Three biggest concerns for Seattle Seahawks before draft
The Seattle Seahawks’ recent playoff appearance, however brief, should offer hope for fans. All things considered, the team is in great shape, but in order to make a run in 2023, they’re going to need backup.
1. Backup quarterback
Geno Smith was fantastic last year, but the team shouldn’t lean too heavily on the 32-year-old late bloomer. Before Smith signed a three-year, $75 million contract, some believed the team would draft Florida’s Anthony Richardson. And they still should.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper has the Seahawks taking Richardson fifth overall in his most recent mock draft. The dual-threat quarterback is an incredibly gifted athlete, but he needs more time to develop. A year or two behind Smith would be the best thing for Richardson while adding a weapon at the backup position.
The current backup, Drew Lock, didn’t throw a pass last year, and will be a free agent in 2024. Smith has played only two full seasons in his nine-year career. His new contract contains only $27 million in guarantees, so Seattle should start grooming his successor.
2. Backup running back
As a rookie, Kenneth Walker III averaged 4.6 yards per carry on his way to 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns. The team’s second-leading rusher was Geno Smith. Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer are now gone, leaving DeeJay Dallas and Darwin Thompson to share the backup role.
The Seahawks must do better. In 15 games last season, Dallas had 186 yards and one touchdown. Thompson didn’t play at all in 2022 and spent time on Tampa Bay’s practice squad.
If the team wants a veteran backup, Leonard Fournette remains available. The 28-year-old free agent hasn’t missed many games over the last four years and his 73 catches were third-most among running backs in 2022. If the price is right, Fournette would be a perfect fit.
3. Third receiver
The Seahawks have one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league, but opposing teams are starting to figure them out. While DK Metcalf had the second 1,000 yard season of his career in 2022, his 11.6 yards per catch and six touchdowns were both career lows.
Lockett is coming off his fourth-straight 1,000 yard season, but his 12.3 yards per catch tied his career-low. Lockett and Metcalf each had six games with under 50 yards receiving last year. They could use a little help, and luckily, the draft offers plenty of options.
According to The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta, Stanford wide receiver and Senior Bowl standout Michael Wilson has visited the team and should be available in the mid- to late-rounds of the draft. Wilson averaged 16 yards per catch last season and considers former Seahawk Doug Baldwin a role model.
More must-reads: