Five top options for Seahawks with fifth pick in the NFL Draft

QB Geno Smith's success played a big role in a nine-win season for Seattle in 2022, but the foundation for a Super Bowl contender begins with the NFL Draft.

In 2022, the Seahawks did not disappoint. Pro Bowl cornerback Tariq Woolen, a fifth-round pick, and second-round RB Kenneth Walker III highlighted a class that NFL.com ranked third in the NFL, behind only the New York Jets and Detroit Lions. 

Seattle coach Pete Carroll, along with general manager John Schneider, hopes to mimic last year's success in this week's draft in Kansas City.

Mock drafts from ESPN, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, NFL.com and others indicate a clear choice for the Seahawks with the fifth overall pick. Here are the most likely choices in descending order:

5. Christian Gonzalez, cornerback, Oregon

Is Carroll building Legion of Boom Part II? Analyst Bucky Brooks at NFL.com thinks so, a sentiment echoed by the most recent mock draft from Sports Illustrated staff writer Conor Orr. Both agree that the first-team All Pac-12 junior, who led the Ducks with four interceptions and seven pass-breakups, has ideal size and athleticism to complement Woolen in a formidable secondary. 

4. Will Anderson Jr., edge rusher/linebacker, Alabama

Nicknamed "The Terminator," Anderson finished his Crimson Tide career with the second-most sacks in school history. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting during his sophomore year and won back-to-back Bronko Nagurski awards as the nation's top defender. CBS Sports draft analyst Ryan Wilson calls Anderson "the safest pick in the draft" and an "easy selection" if the two-time consensus All-American slides to number five. 

3. Anthony Richardson, quarterback, Florida

Could the Seahawks find their heir apparent to Smith in the athletic Richardson? NFL.com writer Peter Schrager, host of NFL Network's "Good Morning Football, thinks so. Richardson has elite size, speed and arm strength but struggled with progressions and accuracy when under pressure against SEC defenses. A year or two learning under Smith would help the dual-threat quarterback reach his high ceiling. 

2. Tyree Wilson, edge rusher/linebacker, Texas Tech

Wilson led the Red Raiders with seven sacks during an injury-shortened senior season. The first-team All-Conference selection used his 6-foot-6  and 271-pound frame to bully Big 12 competition. His versatility in a Seahawks defense that led the NFC West with 45 sacks is too good to pass up, according to NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter and The Athletic's Dane Brugler. 

1. Jalen Carter, defensive tackle, Georgia

Carter remains the overwhelming favorite to land with the Seahawks at No. 5, according to most recent mock drafts. Despite maturity concerns and recent off-the-field troubles, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay point to Carter's immense talent for creating pressure and shedding blocks. McShay told podcast host Ryen Russillo of The Ringer, "If you promised me there was not gonna be an off-the field issue, and he was gonna be a model citizen for his career, I would take him number one."