Seahawks draft QB competition for Geno Smith in new mock

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks bring in competition for QB Geno Smith in latest mock draft

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/29/23

Seattle's Geno Smith has backtracked this season, so it makes sense for the Seahawks to add another quarterback who can push him.

In his latest mock draft, The Athletic's Dane Burgler predicts the Seahawks will select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 22nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"General manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll view Seattle as a win-now team," Burgler wrote. "But at some point, they will invest in a young quarterback to develop."

Smith – who signed a three-year, $75M deal after he won 2022 Comeback Player of the Year – hasn't produced stellar numbers this season. Through 11 games, he has completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 12 TDs, eight interceptions and a below-average 88.8 passer rating.

We'll take that! @Tavonn_#SFvsSEA on @SNFonNBC
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/MWcVJYZCjp
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 24, 2023

While Smith hasn't been terrible, it's fair to wonder whether the 33-year-old can carry a franchise. Seattle doesn't have another viable starter on its roster. Backup QB Drew Lock has completed 58.9 percent of his passes and logged a 78.3 passer rating in four NFL seasons.

Michigan's McCarthy is an efficient passer, fourth in the FBS in completion percentage (74.3) and sixth in passer rating (176.8), though Burgler notes scouts want to see more from him.

TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN

After review, the TD stands for @Umichfootball pic.twitter.com/AnRHE6F0wt
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2023

"McCarthy is a polarizing prospect. He has all the tools, and NFL coaches will love the intangibles," wrote Burgler." But evaluators want to see him put the offense on his back and take over games. It's not that he can't, it's that he hasn't really needed to, given Michigan's play style and schedule."

Seattle might be a good landing spot. The Seahawks will give him time to develop into the face of the organization, and it puts some pressure on Smith to perform.

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