Seattle Seahawks 2023 Training Camp Preview
The Seattle Seahawks had a lot to hang their hat on last season. They saw vast improvement on their offensive line, the defense took a major step and Geno Smith would have a career year. But even with all these pluses, the team would finish the year 9-8, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild card. With another solid off-season under their belt, could they be major players in the NFC? We will dive into some questions surrounding this team in the Seattle Seahawks 2023 training camp preview.
Three Position Battles To Watch
Running Back: Ken Walker III vs. Zach Charbonnet
We start our Seattle Seahawks 2023 training camp preview by looking at the running back position. This selection doesn’t necessarily mean I think Ken Walker III’s starting job is in danger, but I am curious to see how they balance the playing time. The Seahawks took Zach Charbonnet in the second round, which normally means he will see decent playing time. Adding Charbonnet could be a blessing for Geno as a two-headed monster in the backfield means he would have to throw less.
Center: Evan Brown vs. Olu Oluwatimi vs. Joey Hunt
With last year’s starter Austin Blythe retiring this off-season, Seattle now looks to three new options to fill the role. Joey Hunt has been in this system before, Evan Brown has started in Detroit but the wild card is Olu Oluwatimi. Oluwatimi was ranked as our highest center prospect coming out of college, and with good reason. He may not win the job coming out of camp but don’t be shocked if he takes over the starting job and doesn’t let it go.
Outside Linebacker: Darrell Taylor vs. Boye Mafe vs. Derick Hall
Our last position battle in this Seattle Seahawks 2023 training camp preview looks at the defense now. Right Outside Linebacker is solidified by Uchenna Nwosu, but opposite him is up for debate. Darrell Taylor played well last year, posting 9.5 sacks. However, Seattle has invested second-round picks in both Boye Mafe and Derick Hall, who will look to push for the job in camp. Whoever wins the job will have earned it and should contribute immediately.
Ready To Breakout: Dre’Mont Jones
Dre’Mont Jones signed with the Seattle Seahawks this off-season after playing his first four years with the Denver Broncos. Jones was a key player on their defensive line, posting 6.5 sacks while playing inside. Jones got his money this off-season, which should mean he will look to prove he deserved it by posting big numbers in 2023. Look for Jones to push for double-digit sacks by year’s end.
Rookie To Watch/Fantasy Sleeper: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Normally these two categories are not the same player, however, both spots deserve to go to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seattle Seahawks took JSN was taken 20th overall in this year’s draft and should see the field early and often. He was my top-rated receiver coming out of college (you can read his draft profile here). He has the best chance to be their best rookie this year but is also someone you should look out for in fantasy leagues. His current ADP is 81.6, placing him as WR36, and his auction value is only $1. I believe he should be a valued commodity in the slot and could see nice targets in his rookie year.
