The Seattle Seahawks drafted 10 rookies in the draft last year, giving them an opportunity to make a huge impact for their franchise's future.
By hitting big on cornerback Devon Witherspoon and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round, the Seahawks earned a high spot in Bleacher Report's ranking of 2023 draft classes. Seattle clocked in at No. 5 in the ranking, with only the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans beating them on the list.
"Only three rookies made the Pro Bowl this year, and Devon Witherspoon was one of them. The fifth overall pick racked up 16 passes defended, a pick-six and three sacks while giving up just 5.4 yards per target," Bleacher Report writes . "The Seahawks didn't just nail their first pick, though. Jaxon Smith-Njigba carved out a significant role on a team that already has DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. He had 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns. Given his clear role as the third receiver, that's a promising stat line.
On top of the Seahawks ' first two big selections, they also drafted Anthony Bradford and Olu Oluwatimi to bolster their offensive line on Day 3, and both could be long-term starters for Seattle moving forward.
If the Seahawks can build another strong draft class this spring, Seattle will have one of the brightest futures in the NFL, and teams will once again have to give some attention to the pacific northwest.
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