NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks Trade Back, Select QB Michael Penix Jr.

The Seattle Seahawks haven't confirmed Geno Smith's future beyond 2024, and in CBS Sports' latest mock draft, they draft his successor.

The Seattle Seahawks are undergoing significant change this offseason. Mike Macdonald is tasked with picking up where Pete Carroll left off as he looks to get the franchise back into playoff contention.

Several moves have already been made, as Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs have been released, saving $27.5 million cap room. 

But the quarterback position also could see some changes in the future. Geno Smith is the quarterback for Ryan Grubb's offense in 2024 after having his salary for the year guaranteed, but beyond that, it’s uncertain.

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. attempts a pass against Michigan State / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

So in CBS Sports' latest mock draft, the Seahawks draft Smith's successor and they don't look too far to find the quarterback they want - Washington's Michael Penix Jr.

"When asked in recent weeks, the Seahawks haven't issued a full-throated long-term endorsement of Geno Smith ... but they didn't do it a year ago either, and Smith went on to have another spectacular season," CBS Sports writes. "But if the team loves one of the QBs in this class, everything's on the table. I've long thought Michael Penix Jr. played like a first-rounder during the 2023 season, and he looked sharp during combine drills, too. The injury history is a concern, yes, but in this mock draft, the Seahawks trade down, acquire picks, and get Penix Jr. on the fifth-year option."

Penix Jr. finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2023 as he threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions. Washington averaged 36.0 points per game with Penix Jr. at the helm.

With Penix Jr. and Grubb already forming a superb duo, the Huskies managed a 13-0 regular season record and then beat Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl to set up a colossal clash in the National Championship game against Michigan, which they would then lose 34-13.

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But despite the loss, Penix Jr. showed he can be a franchise quarterback in the NFL as his arm strength, accuracy, ability to dissect defenses at the line of scrimmage and his on-field leadership qualities will no doubt have made scouts take notice.

In the post-Smith era, Penix Jr. and Grubb reuniting in the NFL could give Seattle fans a huge boost of excitement.