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The Seattle Seahawks shocked the world this past off-season by dealing star quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
Wilson and a fourth-round pick were traded to Denver in exchange for quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and multiple early-round draft picks.
Lock will compete with veteran Geno Smith for Seattle's starting quarterback gig. It leaves fantasy managers wondering, who is the starting quarterback for the Seahawks?
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Geno Smith Is In The Lead
"Geno is in the lead," said head coach Pete Carroll. According to Michael Shawn-Dugar of The Athletic, Smith handled all the first-team reps during Wednesday's practice, while Drew Lock practiced with the second team. "This was the case in the spring, and it's no surprise Smith still has the lead at the start of camp. Smith is older, more experienced, and more familiar with the system," per Michael Shawn-Dugar.
Seahawks @thenewstribune video: Pete Carroll says DK Metcalf not practicing is a hold in--plus Geno Smith maintains the lead over Drew Lock so far through the first day of training camp in Renton https://t.co/Co4E8utdV2
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 27, 2022
Smith was solid filling in for Wilson across four games (three starts) in 2021. The 31-year-old threw for 702 yards, averaging 7.4 YPA, with five touchdowns and an interception. He also ran nine times for 42 yards and a score. Smith has the lead due to his experience, but it's still early into training camp.
The Case For Drew Lock To Be Seattle's Starting QB
While Smith may have the early lead on Lock, he was part of the trade package for Wilson. The 25-year-old was less than stellar last season, completing 59 percent of his passes for 4,740 yards (6.7 YPA), 25 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. Seahawks head coach Pete Caroll helped Carson Palmer turn around his college career. Twenty years later, Carroll plans to use the same formula to revive Lock's career.
Early in his USC career, Pete Carroll helped Carson Palmer turn around his college career. Two decades later, Carroll believes the same formula can work for Drew Lock, Geno Smith and the #Seahawks: https://t.co/abkt3KmF08
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) July 26, 2022
Lock will have to earn the trust of Carroll but has a strong arm and will have a chance to win the starting job. He played with the second-team offense during Wednesday's practice. The former Denver Bronco has the tools but will need to improve his accuracy if he plans to beat out Smith during training camp.
Geno Smith vs Drew Lock, day 2 of the competition to succeed Russell Wilson as the Seahawks’ quarterback @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/4zHdVRQGtM
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 28, 2022
Is Either Seattle Quarterback Worth Drafting?
That's a question that depends on your league type. Smith and Lock are worth taking in deep-league, best-ball, and Superflex league formats as your fantasy team's third quarterback. Both quarterbacks will have top skilled offensive weapons in wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett but will be in a run-first ball control offense. Wilson wasn't allowed to cook that much last season, so don't expect Lock or Smith to either. I would expect more of the same ground-and-pound offense led by last year's fantasy playoff superhero running back Rashaad Penny and rookie Kenneth Walker III.
If Lock doesn't win the job over Smith in training camp, expect Lock to be given a shot sometime during the season, especially if Smith struggles early on. Fantasy managers can pass on both quarterbacks in standard leagues but are worth a shot in best ball and Superflex leagues because they have top wideouts Metcalf and Lockett to throw to in 2022.
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