Seahawks Draft QB Anthony Richardson in Mel Kiper Mock; Waste of ‘Now’ Chance?

Drafting Anthony Richardson (or any other “backup player” at No. 5 lessens Geno Smith and the Seahawks” chances of winning now. So, what’ll it be, Seattle?
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Do the Seattle Seahawks view themselves as being a few pieces or a few bounces of the pointy ball away from true Super Bowl contention?

If so, they should use pick No. 5 in this NFL Draft on something other than quarterback, with the thought being that the just-re-upped vet QB Geno Smith is good enough to be “the guy” in such a title chance but must be surrounded with quality complementary teammates.

Or better, the sort of special talent that can be acquired with the No. 5 pick.

On the other hand, if GM John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll - in their hearts of hearts - know that Geno hit a high note that is unlikely to be repeated, that this roster really isn’t quite good enough to best the NFC likes of the Eagles, Niners and Cowboys …

Then they must follow the advice of ESPN's Mel Kiper, who projects the freakishly athletic Florida QB Anthony Richardson at No. 5 …

And choose “the future.”

Actually, of course, the Seahawks at fifth overall don’t need Mel’s guidance on Richardson; Seattle seems at the least to be fascinated by him.

But picking Richardson (or any other “backup player” at 5 lessens Geno and the Seahawks” chances of winning now …

While, if the QB pick works out, cementing the Seahawks for the next decade-plus at the most challenging position in sports.

The Seahawks don’t have to “announce” this, and for the good of the hungry and competitive men on the roster of this 2022 playoff team, should not.

But in late April, they will either pick a “Geno immediate helper” or a “Geno eventual replacement” and that will serve as their de facto “announcement” as to what they really think about true contention in 2023.

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Mike Fisher
MIKE FISHER

Mike Fisher - as a newspaper beat writer and columnist and on radio and TV, where he is an Emmy winner - has covered the NFL since 1983. He is the author of two best-selling books on the NFL.