Seahawks 'A Fantastic Spot' for 'Rare' Florida QB Anthony Richardson, Says Draft Expert
The Seattle Seahawks appear to have everything in order at the quarterback position for 2023. All they need to do is make an official move of either franchise tagging Geno Smith or sign him to a new deal.
But let's say they do the former ... what happens at quarterback beyond that? This question makes the 2023 NFL Draft that much more interesting for the Seahawks.
Seattle is set to pick fifth in April. Barring a trade into the top three, the team would likely go for Kentucky Wildcats signal-caller Will Levis if their priority suddenly switched from defense to quarterback.
But at pick No. 20, a more realistic name is Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has been projected as a mid to late first-round pick. Fittingly, one NFL expert sees this as being a fit that works for both sides.
“I think yes, Seattle would be a fantastic spot for him because at pick 20, you’re not being expected to come in and unseat anybody,” NFL draft expert Matt Miller said Tuesday on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk show.
Drafting Richardson in the first round would solidify that the Seahawks want to invest their future in him, though this also means that Smith would have likely already received the franchise tag.
Even then, maybe Richardson would benefit from more than just a year learning under Smith.
“But it’s also nice insurance in case this year was a ‘genie in a bottle’ year for Geno Smith," Miller said. "And if not, Geno’s a little bit older, he’s a veteran at this point, and having someone learn behind a quarterback who’s gonna turn 33 this season is not the worst thing.”
Regardless of the approach, the Seahawks would be getting a special player and raw talent should they draft Richardson.
The dual-threat stud went 176 of 327 passing for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions this past season. He added 103 carries for 654 yards and nine touchdowns. Turnovers and overall efficiency will be the focus of improvement, but he's a rookie for a reason.
“You never know where the ball is going," Miller said. "He was not good under pressure. He’s started 13 games and thrown under 400 passes … You haven’t seen enough. So I think with him, you’re truly drafting a work in progress.”
But taking time to develop Richardson alongside of handful of young players could be well worth it.
“The tools are rare," Miller said. "I could probably count on one hand over the past 15 years quarterbacks I’ve seen who just have his rare ability. He’s 6 foot 4, 230 (pounds), he’s outrunning people, he has the biggest arm in the draft class.”
The Seahawks will now wait to see what Richardson can do when the NFL Combine begins in Indianapolis on Feb. 28.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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