“They owe it to themselves” - Colin Cowherd endorses Seahawks' reported interest in top QB prospect
The Seattle Seahawks currently own the fifth overall pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft, despite appearing in the NFL playoffs last year. This comes as a result of the massive return package they received from the Denver Broncos last offseason when they traded Russell Wilson to them.
At pick number five, the Seahawks are in an excellent position to target one of the top quarterback prospects in this year's loaded draft class. Four quarterbacks are expected to be selected within the first handful of picks this year, including Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis.
Colin Cowherd recently appeared on an episode of "The Herd" to discuss the Seahawks' reported interest in targeting one specific quarterback prospect. He said:
"NFL rumors. The Seahawks are enamored with Florida's very raw, but gifted, Anthony Richardson. High level scouts are saying he will not go below the Seahawks. So, one of the things I like about Anthony Richardson, no bicep flexes on the Instagram. He's stayed out of the news. He's letting his skills and his size and his talent speak for themselves.
"He had a pro day a couple of days ago. He's got a huge arm. He's a total unicorn athletically and he's staying out of the news. All you're seeing is a big, strong kid and what he can do. Love it."
Cowherd continued:
"So, this is interesting. Pete is high energy, high optimism. It can wear out veterans. It works beautifully with younger players, and Seattle has a boatload of picks thanks to the Russell Wilson trade. Two firsts, two seconds, two fourths. John Schneider and Pete Carroll owe it to themselves.
"Tools over college productivity. That's what the Seahawks do. They're looking for tools. They're looking for size and length. They don't care if you're raw. They're like, 'We can't find a guy that big that fast. We'll teach him how to play football.' So, Seattle tends to be tools over college productivity."
"You owe it to yourself to take some physical unicorns."
— @ColinCowherd argues for Anthony Richardson to Seattle https://t.co/LN5HjvIeUF
The Seahawks recently signed Geno Smith to a contract extension during the 2023 NFL offseason after his breakout year. If they are in fact looking to add Anthony Richardson in the draft, he could have the luxury of playing behind Smith while learning the system and polishing his skillset.
Why are the Seahawks so intrigued by Anthony Richardson?
Anthony Richardson is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. Despite a lack of experience and proven results on the football field, the Florida Gators product is one of the best all-around athletes ever in the position. His incredible performance at the 2023 NFL Combine perfectly demonstrates this.
Richardson ran a scorching 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash, just 0.10 seconds shy of Michael Vick's all-time record in the event. He also has a massive frame to back it up at 6-foot-4 tall and weighing 244 pounds. Richardson recorded a 10-9 in the broad jump and 40.5 inches in the vertical jump, setting new all-time records for any quarterback ever measured at the NFL Combine.