Pre-Snap Reads 5/4: Why Geno Smith was biggest winner of the Seahawks’ draft

With a total of 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft and a flagrant need to improve the interior of the defense, our Seattle Seahawks chose to expended half of their picks on improving the offensive side of the ball. Some have said that the ‘Hawks choices turned Geno Smith into this year’s big off-season winner. What do you think? With an equal focus on both offense and defense in the draft being a point of frustration for some, do not forget that our squad signed multiple defenders beforehand. Yes, we drafted to improve positions of relative strength. (Maybe over-drafted?) We also improved our team markedly in multiple areas, making us arguably elite at CB, WR, and RB. The dogged debate about gains and loses for our squad following the draft will continue. Rookie Mini-Camp will only stoke the conversation and tantalize further. What an off-season! Dive into the links and get yourself some know-ledge. Thanks for being here.

Seahawks News

Seahawks 2023 Schedule: What primetime games to expect - Seaside Joe
Seattle should be a primetime draw again: Seaside Joe 1523

Broncos saved Seahawks from tough choice in draft, but is it for better or worse? - The Seattle Times
The game was a distant third on any Seahawks fan's priority list that Sunday. It was the final week of last year's regular season, when the Seahawks needed to beat the Rams and the Lions needed to beat the Packers in order for the Hawks to reach the playoffs.

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is ‘come-through guy’ Geno Smith will love - Seahawks Wire
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll calls first-round pick WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba a "come-through guy" Geno Smith will "fall in love with."

Some thoughts and perspective on Seattle’s defensive line « Seahawks Draft Blog
I think a lot of us thought that after the draft, there might be an opportunity for the Seahawks to bring back Poona Ford or Al Woods. Maybe even both.

John Schneider breaks down Seattle Seahawks' Day 2 and 3 picks - Seattle Sports
With the 2023 NFL Draft in the books, Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider broke down the picks his team made on Day 2 and 3 of the draft.

Fann: 4 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks' 2023 draft class - Seattle Sports
Joe Fann goes through the entire Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL Draft class and shares his four biggest takeaways, including on their two new RBs.

Illinois coach: Top Seattle Seahawks pick Witherspoon 'relentless' worker - Seattle Sports
Illinois HC Bret Bielema joined Bump & Stacy to describe CB Devon Witherspoon getting drafted by the Seattle Seahawks at No. 5 overall.

Geno Smith was the biggest winner of the Seahawks' 2023 draft - ESPN - Seattle Seahawks Blog - ESPN
The Seahawks added a handful of weapons on offense, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while opting against drafting Smith's potential replacement.

Wednesday Round-Up: Geno Smith & Longtime Seahawks Assistant Tom Catlin Finalists For PFWA Honors - Seahawks.com
Longtime Seahawks defensive coordinator Tom Catlin and quarterback Geno Smith are finalists for 2023 Pro Football Writers of America off-field awards.

Seahawks undrafted free agents: Battles looming at RB, DT, LB — who may make the team? - The Athletic
Seattle is expected to sign nearly two dozen UDFAs before the start of rookie minicamp and there are a few worth monitoring.

Seattle Seahawks DE Mike Morris Makes Seattle a Promise: 'They're Getting a Monster' - Sports Illustrated Seattle Seahawks News, Analysis and More
Aiming to prove his breakout junior year at Michigan was just a starting point for him, a bulked up Mike Morris has high expectations for himself joining the Seattle Seahawks as a fifth-round pick.

NFC West News

Why the 49ers Doubled up on Tight Ends by Drafting Brayden Willis - Sports Illustrated San Francisco 49ers News, Analysis and More
One of the strongest positions in the 2023 NFL draft was at tight end. The 49ers showcased that by drafting not one, but two tight ends.

49ers not insecure about drafting Jake Moody in third round - ESPN - San Francisco 49ers Blog - ESPN
Drafting the Michigan kicker might have turned heads on draft day, but the 49ers feel getting a steady kicker is worth the razzing.

49ers draft: Why Spencer Waege is San Francisco’s most intriguing UDFA addition - Niners Nation
The defensive tackle brings athleticism and versatility.

Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons Discussed Kyler Murray Trade - Sports Illustrated Arizona Cardinals News, Analysis and More
Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray nearly landed with the Atlanta Falcons, according to one report.

Can JG, Nick Rallis and Drew Petzing make the Words and the Music Match? - Revenge of the Birds
https://www.azcardinals.com/video/cardinals-coaches-discuss-the-2023-cardinals-draft-class

If you have not as yet viewed yesterday’s press conference with JG, Nick Rallis and Drew Petzing, the link...

Rams retirement rumors: Is this Sean McVay, Aaron Donald’s last season? - Turf Show Times
The questions won’t stop coming about the retirement plans for these Rams

Inside the Rams’ 2023 NFL Draft: Nerves at No. 36, ‘no-hitter’ treatment and top picks - The Athletic
Go behind the scenes of the three-day NFL Draft that landed the Rams three Day 2 picks and 11 on Day 3 and find out about each of them.

Los Angeles Rams 2024 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: What Could LA Do With First-Round Pick? - Sports Illustrated LA Rams News, Analysis and More
So with the this year's NFL Draft in the books, here's an early peek at what the Rams could potentially do in 2024, when they're finally due to have a first-round pick again.

Around The NFL

Jets sign longtime Aaron Rodgers teammate - Larry Brown Sports
The New York Jets have reportedly signed longtime Aaron Rodgers teammate and friend Randall Cobb

Eagles Soar, 49ers Faceplant in 2023 Draft Grades | Football Outsiders
It's always sunny in Philadelphia's draft room, but it's hard to find joy in the streets of San Francisco.

NFL Draft: Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr. lead top 10 prospects for 2024 draft - Yahoo Sports
The 2024 NFL draft has some exciting prospects near the top.

Jason Licht: Buccaneers are "really impressed" with Baker Mayfield - ProFootballTalk
The Buccaneers have a pair of quarterbacks on the roster — veteran Baker Mayfield and 2021 second-rounder Kyle Trask. G.M. Jason Licht is very pleased with the former No. 1 overall pick who joined Tampa Bay in free agency.

Denver Broncos 2023 draft: How will their five picks work out? - ESPN - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
This year was the fewest amount of draft picks by the Broncos since 2007.

How Aaron Rodgers, NFL draft impact the AFC East balance of power - ESPN
Does Rodgers' addition push the Jets to the top of the division? We answer the AFC East's biggest questions.

AFC West draft grades: Raiders maximize value early; Super Bowl champion Chiefs amass hazy haul - NFL.com
Did the rest of the AFC West close the talent gap on the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs? Eric Edholm provides draft grades for all four teams in the division.

Move the Sticks: Breaking down every team's draft class - NFL.com
Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks are back with a new episode of Move the Sticks.

NFL Power Rankings: Jets, Bears, Browns biggest post-draft risers; Chiefs, Eagles still top 2; Patriots plunge - CBSSports.com
Pete Prisco's rankings look much different after the draft and a wild offseason that put Aaron Rodgers on the Jets

NFL Power Rankings post-draft: Ravens get boost with Lamar Jackson back in the fold - The Athletic
You can probably guess No. 1 (Chiefs) and No. 32 (Cardinals). How does the rest of the league stack up after the draft?

2023 UDFA Tracker: Undrafted free agent signings for all 32 NFL teams | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics | PFF
Tracking every NFL team's undrafted free agent signings and minicamp tryout invitations after the 2023 NFL Draft.