The Russell Wilson trade is the gift that keeps on giving for the Seahawks, an upstart club in a win-and-get-help scenario for the playoffs that also happens to currently hold the No. 3 overall selection from the Broncos because of the blockbuster swap this past offseason.
No one expected the Seahawks to be as competitive as they've been this season -- thanks in large part to a Comeback Player of the Year-worthy season from Geno Smith along with strong play from a collection of youngsters -- yet they do need more beef on the interior and a deep receiving contingent would help maintain the offensive efficiency in the future. The get both in this mock.
Also in this mock, there's not a No. 18 pick, as that's the selection the Dolphins forfeited due to tampering violations.
One other thing, and this is an important: The draft order below is now the official order based on team records and tiebreakers.
For more extensive draft content, check out our latest prospect rankings and mock drafts, as well as our new weekly podcast, "With the First Pick," featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. (Check out the latest episode below.)
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
The Texans will have quite the challenging evaluation at No. 1 overall between C.J. Stroud and Young. At this juncture, I do think Houston will eventually settle on Young with the top pick. His size will be the only knock on him during the pre-draft process. He has a strong arm, pinpoint accuracy and poise well beyond his years.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Anderson would be the ideal pick for the Bears at No. 2 overall. He's an elite edge rusher prospect, and the Bears only have 13 sacks entering Week 17.
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From
Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 3
Carter is incredibly disruptive and athletic, and is exactly what the Seahawks need on the interior of their defensive line.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Johnston isn't a home run, top-five prospect but has the measurables and big-play ability to go this high to a team in need of more receiver reinforcement.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Levis is a big-time specimen at the quarterback position, and his athletic traits align with the franchise QB prototype in today's NFL.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 6
Huge get for the Lions inside the top seven. Stroud is a supremely gifted pocket passer.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
Wilson goes ahead of Myles Murphy because he brings more to the field as a pass rusher right now.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
The Panthers need to look to the draft for their next quarterback. Richardson can sit for a little behind Sam Darnold before eventually taking over. He's a monstrous talent.
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From
New Orleans Saints
Round 1 - Pick 10
A big, long, edge-setting specialist with pass-rushing upside. That's who Murphy is, and it's the prototype the Eagles like at the defensive end spot.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
The Titans need to bolster the offensive line, and Torrence looks like the physical specimen at guard who could ultimately land this high.
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From
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 12
Addison is a sudden, crafty route runner with quality explosiveness and good hands. He'd be a welcomed addition to the Texans offense.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
The Jets get a squeaky clean left tackle prospect to fortify their offensive line that was improved in 2022.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
More big-time talent up front on defense for the Commanders with the springy and versatile Bresee.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
The Steelers solidify the left tackle position for Year Two of the Kenny Pickett era.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
Branch is a missile at the safety position with linebacker and slot corner qualities to his game.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
The Lions have to add more secondary talent to the defense, and Porter has NFL bloodlines and multiple years of good film.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Rice is the big, intimidating presence with sneaky speed the Seahawks will love.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
The Jaguars pick Jones to be the heir apparent to Cam Robinson at left tackle.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
The Buccaneers have to plan ahead at many key offensive positions. Left tackle is one of them. Duncan isn't a perfect prospect yet presents a good amount of upside because of his mobility.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
Mayer is the type of fundamentally sound, three-down tight end Bill Belichick will adore during the pre-draft process.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
The Giants are glad to stop Smith-Njigba's fall here to give Daniel Jones another receiving weapon.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
The Ravens get a lengthy, athletic perimeter corner for their already stout defense.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
Musgrave is athletic marvel at the tight end spot who'd be a glorious seam-stretching fit in the Chargers offense.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
More injection of youthful talent at the cornerback spot for the Bengals. Phillips is always around the football.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Sanders would give the Vikings an Anthony Barr-type linebacker who can rush the pass and fly to the football on running plays.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
Boutte didn't have the year we all expected, but there's no doubt he's talented as a route runner and after the catch
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 29
While Russell Wilson had previously thrilled behind a porous line, it'd be best for the Broncos offense if the blocking unit was strengthened in 2023. Johnson is a high-floor tackle prospect.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Downs is the springy, underneath weapon with YAC capabilities the Bills would love to add to their roster.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
The Chiefs get a menacing, wide-bodied interior rusher to pair with Chris Jones.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
Robinson running behind the league's best offensive line? Sounds like a blast for Philadelphia. Not so much for Eagles opponents.
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