2023 NFL Draft Regrades: Seattle Seahawks Passing The Test?

The Seattle Seahawks landed some important pieces in the 2023 NFL Draft, but how does the class as a whole fare one year later?

Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon on stage after being / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, it seems like as good a time as any to reflect on how their 2023 class performed as rookies.

Seattle was in a unique position entering last year's draft. After a surprise playoff appearance, the Seahawks had two first-round picks to work with thanks to the Russell Wilson trade a year earlier. They had their own pick at No. 20 overall, but even more importantly, the Denver Broncos' at No. 5 overall.

The Seahawks drafted cornerback Devon Witherspoon at No. 5 and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 20. Other notable picks included running back Zach Charbonnet (No. 52) and defensive end Derick Hall (No. 37).

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26). / Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA

Seattle's 2023 draft class showed promise as rookies, but aside from Witherspoon, none of them moved the needle too much. As such, the class earned a C+ in The Athletic's regrade, placing them in the "small short-term gains, high long-term potential" tier."

"Devon Witherspoon (No. 5) was a big get for the defense, as he flashed his physicality and versatility from the slot," The Athletic writes. "Offensively, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 20) had a difficult time carving out a role in Seattle’s old offense, but he flashed his ability to work underneath and make difficult catches — and he’s likely to find more opportunities under a new offensive regime. The same should be true for Zach Charbonnet (No. 52), who did a good job keeping Seattle’s offense on schedule as a rotational back."

For first-year players, the Seahawks' 2023 rookie class could've done a lot worse. While not as immediately stellar as their 2022 class, it seems like this set of rookies could provide key pieces for Seattle's future.