Why The Seattle Seahawks Should Target Quarterback In First Round Of 2022 NFL Draft

Because the Seattle Seahawks put together for the 2022 NFL draft, the most important subject surrounding the crew is which quarterback they’ll both draft or purchase as their subsequent franchise quarterback.

The Seahawks at present maintain the No. 9 total draft choose, which suggests they’re in good place to pick out one of many draft’s high quarterbacks. The one crew forward of Seattle within the NFL draft that wants a quarterback is the Carolina Panthers at No. 6.

Whereas the Seahawks are in a very good place to pick out one of the best — or on the very worst, the second-best quarterback prospect within the draft — one concept they should rule out is buying Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The 27-year-old quarterback is searching for a brand new dwelling and the Seahawks have been dominated as the favourite by default, contemplating they’re the one franchise and not using a true beginning quarterback.

Whereas that could be true, the Seahawks are higher off shifting ahead with out Mayfield.

Is Mayfield a strong quarterback when wholesome? Certain. He proved that throughout the 2020 season when he led a traditionally inept Browns franchise to their first playoff win in 26 years. Based on Professional Soccer Focus, Mayfield posted an 81.6 offensive grade in 2020, rating 14th amongst all beginning quarterbacks.

However he’s additionally a quarterback with excessive limitations and a restricted ceiling. Mayfield continues to be an undersized passer and doesn’t excel in any specific class. He doesn’t excel athletically like a Lamar Jackson and his arm isn’t as robust or correct as a Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes.

There’s a purpose Mayfield has by no means garnered a Professional Bowl or All-Professional choice throughout his first 4 seasons within the league. He’s by no means even ranked within the high 10 of any single main passing class in a single season equivalent to touchdowns, passing yards, completions or passer score.

That’s even though he performed with Professional Bowl wideouts equivalent to Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry for 3 consecutive seasons.

Buying Mayfield accomplishes one factor — it prevents the Seahawks from doubtlessly ending with the worst report within the NFL in 2022.

Whereas that’s advantageous and dandy, it doesn’t make Seattle anyplace near a playoff crew. The Seahawks nonetheless play within the second-toughest division in soccer — the NFC West — they usually’re nonetheless missing in key areas equivalent to offensive sort out, cornerback and defensive finish.

These are all areas that the Seahawks should tackle throughout the draft, whether or not it’s with the No. 9 choose or their two second-round picks (fortieth and forty first picks). In different phrases, the Seahawks aren’t one common quarterback away from contending — they’re quite a few gamers away from even having an opportunity at a playoff spot.

Sure, it’s true the Seahawks have a 70-year-old head coach in Pete Carroll main the best way. It’s additionally true Seattle most likely desires to maintain their younger star receiver DK Metcalf pleased as they pursue a contract extension with him.

However buying a one-year rental on the expense of a high-capital draft choose for a possible mediocre six or seven-win season is totally pointless.

Whether or not it’s drafting a high-ceiling, high-risk prospect equivalent to Malik Willis or a quarterback in a considerably related mildew to Russell Wilson in Matt Corral along with his capacity to throw on the run, the Seahawks are higher off deciding on their franchise quarterback within the 2022 NFL draft.

It’s an actual easy technique for Seattle heading into the 2022 season — draft a quarterback, head into the season with Geno Smith and/or Drew Lock as your veteran insurance coverage coverage and develop stated rookie quarterback.

No have to postpone that improvement by bringing in Mayfield or some other veteran quarterback. Whether or not it’s Willis, Corral or any of the opposite prospects chosen by Seattle, in the event that they’re not prepared, you go into the season with Smith or Lock because the starter.

It ought to solely be a matter of weeks into the common season earlier than your first-year quarterback is ready to choose up the system and the velocity of the NFL.

If the Seahawks hope to contend within the close to future — particularly contemplating Carroll’s age — their greatest guess is to pick out that franchise quarterback within the draft.

Buying Mayfield actually serves zero objective for the short-term and long-term viability of the Seahawks franchise.