Training camp hasn't even started yet, but as far as the media is concerned it's never too early to start thinking about next year's NFL draft. On that subject, the brightest star is shining in Boulder, Colorado, which has become the center of the college football universe after the arrival of head coach Deion Sanders. In addition to a lot of attention, Sanders brought in a surge of highly-ranked recruits with him. Whatever problems the Buffaloes have, you can't blame them on their quarterback because Prime's son Shedeur Sanders is arguably the best QB prospect in the nation right now.
While he has plenty of athleticism for the position, Sanders' game is a cerebral one. He excels at diagnosing defenses, making the right decision and getting the ball out quick. He also has enough speed to make something happen with his legs if the play breaks down. If that all sounds familiar, it's because the Seahawks have been starting a guy with that same skill-set and approach to the game for the last two seasons.
Geno Smith will still represent the team's best chance to win from week to week in 2024 and 2025, but he'll be almost 35 years old when next season begins and Seattle can save a ton of cap room by cutting him next offseason.
That means fans have to prepare for the possibiity that general manager John Schneider will finally pick another QB in the 2025 draft class and if the Seahawks have their eye on Sanders, it would make sense given the similarities. In fact, Trevor Sikkema at Pro Football Focus has identified Sanders as the one offensive player to watch for Seattle this coming season. Here's what he wrote:
"With Geno Smith in the final year of his contract with guaranteed money, there is a world where the Seahawks are looking for a young franchise quarterback to invest in next offseason. The projections for Sanders are all over the place. Some view him as a top-10 pick, while others believe he’s closer to a third-rounder. His play under pressure is impressive, but his arm talent might lead to inconsistent success in the NFL. Hopefully, a better offensive line in front of him will paint a clearer picture in 2024."
Very interesting stuff, and Sikkema isn't the only analyst to note the similarities between Smith and Sanders. Daniel Jeremiah also has Smith as a good pro comp for Sanders.
Last season Sanders wound up posting a 69.3% completion rate, 3,230 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Here's the highlight reel.
If Sanders follows up what he did last year with another strong season, he should be on track to become a top-10 overall pick. That will probably put him out of range for the Seahawks, who should win a bare minimum of eight games. Far weirder things have happened in the NFL and in the draft, though. If Sanders is still available when the Seahawks are on the clock they could certainly do worse.
