Seahawks Draft QB Bryce Young in Mock; Geno Smith Successor or Rookie Backup?

If the Seattle Seahawks pull the trigger on a quarterback at No. 5 overall in April's draft, major dominoes would have to fall in the weeks prior.

The Seattle Seahawks are leaving things up to the imagination when its comes to their approach to the 2023 NFL Draft.

Barring a trade, drafting a quarterback at No. 5 overall remains on the table, though it could likely mean the departure of Geno Smith in free agency. Or, Seattle could be prepping for its future with a rookie signal-caller that could learn under Smith.

And in The 33rd Team's recent mock draft, the Seahawks run their risk and select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young at No. 5. Per this particular mock, Young is "too good for them to pass up" even if Smith remains a Seahawk under a new contract or the franchise tag.

The Seahawks and Smith have both admitted the desire to want to continue this relationship, but, of course, "it's always a business first," Smith has said.

One could make the argument that the Seahawks would be showing a wiliness to take a step back next season as a sacrifice for future successes if they select Young and are unable to retain Smith.

Despite all the stardom that Seattle's rookies experienced this past season, expecting Young to perform at similar levels might be doing him a disservice due to the added pressure he could face as a big-name prospect. Opposing defenses will be well aware of what he's capable of and could be out to shut him down, as he's unlikely to bring the Pro Bowl-level skill that Smith had this past season.

Or, Young could become Seattle's rookie backup and learn under Smith for a year. However, this would make Young a risky draft selection when the Seahawks are in greater need of bolstering the defense at the top of the draft. Having their No. 5 overall pick ride the bench as a backup for most of the season doesn't seem like a realistic scenario.

Even with the expected pressure regardless of where he lands, it's hard to put any doubt on Young as a potential Seattle rookie until proven otherwise. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is as electric as they come, as he's drawn Russell Wilson comparisons due to his size, intelligence and timely mobility.

Selecting Young at No. 5 would be a franchise-defining move for the Seahawks, who proved this past season that they're only a few pieces away from being a contender once again.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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