Analysis
4/30/23
4 min read
Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Grades 2023: Smith-Njigba Could Turn Heads
With 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks have a chance to reinvigorate a franchise on the rise — starting with two top-twenty choices, a cornerback and a wide receiver.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year’s draft, here's how the Seahawks fared:
Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL Draft Grades
5. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
This seems a little high for Devon Witherspoon (scouting report), but he has minimal bust potential in a class that lacks blue-chip players. He will likely play nickel corner and bring a needed attitude to their secondary. His size (5-foot-11, 181 pounds) is a little bit of a concern given how physically he plays, but the 12th-man crowd will love the swagger and confidence he plays with. He is going to be a great complement to Tariq Woolen, who the Seahawks stole in the fifth round last year.
Grade: B+
20. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
One would say it’s easy to nail the draft when you have two first-round picks, and then you see how the Lions executed this year’s draft. Seattle did much better for itself. The Seahawks nabbed a plug-and-play nickel corner with attitude, and now they add Jaxon Smith-Njigba (scouting report). He will complement DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to perfection, providing Geno Smith with a middle-of-the-field separator and chain mover.
Grade: A
37. Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
The Seattle Seahawks have picked corner, wide receiver, and now, a talented edge rusher who is a perfect fit for this defense. Derick Hall (scouting report) has the strength to set the edge and the power to push the pocket. He does have some lower-body tightness that hinders his lateral movement which shows up on film.
Grade: C
52. Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Zach Charbonnet (scouting report) is a strong, tough running back who can pound defenders and is not afraid to look for contact. Seattle already has Kenneth Walker, but it added another running back to their offense. Charbonnet is good enough catching the ball out of the backfield, but does body catch a bit too much.
Grade: C+
108. Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
Anthony Bradford (scouting report) is a big, strong lineman with a powerful punch. He has athletic limitations and is more of a short area player.
Grade: C
123. Cameron Young, DL, Mississippi State
Cameron Young (scouting report) is a strong and powerful defensive tackle who will add size to Seattle's run defense.
Grade: C
151. Mike Morris, Edge, Michigan
Seattle adds a long and strong player with Mike Morris (scouting report). Though he's limited with rush moves, Morris owns good hands and power, which he utilizes to create push.
Grade: A-
154. Olu Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
Olu Oluwatimi (scouting report) is a solid player and should be a starting center for several years. He's a tough and a good finisher that is smart and instinctive. At the end of the day, he's productive and will be a nice fit for this offense and what they want to do.
Grade: B
198. Jerrick Reed II, Safety, New Mexico
Jerrick Reed II (scouting report) lacks ideal size but he ran well (4.46 second 40-yard dash). He has some explosiveness and can run with receivers. He logged seven career interceptions and 21 pass breakups. He was a late riser that opened some eyes after his 2022 season.
Grade: C+
237. Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
Seattle is stockpile backs behind last year's second round pick Kenneth Walker. Kenny McIntosh (scouting report) lacks juice, but he is a solid all-around player who can be productive and reliable on third down.
Grade: C
