With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Seattle Seahawks, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Seattle Seahawks rookies?
- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois | Round 1, Pick 5
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State | Round 1, Pick 20
- Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn | Round 2, Pick 37
- Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA | Round 2, Pick 52
- Anthony Bradford, OL, LSU | Round 4, Pick 108
- Cameron Young, DL, Mississippi State | Round 4, Pick 123
- Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan | Round 5, Pick 151
- Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan | Round 5, Pick 154
- Jerrick Reed II, S, New Mexico | Round 6, Pick 198
- Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia | Round 7, Pick 237
Seattle Seahawks Draft Class Grade:
The Seahawks received an A rookie class draft grade from PFF, an A from ESPN, and an A- from NFL Network.
Which Seahawks Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Seattle’s selection of Devon Witherspoon (first round) was surprising given his experience in Bret Bielema’s man-heavy coverage scheme at Illinois.
The Seahawks used man coverage on 14% of snaps last season, the NFL’s second-lowest rate, while Illinois played man on 66% of snaps, college football’s highest rate.
Witherspoon allowed 4.3 yards per target and a 47% completion rate on catchable targets in man coverage compared to 8.1 yards per target and an 81% completion rate on catchable targets in zone coverage.
Witherspoon has the athletic traits to adjust to Seattle’s coverage scheme, but immediate expectations should be tempered.
If a hamstring injury hadn’t wiped out most of the 2022 season for Jaxon Smith-Njigba (first round), he likely would not have been available in the back half of the first round.
Based on route-adjusted metrics, Smith-Njigba generated a catch rate 9.0% above expected over the last two years and 34.4% more yards after the catch. Both rates led all FBS receivers from this draft class.
Though Smith-Njigba saw significant action from the slot at Ohio State, he has the traits to play on the outside and the route running savvy to line up wherever Seattle needs him.
He should immediately be the third option in the offense and may even start to take away targets from D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Derick Hall (second round) is an athletic edge rusher who wins with speed. He primarily lined up in a two-point stance at Auburn, and he’ll be able to maintain that in Seattle.
Hall will likely see more action on passing downs early in his career. He’ll compete with 2022 second-round pick Boye Mafe for reps behind starters Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor.
The selection of Zach Charbonnet (second round) frustrated some fans after the team took Kenneth Walker III in the second round just last year.
By drafting Charbonnet, Pete Carroll may be admitting a mistake in Walker, who may not be the ideal fit for Seattle’s run game.
When Walker was contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage last year, he was stuffed for zero or negative yards on 51% of his carries (ranked 55th out of 58 running backs). That number was identical to his rate in his final season at Michigan State.
Charbonnet, however, is tough to bring down and a better fit for a scheme that wants to use the run game to keep the offense on schedule and avoid negative plays.
Last year at UCLA, early contact led to Charbonnet getting stuffed for zero or negative yards on just 35% of his opportunities, the 15th-lowest rate in the FBS. Based on these numbers, it should not be surprising if Charbonnet replaces Walker as the early-down back at some point this season.
Kenny McIntosh (seventh round) will also join the backfield. He’s a physical, downhill runner but lacks any explosive traits. At best, he’s a younger version of DeeJay Dallas.
Anthony Bradford (fourth round) and Olu Oluwatimi (fifth round) both have the potential to push for immediate playing time as Day 3 picks. Oluwatimi is a dominant run blocker, which could allow him to quickly endear himself to the Seahawks staff.
Cameron Young (fourth round) and Mike Morris (fifth round) will add much-needed depth to the defensive line.
Morris played on the edge at Michigan, but Seattle has asked him to add some weight and play on the interior. Young is a more traditional defensive tackle and could see some action in the nose tackle role.
Jerrick Reed II (sixth round) will provide depth throughout the secondary, potentially competing for reps in coverage in the slot. He also has extensive special teams experience, which greatly enhances his odds of making the final roster.
Seattle did a nice job blending need with value throughout the draft. There should be at least two immediate starters (Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon) and possibly as many as five (Charbonnet, Oluwatimi, Bradford).
They won’t hit on all those prospects, but if you have five players competing for immediate action, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually emerge with a few long-term starters from the draft class.