NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Target New Franchise QB?

The Seattle Seahawks could be in line to take a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Seattle Seahawks are at a crossroads as a franchise.

While Geno Smith has been serviceable and a strong veteran presence at the quarterback position, the Seahawks aren't considered among the NFL's best. Perhaps drafting a franchise quarterback could give the Seahawks the boost needed to enter the conversation amongst the league's elite.

Many thought the Seahawks could have drafted a quarterback with the No. 5 pick in last year's draft, but the team opted for a cornerback with Devon Witherspoon, who has proven to be good, but he's not a franchise signal caller.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Athletic projects that the Seahawks won't wait another year to take a quarterback, selecting Michigan's J.J. McCarthy with the No. 22 overall pick.

"McCarthy is a polarizing prospect. He has all the tools, and NFL coaches will love the intangibles, 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," The Athletic writes.

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

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McCarthy is the fourth quarterback off the board in The Athletic's mock draft. USC's Caleb Williams (No. 1), North Carolina's Drake Maye (No. 3) and LSU's Jayden Daniels (No. 7) are projected to go higher than McCarthy.

Seattle's decision to take a quarterback this year will likely depend on how it finishes in the playoff race. Smith signed a three-year, $75 million contract in the offseason, but the Seahawks will have a chance to get off that contract and take a potential franchise guy if they see someone worth taking.