Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Wednesday, May 10 — about your Seattle Seahawks
ESPN's Matt Miller Explains Why He Loves The Seahawks 2023 Draft
It's been nearly two weeks since the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, further prompting anticipation for the upcoming season as rookies get acclimated to their new homes. NFL Draft Insider Matt Miller joined the Seattle Sports 710AM duo of Brock Huard and Mike Salk to discuss why Seattle earned an A-grade for their 10 selections in the draft.
The Salk and Huard wasted no time picking Miller's brain about Seattle's 10 draft selections, many of which Miller was vocal about on social media.
"Freaking killed it," said Miller. "Got my No.1 corner; my No.1 wide receiver. A pass rusher that a lot of people thought could have gone in the first round. And then I really thought some of the Day 3 picks were really good, from a scheme fit, from a value, from a need - this team checked every need that they have. For a playoff team to be able to do that says a lot. When you can go in and check off needs, it's just really smart team building. It was an A-Draft in my opinion."
Miller briefly took time to break down what each of the ten selections bring to the team, starting with No.5 selection Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
"He was my top corner," said Miller. "Feisty, physical, sticky in coverage. He'll be a tone-setter from a physicality and a toughness standpoint."
"Like a Cooper Kupp," said Miller. "Like a Justin Jefferson, there's some versatility to be an inside-outside receiver. He's the future at that position for Seattle, in my opinion.
On Wednesday, Miller released his Top-100 rankings for draft picks based on team fit, scheme fit and need to name a few key factors. Smith-Njigba comes in at No.1 on the list as the most-valuable pick in the draft per Miller, while the Witherspoon pick ranked fifth, with the selections of Mike Morris and Anthony Bradford also cracking Miller's top 100.
Here's what Miller had to say about why the selection of Smith-Njigba topped his list:
My pre-draft ranking: No. 5
The Seahawks grabbed my No. 5 overall player and WR1 at pick No. 20, one of the best values of the first round. On top of that, JSN is an ideal fit in the slot -- where he dominated at Ohio State -- and can complement DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in what could be a very good offense this season. I also think Smith-Njigba will seamlessly slide into the WR2 role down the road, once Lockett is no longer there.
With the first of Seattle's two second-round picks, they selected Auburn outside linebacker Derick Hall. Miller breaks down what Hall brings to a defense looking to improve against the run and rack up more sacks.
"This is the juice they needed on that outside," said Miller. "There was so much talk about Tyree Wilson or Jalen Carter (with the fifth pick). What they needed was speed. They need burst and (Hall) has that. His ability to use the first-step quickness to beat you, to use the long arm and convert that speed to power is really, really good."
To hear Miller's thoughts on the entire draft class, and how the Seahawks shape up in the NFC West listen here.
Social Post Of The Day
Happy Birthday to Seahawks Legend Jim Zorn!
More from Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like in the draft room as the Seahawks selected 10 players in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: What Seahawks roster would look like if season started today.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Counting On Powerful Anthony Bradford to 'Compete to Start'.
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: Huard: Jaxon Smith-Njigba a combo of two Seahawks WR legends.
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Cliff Avril: What Seahawks’ Taylor needs to become ‘better than me’.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: Why Jaxon Smith-Njigba fits the Seahawks perfectly: ‘He wants to dominate’.
Tim Weaver of Yahoo Sports: Brian Hartline on what makes Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba special.
With Phase 2 of the offseason program underway, Geno Smith and the Seahawks were back on the field in preparation for the 2023 NFL Season.
