'Strong Sense' Seahawks Draft QB in 1st Round, Says Todd McShay

With the NFL draft fast approaching, reports of the Seattte Seahawks drafting a quarterback in the first round are ramping up.

The Seattle Seahawks are one of the most intriguing teams for Thursday's 2023 NFL Draft, as it is hard to pin down what direction they'll go with their pair of first-round picks - especially the No. 5 overall selection.

They've been linked to Georgia's Jalen Carter several times and there is a definite need to further improve the defensive front. However, as the draft draws closer, reports are surfacing of quarterback being the move for Seattle with its first of two day one selections.

Even though they extended Geno Smith this offseason, the Seahawks could take a quarterback to sit and learn behind him. This is what ESPN's Todd McShay believes will happen, with the Seahawks likely to leave the first round having drafted a quarterback.

"I have a strong sense Seattle won't leave Round 1 without a quarterback," McShay said. "The more I talk to execs, scouts, coaches and agents, the more I think the Seahawks could be targeting (C.J.) Stroud or even Florida's Anthony Richardson at this spot, depending on who is there."

Stroud, of course, is widely considered the second-best quarterback prospect in the class. He could slide down boards a bit, though, if the Texans don't go quarterback at No. 2 overall and the Indianapolis Colts like Kentucky's Will Levis more than him - which McShay points out is a strong possibility. 

Should Seattle pass on a quarterback at No. 5 and opt for defense in Carter or Alabama's Will Anderson Jr., McShay still sees a possibility of quarterback at No. 20 overall. 

"If it doesn't take a quarterback at No. 5, keep an eye on Tennessee's Hendon Hooker at No. 20, the team's other first-round slot," McShay said. "He's older (25), but it's another option for a team thinking about the future under center."

Some mock drafts have started linking Hooker to Seattle, with more buzz coming out about the Tennessee product being a first-round pick. Still, that doesn't automatically guarantee he ends up in Seattle. 

There is no telling what direction Seattle will go with its two first-round picks, especially with few glaring needs. If the Seahawks think a quarterback on the board is the guy for them in the future, whether at No. 5 or No. 20 overall, they shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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