Latest mock draft has Seahawks finessing for two massive prospects

One last-minute mock draft has the Seattle Seahawks pulling off an absolute dream scenario on Thursday night, securing two big-name prospects.

The Seattle Seahawks are one of the lucky teams on Thursday night that have two swings at the plate in the first round of the NFL Draft. That’s two opportunities to add game-changing talent to the team.

One last-minute mock draft sent out by ESPN insider Todd McShay laid out a dream scenario that Seahawks fans have to hope comes to fruition on Thursday night.

It has them adding some of the highest-ceiling players in the draft on both sides of the ball.

Mock draft has Seahawks landing elite talent with both first round picks

Todd McShay’s last-minute updated NFL mock draft just hours before the event (subscription required) on Thursday night kicks off has the Seahawks making the smart move at No. 5 and taking Jalen Smith.

Smith is arguably the best defensive player available in this year’s draft, but his stock has been in question the last few weeks due to off-field issues. Legally, that’s all been cleared, and his stock has mostly seemed to hover between five and ten.

Seattle shouldn’t overthink this. There may be some baggage, but he’s an elite talent that will probably be taken a few picks later if they pass, and possibly make them second-guess for years to come.

Then, McShay has the Seahawks taking Anthony Richardson at No. 20. McShay had the Seahawks taking him at No. 5 in a previous iteration of the mock, so this is a far better scenario. Now, they get Richardson plus don’t have to carry the “what-ifs” of Carter with them.

Richardson could very well wind up being worth a top-five pick, but he gambles a bit too frequently and isn’t quite as polished in his game as Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. His ceiling is high, propelled in large part by his freak athleticism.

The Seahawks at quarterback are content with Geno Smith for now, but Richardson could develop for a few years behind him and take on starting duties down the line. Smith would be an excellent quarterback to learn from, having gone through the ropes as a backup and emerging as a starter in 2022.