Having finished with a 9-8 record in the 2023-24 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks struggled on their way to a third-place finish in the NFC West. While winning three of their final four games helped keep Seattle in the playoff hunt, a four-game losing streak in the middle of the season did enough to put them right around the halfway point of the 2024 NFL Draft.
2023 Season Recap
It was quite the up-and-down season for the Seahawks, as inconsistent play led to the firing of head coach Pete Carroll. While nothing stood out on either side of the ball, a lackluster showing in the run game on offense (fifth-fewest yards) and the second-worst run defense held them back.
The writing had been on the wall for Carroll’s departure for a while, as this team has been mired in mediocrity for a few seasons. While Geno Smith produced an above-average season (20:9 TD:INT), he didn’t look like a top-15 QB that the Seahawks are paying him to be.
2023 Free Agent Departures
Headlined by Leonard Williams, Bobby Wagner, and Devin Bush, Seattle’s 18-player free agency class includes a lot of depth pieces, but not a ton of big names. Williams is the biggest name on this list, and with the kind of draft capital that the Seahawks invested in acquiring him for the Giants, it’s widely expected that he will return.
With only two free agents in their class over 30, they could welcome many players back. With around $15M of cap space, Seattle has the flexibility to free up more space to help bring back their depth.
1.16 Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
One of the best edge rush prospects this year, Latu would be an excellent addition for Mike Macdonald. Lacking a top rusher has held Seattle back for a while, and Latu would be great for changing the narrative.
Laiatu Latu is a DE prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.19 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 134 out of 1637 DE from 1987 to 2024.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2024
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/cYYpZ2AOcC pic.twitter.com/NaoKtbo5dC
With his time at the NFL Combine just getting underway, Latu has already had a strong showing. Seattle would be a good landing spot for the former Bruin, helping anchor Macdonald’s pass rush.
3.78 – Christian Mahogany, iOL, Boston College
Without a second-round selection (traded to NYG) for Williams, the Seahawks must wait over 60 selections to pick again. While they could explore trying to get into the second round, this mock has no trades.
With the first of two third-round selections, Seattle addresses their interior offensive line with Mahogany. He can step in for free agents Phil Haynes or Damien Lewis, as he is known for strong hands and a willingness to hunt down second-level defenders.
3.81 – Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
With Wagner, Devin Bush, and Jordyn Brooks heading for free agency, the linebackers need an influx of talent. In a weak year for LBs, Colson is a solid mid-round option with strong skills to lead a defense.
Expect Macdonald to look into replicating Baltimore’s LB unit in Seattle, but the draft isn’t where that will happen. Colson isn’t flashy or crazy athletic but a willing tackler who can anchor a revamped group.
4.119 – Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
Brock Bowers is the clear-cut TE1 this year, but Seattle likely won’t have a shot at him with pick 16. With tight end being an area of improvement, a mid-round dart throw on Sinnott makes sense.
He has a skillset better suited for a blocking role, but he certainly can help in the passing game. While FSU’s Jaheim Bell is worthy of consideration due to his field-stretching abilities, Sinnott is a better overall prospect.
5.151 – Beaux Limmer, iOL, Arkansas
Retooling the offensive line isn’t over yet for Seattle, as they return to the well for another interior prospect. Limmer has the positional flexibility to make a fifth-rounder a potential Day 1 impact player. While Limmer needs to improve technically, he has enough skills skills to make him a solid fifth-round choice.
6.194 – Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee
Drew Lock is a free agent, and while Seattle probably won’t find their Smith replacement, Milton is an intriguing option to take a flyer on. Blessed with an incredibly strong arm, Milton is looking to parlay a strong collegiate career to the NFL. While his decision-making characteristics need to improve, Milton has the skills to become a backup.
7.233 – Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas
Seattle should start looking for a Tyler Lockett replacement, and using their seventh-round selection for that is a good start. Whittington has a ton of positional flexibility, even though his speed seems below average. While not a direct Lockett replacement, Whittington can be a gadget guy, a role to help open up the offense.
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