Seahawks have major draft decision looming

The Seattle Seahawks will have a top pick in the 2023 draft, in line to draft a franchise QB. Just like we all envisioned.

What wasn't expected was Geno Smith elevating his play to a level where the Seahawks have a question over what to do with the Broncos' first-round pick, projected to be second overall. (h/t Tankathon) 

Per Tankathon's mock draft, Alabama QB Bryce Young is in place to be drafted first overall by the Houston Texans.

If the current draft order sticks, Seattle will have a debate to settle as to what it wants to do with the second overall pick. 

Per Mel Kiper Jr., the top two prospects in the NFL draft are Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr. Both need to be considered as options for the Seahawks.

Seattle ranks 31st in rush yards allowed (2,086 yards) and 28th in yards per carry (4.9). Per data from Football Outsiders, the Seahawks rank 26th in stuff rate, which is defined as the "percentage of runs where the running back is tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage."

Opponents know this, as advanced metrics show 60.4% of rush attempts against Seattle come between the guards, the second-highest rate in the league. (h/t Football Outsiders)

Carter would seem to be a strong choice to shore up a struggling defense while drafting a QB despite head coach Pete Carroll's praise of Smith would show the team was never serious about him as a franchise QB.

Per Pro Football Focus, Carter was graded as the second-best interior defensive lineman in 2022. Data from PFF shows that during the past two seasons, Carter is responsible for 41 defensive stops, which are defined as "tackles that constitute a 'failure' for the offense."

He could be the disruptive force the team needs to win what could be a wide-open NFC West next season. Drafting a QB may only be disruptive from within.