2023 NFL Draft: Seahawks’ best Geno Smith backup options

SEATTLE – All indications are that the Seattle Seahawks plan to look to bring back Geno Smith as the starting quarterback for the 2023 NFL season.

While it would be an expensive proposition after Smith’s strong showing in 2022, both sides have publicly emphasized that he is the team’s best option in the up-and-coming position.

That being said, the Seahawks still want to bring in another quarterback this season, either through free agent or by picking a potential client in the 2023 NFL Draft. Drew Lock could re-sign. , but he may be looking elsewhere after not playing a blitz for the Seahawks last year.

The Seahawks have more obvious needs to address in the first few rounds if Smith returns, especially on defense.

Here are three signal callers that will be in the later April drafts that the Seahawks can take and allow to grow behind Smith.

Hooker has experienced some of the highest and some of the lowest of any college quarterback during the 2022 season.

Tennessee shot to national prominence during Hooker’s final college season, and the quarterback’s best of the year came about by chance against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Hooker made 5 touchdowns and flew 385 meters in the air, giving the Volunteers a stunning 52-49 win over Alabama. Tennessee has risen to No. 1 in the College Soccer Qualifiers rankings and is considered a solid championship contender.

However, the loss to Georgia sent Tennessee off the top of the standings and Hooker’s season ended prematurely when he tore his ACL net in a heavy loss to South Carolina in November.

Despite the injury, Hooker still placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy vote and has told reporters he plans to be fully fit in time for NFL training camps in August.

Hooker tests all the standards of a powerful NFL quarterback and is an elite runner with more than 2,500 yards in his career. Hooker also limited his mistakes to a fierce college foul, shooting just five interceptions compared to 58 touchdown passes in two years in Tennessee.

His age (turns 25 in January) and recent injury will knock him out of the draft, making him likely to be a Day 2 or 3 pick. The Seahawks could pick him in somewhere between the third and fifth innings and allow him to learn to attack and grow behind Smith.

If Hooker plays to his full potential, he fits the exact profile of a modern star NFL quarterback. Hooker could learn Pete Carroll’s system and potentially get the initial job depending on what happens to Smith and his contract.

Zach Wilson’s obvious heir at BYU, Hall put up some pretty impressive numbers in his starting two seasons despite having a very limited set of recipients.

Hall completed 66% of his passes over 3,171 yards in 2022 with 31 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He’s one of the higher-rated prospects playing at this year’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and for good reason.

Similar to Wilson, Hall’s out-of-pocket arm strength and athleticism keep NFL teams excited about his potential to the next level.

He’s another older prospect like Hooker at 25 but was able to hone his skills and learn how to work within the NFL in Seattle, while not feeling any pressure to compete. picture for work to begin.

Hall hasn’t faced many elite defenses during his college career and will need to adjust to play in the NFL, but he’s another player who fits his mold. future midfielder.

Don’t be too surprised if the Seahawks or another team used a Cougar Day 2 pick before.

Seahawks fans as well as University of Washington fans will be familiar with Haener, who began his college career in Seattle after growing up in the Bay Area.

Haener moved to Bang Fresno after playing one season for the Huskies and gained a reputation as a fierce competitor and a strong leader. Haener also completed 72% of his passes during his final season in college.

ESPN’s Todd McShay, one of the nation’s stellar draft experts, believes Haener is the QB with the most attractive prospect at the 2023 Senior Bowl.

McShay wrote: “He was a 6-1 shorter and 200 pounds, but his game was underrated. “He has quick eyes and distributes the ball in a flash, but he also extends play and can make things happen when he has to go out of plan. Haener threw 2,896 yards, 20 touches touched. ball and three interceptions in over 10 starts this season and I think he’s going to have a great week in Mobile.”

Washington State fans may also remember Haener, as his last college game was a 29-6 victory over the Cougars in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.