Seahawks Draft: 5 Trade Down Proposals For Fifth Overall Pick
Slated to pick fifth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night, the Seattle Seahawks have been linked to numerous prospects, including Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr.
But if fans should know anything about this franchise, general manager John Schneider has never been against the idea of trading down to acquire additional selections. If the player they desire most isn't on the board at fifth overall or they have multiple players they have interest in who remain available, sliding down several spots could happen, especially if suitors are jockeying for a top quarterback prospect.
Which teams would be the best fits for a possible trade down for Seattle? Here are five trade scenarios that could come to fruition in the opening round in Kansas City:
Option 1: Seahawks trade pick No. 5 to Raiders for picks No. 7, No. 38
By choosing to sign Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency after releasing long-time starter Derek Carr, Las Vegas gave itself some flexibility at quarterback. But given Garoppolo's injury history and the fact he's never been an elite signal caller, he's likely in a similar position to the one he found himself in with San Francisco where he's keeping the seat warm for the next franchise quarterback.
If a prospect coach Josh McDaniels loves - whether that is Stroud, Levis, or Richardson - remains on the board when the Seahawks go on the clock and Schneider decides against picking a quarterback, the Raiders could easily try to leapfrog the Lions to snag their future franchise guy. A good starting price would be adding an early second-round pick on top of their top-10 pick and depending on how many other teams call with interest, the asking price could get magnified to a 2024 first-round pick or additional day three selections to win a bidding war.
Option 2: Seahawks trade picks No. 5, No. 83 to Bears for picks No. 9, No. 53, No. 64
After sliding down from the top overall pick in a trade with the Panthers for a ransom of picks and receiver D.J. Moore, conventional wisdom may suggest the Bears won't have any interest in moving up. But only a few years ago, the Dolphins traded out of the No. 3 spot with the 49ers before eventually trading back up to sixth overall to draft Alabama receiver, Jaylen Waddle.
Under this scenario, the Bears likely would have a defensive or offensive lineman on the radar to help address two glaring deficiencies on their roster in the trenches. If Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, for example, is off the Seahawks' board, he could be a potential target to move up for spots to acquire due to his immense talent. A top-tier tackle such as Paris Johnson Jr. of Ohio State could also be well worth sliding up for picks and giving up two mid-day two selections for a franchise blindside protector in front of Justin Fields.
Option 3: Seahawks trade pick No. 5 to Eagles for picks No. 10, No. 30
Coming off a Super Bowl run, Philadelphia holds a top-10 pick acquired from New Orleans and won't rest on its laurels in the rugged NFC East division. Over the years, general manager Howie Roseman has been known to roll the dice and make aggressive moves, making the Eagles a prime suitor to trade for a top-five selection.
If the defending NFC champions desire a top tackle prospect such as Johnson, Carter, or a pass rusher such as Myles Murphy or Tyree Wilson, they could easily up the ante by offering up both of their first-round picks to secure the prospect they covet. Such a trade would give the Seahawks three first-round picks and extra ammunition to trade down for day two picks if they wish, providing Schneider with no shortage of flexibility.
Option 4: Seahawks trade pick No. 5 to Titans for picks No. 11, No. 41, and a future second-round pick
Rumors continue to circulate that the Titans have eyes on a bigger prize in the midst of negotiations with the Cardinals to acquire the third overall pick, so they already have played their card displaying clear interest in moving up for a quarterback. If that trade comes to fruition, then obviously they would not be interested in the Seahawks pick two selections later.
However, with Tennessee having a clear goal of finding the heir apparent to starter Ryan Tannehill, if things fall through with Arizona, new general manager Ran Carthon could shift his focus to discussing a deal with Schneider. Moving up six spots would likely require a second-round pick and additional compensation, depending on how many other teams inquire about Seattle's fifth pick. Most likely, Schneider could reasonably ask for a future day two pick or an additional mid-round selection in this year's draft to sweeten the deal.
Option 5: Seahawks trade pick No. 5 to Texans for picks No. 12, No. 33
Arguably the biggest wild card in the top five picks of this year's draft, Houston has a major need for a quarterback but reportedly has considered going a different direction altogether for a blue chip defensive player instead, with edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. being the most commonly connected prospect. If general manager Nick Caserio bucks those reports and selects Stroud, Levis, or Richardson, they probably won't be trying to slide up with their second first-round selection.
But if Caserio opts to give new coach Demeco Ryans a defensive playmaker to build around instead, that doesn't mean they won't necessarily remain in play for a quarterback. With a second top-15 pick and three Day 2 selections, they have an abundance of ammunition to offer teams such as the Seahawks in the top 10 to move back into the first five picks for their signal caller of the future. Compared to other aforementioned suitors ahead of them, they may be able to build a more enticing trade package in an auction.
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