Do the Seattle Seahawks surprise with their first pick in the draft? Rumors are circulating that the franchise will indeed draft a quarterback fifth overall. One top candidate is said to already exist, should he still be available.

With just a few days left until the 2023 NFL Draft, the rumors surrounding the first picks are heating up. Now one or two US experts are even speculating that the Seattle Seahawks could draft quarterback Anthony Richardson with their fifth-place pick.

It would be a surprise, all the way around. First, because the Seahawks still signed their incumbent starter Geno Smith to a three-year extension in the offseason. And second, because many observers don’t expect Richardson at fifth overall.

Will Richardson be built up behind Smith?

Smith’s three-year, $105 million contract gives Seattle some flexibility – in part because a clause allows Seattle to opt out after one year and only $28 million paid.

So it’s not out of the question that the Seahawks might actually draft the young playmaker from Florida and build him up behind the 32-year-old for a season first.

Richardson with great potential

Finally, the franchise continues to be in the midst of major upheaval anyway after various departures last year. Accordingly, Richardson would be a key component of the rebuilt team

The 20-year-old has a lot of confidence in the USA. According to “NBC” experts, Richardson has the potential to become a superstar.

Will Richardson be Wilson’s successor?

Seahawks officials know a thing or two about star quarterbacks. Until 2022, Head Coach Pete Carroll coached Russell Wilson in Seattle, who moved to the Denver Broncos via mega-trade before last season.

Smith was initially seen as a temporary solution, but was given the new contract due to his good performance and reaching the playoffs. And yet Richardson would be a different caliber. Possibly even one like Wilson was for a long time in Seattle.