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Following their unexpected 2022 playoff push, fueled by Geno Smith's resurgence as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, the Seattle Seahawks entered the 2023 season with high expectations. Fans and analysts alike were optimistic for another strong showing, with anticipation set on a potential return to the playoffs.
Despite those expectations, the Seahawks narrowly missed the mark, ending the season with a 9-8 record for the second consecutive year. To the surprise of many, head coach Pete Carroll was subsequently transitioned to an advisory position within the team.
Now, the Seahawks franchise embarks on a new chapter with Mike Macdonald, previously the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, taking the helm as the youngest head coach in the NFL.
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What Draft Picks Do the Seattle Seahawks Own?
The Seahawks currently possess seven draft picks, with the NFL set to award 32 compensatory picks during the offseason. Seattle's first-round pick stands at 16th overall. However, for the first time since 2018, they will be without a second-round pick after a midseason trade with the Giants for DE Leonard Williams.
Seahawks will have the 16th pick in the first round of the 2024 draft. Let mock draft SZN begin.
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) January 8, 2024
Despite lacking a second-round pick this year, the Seahawks are equipped with two third-round selections, having acquired one from the Denver Broncos in a trade during last year's draft.
Looking ahead to the offseason decisions, even with two more years on his contract, the Seahawks have the flexibility to part ways with Geno Smith without any further financial obligations.
The deadline for this decision is February 16, introducing some uncertainty regarding their draft strategy until then. While it's likely that the Seahawks will retain Smith for at least one more season, they could explore trading up to draft a quarterback to develop behind him or wait to use their third-round picks for the same purpose.
Who Could the Seattle Seahawks Draft in the First Round?
While not entirely improbable, general manager John Schneider hasn't shown a tendency to trade up in the first round, so chances are the Seahawks will stay put at 16. If they do maintain their position, they'll likely prioritize either the offensive or defensive line. Fortunately, this draft class offers plenty of options to address those needs.
Some potential targets include Washington's OT Troy Fautanu, Florida State's DE Jared Verse, Alabama's OT JC Latham, and Oregon State's OT Taliese Fuaga.
With many of the Seahawks' starting offensive lineman set to hit free agency, it appears more likely that they will prioritize addressing that need over reinforcing the defensive line. Fautanu, an All-American for the Huskies, could seamlessly slot in at guard for the Seahawks, bolstering their run game, which ranked in the bottom five in rushing yards per game this past season.
Watching some offensive line film and it's been lacking a bit of nastiness, this play from Washington OT Troy Fautanu is exactly what I was hoping to find.#NFLDraft2024 pic.twitter.com/Q8QpNvxBMH
— Rory-Joe Daniels (@rjdanielsnfl) February 5, 2024
Regardless of the situation concerning Geno Smith's future in the coming weeks, it would be smart for the Seahawks to look ahead and contemplate drafting a quarterback in what is widely regarded as one of the stronger draft classes in recent years. They may opt to trade up in the first round for a prospect like Jayden Daniels, or they could patiently wait and see if a player such as Michael Penix Jr. falls to them in the third round.
Penix emerges as a compelling prospect with a noteworthy injury history. While his draft stock may slide as a result, his potential to thrive in the NFL remains apparent. Additionally, his playing style aligns well with the type of pass catchers the Seahawks boast, making him an intriguing fit for this roster.
Amidst a transformative season and coaching transition, the Seahawks stand at a pivotal juncture. With a strategic eye on the draft and Geno Smith's uncertain future, the team navigates a landscape filled with opportunity and potential. As they chart their course forward, the Seahawks aim to strengthen their roster and solidify their position as contenders in the league.
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