NFL Draft rumors: Seahawks could gamble with No. 5 pick

The Seattle Seahawks hold the No. 5 overall pick, and there is buzz that head coach Pete Carroll is “intrigued” with taking one prospect in particular.

The Seattle Seahawks shocked the world this past season, where they made the playoffs with a 9-8 record when they were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league. Yet, they still hold a Top 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, thanks in part to the Denver Broncos following the Russell Wilson trade. With the No. 5 pick, the Seahawks have the chance to add an impact player that can contribute right now, or potentially take their quarterback of the future if they so choose.

There is now buzz that the Seahawks might take a gamble on one prospect in particular.

According to TheMMQB’s Albert Breer, there is buzz that Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is “intrigued with the idea” of selecting Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the fifth-overall pick.

Seahawks rumors: Pete Carroll ‘intrigued’ by selecting Jalen Carter No. 5 overall

Carter was initially considered the top overall prospect in the entire 2023 class. After all, he was Georgia’s most pivotal player on defense, especially this past season after the exodus of talent that declared for the NFL Draft last year. But, his stock has fallen since the Scouting Combine in March.

A warrant was issued for Carter’s arrest for reckless driving and racing, which was in relation to the Jan. 15 crash that killed Georgia recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy and offensive tackle Devin Willock. Carter was sentenced to 12 months probation, 80 hours of community service and asked to complete a state-approved defensive driving course, in addition to paying a $1,000 fine.

At Georgia’s Pro Day on March 15, Carter was unable to complete his position drills and weighed nine pounds heavier than he did at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Breer noted in his latest column linked above that Carter received mixed reviews in his visits with teams. He also noted that the team did take chances on players in the past, but noted how their selection of Malik McDowell in 2017 ended up. After getting injured in an ATV accident and numerous off-field issues, McDowell was released by the team two years later.

With there expected to be heavy quarterback movement ahead of them, it will be interesting to see how the draft board shapes up when Seattle is on the clock at No. 5. With Carter likely being available, do the Seahawks take the chance? We’ll find out on April 27.