Seahawks' Top 2023 NFL Draft Targets
It's been some time since the Seattle Seahawks last picked two players during the first round of the NFL draft. They haven't done so since 2010, when they selected Russell Okung (No. 6) and Earl Thomas (No. 14).
However, the Seahawks are set to come away with two players from the opening round of the 2023 NFL draft on Thursday night in Kansas City. They own the Nos. 5 and 20 picks, so it will get to acquire two top players from the class (assuming it doesn't trade either selection).
It will be the start of a busy three days for the Seahawks, which have 10 selections over the seven-round event. So they'll likely build a talented, deep draft class this year.
Here's a look at several players Seattle may want to consider targeting with its top selections in the draft.
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
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Jalen Carter may be the best overall player in this year's draft class, but there's a legitimate chance he will still be on the board at No. 5, as the teams picking ahead of the Seahawks have other needs they may address.
That could work out well for Seattle, especially considering the team greatly needs to strengthen its defensive line. And that's one of the reasons why ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes it's such a great opportunity for the team to land the 22-year-old.
"Carter is a perfect fit in the middle of Seattle's defense," Kiper wrote. "He will eat up blockers and make everyone around him better."
If Carter is available, then the Seahawks should have an easy decision at No. 5. They'll likely only take a different player (or trade down) should the former Georgia defensive tackle get selected with one of the top-four picks.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
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Seattle's receiving corps already has two stars in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. But the group could benefit from adding a strong No. 3 option who could help take a solid passing attack to another level, potentially even as early as the 2023 season.
That's why it could make sense for the Seahawks to target Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba when they're on the clock at No. 20.
The 21-year-old showed what he's capable of in 2021, when he recorded 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games for the Buckeyes.
Although Smith-Njigba appeared in only three games last season due to a hamstring injury, he appears to be healthy heading into the start of his NFL career. Injury concerns are the only thing that could cause him to fall a bit further down the board.
The Seahawks could have a great WR trio by linking Smith-Njigba with Metcalf and Lockett. And it should only make his transition to the professional level even easier, as he'll have star veterans to lean on.
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
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The Seahawks signed Geno Smith to a three-year, $105 million deal this offseason, so they don't need a new starting quarterback in the near future.
The 32-year-old proved he can still play at a high level in 2022, and he'll have the job heading into next season.
But Smith will be turning 33 in October, and he doesn't have a long track record of success. Seattle should be prepared just in case he can't repeat his performance from last year.
Plus, it would be wise for the Seahawks to begin developing a QB for the future. With that in mind, Tennessee's Hendon Hooker could be a good target early on the second day of the draft, as he may still be available at No. 37.
Hooker had an impressive two-year stint at Tennessee in which he threw for 58 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 24 games over 2021 and 2022. He may just be the Seahawks' long-term solution at quarterback who can take over after Smith's tenure.
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