would want to max out Lockett’s value by having him coach up the next starter before he leaves. An early WR pick would also follow the Ken Walker model, where the team took the next long-term starter (Walker) despite the current starter (Penny) still being on the roster.

            • Tien

              Mick – I wouldn’t be opposed to the Hawks taking a high upside fast WR, as you suggested, have him be the WR3 for a year or two and then replace Lockett. But I don’t look at the drafting of Walker this year as following the same plan that you suggested for drafting a WR in this year’s draft. IMO, the Hawks would have been incredibly negligent if they hadn’t drafted a RB high in last year’s draft. I don’t think Penny has made it through a complete season as a Seahawk so drafting Walker wasn’t necessarily as a future starter but to me, more as a hedge to be the current (effective) starter for when Penny got injured again. I’m so excited to see what the Hawks do in the upcoming draft!

    • Ryan West

      I like it, too. Like Rob’s mock, but as I went down the list my first thought was, “Ooh, I wonder if it’d be better if we took Addison with our second 1st and hoped Skinner would be there in the 2nd.” OTOH, every year I also think there’s no need to draft a WR really high bc colleges turn out so many every year lol.

  9. Happy Hawk

    Thanks Rob – really enjoyed this read. I know I will be in the back on this – but not taking a QB anywhere in the first 2 rounds seems like bad business. Even if we stick with Geno having talent as a backup QB in the NFL is a good thing given the injury history of the position.

    Rob, have to say it – you are among the very best and elite when it comes to draft analysis AND projecting what the Seahawks tendencies have been & will be. Thanks Big Time!

    • Rob Staton

      I think after the first few go it’s hard to justify taking a QB

      Round three should be when the next run happens

  10. Peter

    Great stuff to get the season really going.

    Noticed you fixed Pittsburg dline in a draft. Sort of still hoping Seattle considers Mazzi smith.

    Intrigued that you slotted us a LB. Only after you’ve sort of lined up how Seattle seems to currently feel about the position.

    Very good draft. Love charbonnet in the second. If Waldron is as clever as I think he is I think you could have both rbs on the field at the sane time.

  11. shane germany

    those picks would certainly enhance Seattle defence with some top quality additions Rob, some more sense of disruption is needed on that side of the ball however Seattle’s defence has got better this season, still needs to step it up a notch or two.

    i take it that you wouldn’t resign Penny next season if your considering a 2nd rd pick for another RB, i see the up take of that,a fresh start and two elite RB’s, especially as Seattle loves the run the ball more than most.

    after reading your draft Rob, am i to think that you both make Q Diggs and J Adams a post jun1 draft cut and save Seattle over $20m and utilise that money on other players? I reckon PC wont do it, but feel Seattle needs a fresh start at S and J.L.Skinner could be that man.

    your draft gives those with a better perspective on players and who’d they best match the teams needs than the usual draft like everyone else, do you plan to give us an idea whom Seattle should take with their later picks in the draft at all?

    • Rob Staton

      I would consider re-signing Penny if he’s cheap but eventually you have to accept defeat with his health

      • Ryan West

        Agree. I would absolutely try to resign Penny for next year. He should be cheap bc of health, which could also be helped by being the backup rather than the starter. In fact, if we re-signed him and he was healthy going into the season I would be completely fine with not drafting a Running back and going with walker, Penny, Dallas, and homer.

        Would you?

        I mean, if they liked a thumper on day 3, sure, but not higher.

        • Rob Staton

          I’m not against it but Penny can’t stay healthy

          And we’ve seen this team derail without a running game very quickly

  12. Palatypus

    Can’t argue with any of these, but if I were Denver it would be very hard to pass on Jalin Hyatt there at 20. The Bronco receivers don’t scare anyone.

  13. Doge

    Appreciation all the hard work Rob, can tell you put in the time and work.

    A bit surprised to see the Nolan Smith pick from you… was that impacted at all by the amount of high value picks we have? Seems like its betting on an incredible talent and saying, “We’ll figure the details out later”. Those prospects seem pretty boom or bust.

    • Rob Staton

      I think they like athletes like him, thus I could see it. But I can also see them ignoring LB again

  14. Rick

    #36 Seattle (v/DEN) — Nolan Smith (LB, Georgia)
    #37 LA Rams — Ji’Ayir Brown (S, Penn State)

    I am wondering if the Seahawks don’t double down on safety this year.
    They took the two cornerbacks last year.
    If they move on from Diggs and Adams they have holes to fill.
    I can see two safeties going in the first two rounds for the team more than a LB.

    • Rob Staton

      Ryan Neal

      • KD

        As long as Neal can stay hungry and maintain a chip on his shoulder to prove that he deserves to be the starter, and maintain his level of play, I’m happy to keep him there and address other positions

  15. samprassultanofswat

    I don’t have a problem for the Seahawks taking a running back in the second round. In the N.F.L. having two top running backs is a MUST. The N.FL. has a 17 game schedule. Plus a team could play four playoff games(including a possible Super Bowl). For a total of 21 possible games. That is asking a lot for a running back.

    It will be interesting to see if the Seahawks resign Penny.

  16. Ross

    If Seattle had the #3 pick (via Denver) instead of Chi, would you make that same trade with Indi?

    • Roy Batty

      Not if they have a shot at a real franchise level QB or true game changing DT.

      When would they ever get another chance to grab a franchise cornerstone with that high of a pick?

      I get the allure of extra first rounders for years to come, but no one knows how good a Indy will be the next couple of years with a healthy Taylor in the backfield?

    • Cambs

      If Seattle’s first pick in this draft was in the teens would we be entertaining the advisability of trading our ’24 and ’25 firsts to push up for QB3 when we might have our QB on the roster already?

      I think the answer reveals which of the two packages is the better choice. Two firsts in three consecutive drafts is a lot of flexibility — it lets you embrace the possibility that Geno is the guy while retaining the option to move on by seeking a QB in a future draft. (e.g., trade the surplus picks back to someone in a year’s time to go get Caleb Williams.) It gives you roster-building options from 1 to 53 to fill up the pipeline, move around the draft board, and hunt contract value with veterans without negotiating from a position of weakness. It lets you multiply and diversify your bets, and safely store future roster value, in an environment where there are a lot of busts and career-altering injuries.

      And while the Colts might improve, they also might go the other way. Personally I’d take this trade even if you knew for sure the Colts would give you future picks in the 20s … but the possibility exists that they might hand you an absolute bonanza of value, especially if their chosen QB doesn’t hit. To take a not entirely fair comparison … how much are the Panthers kicking themselves right now for not trading Brian Burns, seeing how the Rams are going? Those picks are 1 and 2 years out, granted, but LA’s current build looks like it’s in danger of disintegrating under cap pressure. I’d venture that crazy Jim Irsay’s team has some non-negligible implosion potential of its own.

  17. KD

    I still think Houston takes Stroud #1 overall for a few reasons. First, the Texans are one of the worst run teams in the NFL, and I don’t think they have the patience to focus on the long term by red-shirting the #1 overall pick until he is ready. Secondly, if Lovie Smith manages to not get fired, he’s going to be desperate sitting on that hot seat. If he does get fired, the next regime will be eager to make an immediate impact. Thirdly, this may be a situation where the owner interjects and pressures whoever the coach/GM is to make that immediate impact as well as drum up hype for ticket sales, jersey sales, prime time games, etc.

    Would your suggestion of taking Richardson, developing him while building up a foundation for the rest of the team be a good idea? Of course. There’s a reason why Houston is picking #1 overall though. It’s a badly run team, and badly run teams don’t make wise decisions.

    • Rob Staton

      Stroud would/should need a redshirt year too

      If they’re being impatient, they’ll take Levis

      But the GM has a connection to Jimmy G

      • Palatypus

        Details.

  18. Seahawkwalt

    Anyone w knowledge on Michigan State (MLB) Jacoby Windmon, 6’2″ 250 lbs.? He looks outstanding.

    https://youtu.be/XfGxYGZ99f0

    • D-OZ

      WOW!!! Nice find on Windmon…

      • Seahawkwalt

        Hey has nice bend and explosion to get around LT on one play. “Chevy” on Seahawks.net gets the credit on him.

    • PJ in Seattle

      Wow indeed. Not sure why he hasn’t been on the collective wisdom radar – I guess showing out at a Moutain West school doesn’t turn heads? Looks like he’s still bringing it as a senior at Michigan State (several Big 10 and National weekly awards).

      This season alone – leads the FBS in forced fumbles (6), is tied for seventh in sacks (5.5 for 31 yards), and is tied for 12th in tackles for loss (10.5 for 46 yards), leading the B1G in forced fumbles, tackles for loss and ranking second in sacks per game.

      And yet I don’t even see him listed on most LB prospect lists. Those highlights are ridiculous. What are we missing here? Is he 28 year old or something?

  19. Big Mike

    Thank you so much for this Rob. Your work and content is always greatly appreciated. It was my pre Thanksgiving feast.

  20. David Thompson

    Rob, Thanks for all the hard work, the thorough research and great analyses. Your lists and descriptions of players make me wish Seattle had even more picks.Here’s hoping all the players the ‘Hawks draft this year, are healthy and can remain healthy throughout their rookie seasons. Curious after the Combine to see how Tyreke Smith’s numbers compare with this year’s crop of edge candidates.

  21. Comfect

    Thanks for all this immense work, Rob.

    Curious if, if he were to get there, you think the Seahawks would be interested in Josh Downs, given your description of him as a combination of Lockett and Tate, both of whom they drafted.

    • Rob Staton

      Possibly

  22. jed

    Really fun article, thanks.

    I really like the Seahawks picks, but my favorite pick is GB. It would be so fun to watch them skip WR twice and pick another QB.

  23. GerryG

    I like it.

    Also intrigued by Rob calling his shot with the Eagles winning it all.

    • cha

      I believe Rob is just using the current draft order based on record.

      • Rob Staton

        Correct

  24. Cj

    I don’t think Bryce young falls in the draft , he is much better then Tua and when not concussed tua is having an mvp season. In addition I think you are really under valueing the poker tactics scouts will sell before a draft to create false narratives. No one is scared of his size , they are rather enamored with his arm talent , ability to create plays in broken situations and are going to try to create doubt or misdirection.

    At the end of the day the position is to play quarterback , sit in the pocket and deliver beautiful passes and cj stroud and Bryce young are the two best at that in this class. With west coast offenses sweeping the nfl again I think the idea of having a mobile qb is a bit overrated and the pendelum is swinging back towards the qb who can stand and deliver.

    Interesting draft overall and though I disagree with the first two qbs , appreciate the creativity and explanation of why you think it may happen. I would be happy with this draft for the Seahawks then we could find some tackle concert to guard prospects in the later rounds and it would be a total success.

    • Rob Staton

      You are in no position to say what teams are or aren’t concerned with CJ

    • cha

      when not concussed tua is having an mvp season.

      the position is to play quarterback , sit in the pocket and deliver beautiful passes and cj stroud and Bryce young are the two best at that in this class. With west coast offenses sweeping the nfl again I think the idea of having a mobile qb is a bit overrated and the pendelum is swinging back towards the qb who can stand and deliver.

      Do you not see the potential problems when you reconcile those two statements?

      Young has a wiry frame. The last QB drafted high with a frame like his was Pat White. He lasted 14 games in the NFL.

      • Cj

        The nfl is drafting undersized qbs in the top 5 year after year. If you think otherwise then you are behind the times , the nfl has spoken and it’s not turning back

        • Rob Staton

          Kyler Murray — 207lbs
          Baker Mayfield — 215lbs
          Tua Tagovailoa — 217lbs

          Bryce Young — approx 185lbs

          There’s the difference.

          • Rob Staton

            CJ had to resort to personal abuse and insults in his next reply

            We won’t be hearing from him again

          • Tien

            And from your list, Rob, the jury is still out on Kyler, Baker sucks, and it’s only this year that Tua is showing that he’s an effective QB, with Hill and Waddle at WRs, and a good OL and running game around him. I hope that Tua sustains this success but who knows. And as you note, Young is only 185 lbs.

            There’s always a chance that Young is the unicorn that will succeed but there’s certainly plenty of risk there.

        • Peter

          The league drafting what’s available due in part to rule changes meaning smaller players can play qb at a higher level and smaller qbs being successful are two different things.

          Who are the small qbs with long term, sustained success over nearly a decade?

          I know one but he’s currently on the receiving end of derision now.

      • Rob Staton

        All Bryce Young needs to do is not get concussed, put on 32lbs of girth to be the same weight as Tua, have Mike McDaniel as his Head Coach and then trade for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and everything will be cool

        • cha

          PHENOMENAL QUARTERBACK POWERS

          (itty bitty living space)

  25. DriveByPoster

    Nice work Rob & some interesting choices. I like the Skinner pick particularly.

    Whilst it’s not unreasonable to think that the ‘hawks take at least one DE at some point, I have to say that I am not entirely sold on Will Anderson. This time last year I would have been over the moon to have him but he seems to have clocked off a bit this year. In the couple of games I’ve seen he doesn’t appear to be playing with that same fire he had last year. So whilst I totally agree about his talent level, I feel that there is just a bit of a character issue maybe, possibly (?) &, based on last year, the ‘hawks don’t seem interested in taking risks on that sort of thing any more.

    On another point, not directly related to this mock but certainly relevant to it, all of our drafted rookies from last year seem to be fit & ready to play. That hasn’t happened for a long time. So I don’t think the ‘hawks will be drafting anyone with any injury doubts.

  26. Bankhawk

    Dang it, Rob-I was all socked in listening to the Mock over on YouTube, and when you gave the Hawks JL Skinner at #21? Well, I just couldn’t curb my enthusiasm (to purliin a phrase from the show).
    I’ve missed that lantern jaded monster as much as any former Hawk evah, and I’m totally down with “The Second Coming Of The Boom”!
    Nice one, all through!

  27. Julian L

    Fun to read and I like all the picks you suggest for the Seahawks.
    At this stage, in the order your board falls, my Seattle picks would be;

    #5 Will Anderson Edge, though I think it’s a great point made in the replies by DriveByPoster, that this years poor output shows potentially a character red flag?

    #21 Mike Morris DE/DT, don’t know if he’ll end up being a Arik Armstead type, but I’d pick him, hoping that’ll be the case

    #36 Christopher Smith S, with Diggs on the way out, he’ll be earmarked as his replacement. I’d double dip for a traitsy Strong Safety to develop, later on Day 3, like RJ Moten of Michigan?

    #56 Steve Avila OG, I want them to keep investing in the Offensive Line. Get one top starting O lineman in the draft and one in free agency, the line could be good for a few years.
    Cross / Lewis / Garrett Bradbury / Avila / Lucas – Could this be a NFL top 10 Offensive Line?

    • Peter

      Re: Anderson.

      Just yesterday I read an article with him discussing this year vs. Last. Seems to me that teams that it’s just a pretty simple function of Alabama being less dominant and teams stacking two-three players on him as much as possible.

      I’m not as high on Anderson as others but to get a near consensus first overall pick at five when there’s no down injury season or over character bulls—, I’d love it.

      My dream is some big beefy boy that commands double teams on every snap. But there’s almost none of those this year. Pretty hard to rush four against an oline if almost no one commands a double team.

  28. Blitzy the Clown

    Seattle’s picks:

    #5 Will Anderson (DE, Alabama)
    #21 J.L. Skinner (S, Boise State)
    #36 Nolan Smith (LB, Georgia)
    #55 Zach Charbonnet (RB, UCLA)

    I’ve been down on Anderson because he’s had a down year. But last year he was on a Myles Garrett level trajectory. The thought of getting him with Denver’s pick as part of the compensation for Wilson makes me a little giddy. If he can return to form, he’s a game wrecker. Not just with the pass rush. He can be an excellent run stopper with his relentless backside pursuit (based on last season).

    I’m disappointed to miss out on Kancey but I realize some of my preferred prospects will rise higher than my current estimations. I’m not as bad as the PFN mock machine rankings, but it’s probably not reasonable for me to expect someone with Kancey’s athleticism and consistent level of production to last to the low 20s (or later).

    JL Skinner is my #2 defensive prospect for Seattle so getting him even while missing out on Kancey is big. I think 21 is a bit rich for him (in that I think he could be had at 36 or even a bit later (which would require a trade down), but as I peruse the selections after 21, I don’t really see anyone I think Seattle need to get. So what the hell? Take your man early. Who cares as long as you get your guy.

    Been banging the table for the last week or two for Kenny McIntosh, but I’ve been high on Charbonnet since last year. IMO he’s RB2 in this draft behind Robinson. Sorry Jahmyr. Adding Charbonnet to Walker would give Seattle the best RB corps in the League, period.

    I don’t know much about Smith. Haven’t paid any attention to him partly because he’s undersized and not what Seattle usually go for in a LB. Also, he doesn’t really stand out on the Bulldogs defense. I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve had a chance to take a closer look at him. But honestly, this pick doesn’t thrill me at all.

  29. Geoff

    Looks at stats only, Richardson simply hasn’t produced in college. Lamar was putting up 3500 passing and 1500 rushing yards. He seems like a risky pick. Levis hasn’t been all that productive either, but at least has decent completion percentage. Are these two quarterbacks overhyped and skating of last years promises? Admittingly, I’m rather ignorant on the subject, but I guess I was expecting to see better production this year.

  30. Seahawks gary

    Man. Richardson at 1 is spicy. Dude is a talent but if going for prototype talent why not Levis? Also, if Jimmy is there, rather grab TOP EDGE guy. I want to see seattle focus on defense and O line- like they did last year. The class is so loaded with front 7 talent and middle rounds have gems for interior o line. I have them taking Murphy edge, skronski/paris/Anton H for online, tuli or mazi DL, and sewell LB or skinner S for my 1st 4. I like your picks and especially like the explanations.

  31. Lenny253

    I think our next pick is 86. Maybe we target a QB and sign Geno for 2-3 more year extension.

  32. Alex Higgins

    Seeing this, I think the Seahawks need to trade down and collect more picks. They need to draft a top WR as well as re-stock safety, linebacker and D-Line. To me, there are more holes to fill. I still can’t believe this team is 6-4. I have a feeling they will end up no better than 9-8. Sorry to be such a downer. I think they will lose to the Raiders this week and drop games to the Niners, Chiefs and one more slip up. Again, they might be better off missing the playoffs this year since I don’t see the defense able to withstand a good offense in the playoffs.

    • Rob Staton

      Why trade down when you can get one of the best defensive linemen in the draft?

      The Seahawks traded down every year for years. It got them nowhere.

      This year they stayed where they were and added talent. They had an A+ draft.

      They’ve already got five picks in the first three rounds. How many do they need???

  33. Hughz

    Does Young have large hands? Just wondering since it could be a factor in GB and other cold climate teams.

  34. BobbyK

    It’s so much fun to think about this draft knowing the plethora of picks we’ll have available.

    There’s no reason they can’t get a guy in the 3rd who will/can contribute, too. If the above scenario happens, maybe a nice athletic OLB who can cover or WR3.

    Always can use a good young DT, too.

    Excited to see what happens…

  35. Trenchtown

    Regarding Detroit: I actually don’t think it’s crazy to think the Lions don’t have a problem at QB. Goff is eighth in DYAR and a 55 QBR. His wide receivers are fourth rounders and undrafted (aside from Hockenson who is now traded). Goff is only 28. I think the answer is get better weapons, not dump Goff.

  36. Forrest

    I actually think Houston will go for Geno Smith in free agency and try to trade the #1 pick for a king’s ransom to rebuild their team. They could have had Jimmy G this year, but he didn’t want to go there. I see him still holding that position in 2023, leaving the Texans with few options. But, Geno fits with the Deshaun Watson type they like in Houston and they might be able to break the bank with an offer that Seattle would be unwilling to match. Would Geno stay in Seattle for $20 million if Houston was offering $30? I don’t know.

    If that happens, watch out for Aaron Rodgers! Could the Hawks get under the cap far enough to fit him in? I could see him making enough of a stink in GB to force his way out and I think he’d be salivating at the prospect of working with our WRs. If that happens, I could also see Anthony Richardson falling to us, which could be a perfect fit. We could then use our picks on defense and cap saving middle round S, G, C types to fill out the roster. That would certainly explain why we haven’t signed Geno to an extension!

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