The three paths for Seahawks, John Schneider, Mike Macdonald

As the smoke has somewhat settled ahead of the ‘24 draft, three main pathways lay available for John Schneider to choose.

The NFL Draft is in a week, and it will be the first for Seattle Seahawks with Mike Macdonald as head coach.

Much has been made about the relationship between John Schneider and Pete Carroll, and I think the truth is closer to what Schneider has said that Carroll wasn’t haphazardly waving the veto flag around throughout the entire draft.

However, the coach certainly has the next strongest voice, and we’ll get a clue as to Macdonald’s preferences based on the three options before the team picks in Round 1.

Path 1: Top-10 talent

The mocks have started to become more predictable. The overwhelming thought-process at the moment is five quarterbacks taken before Seattle picks at 16. That, plus expected runs at both Tackle and Wide Receiver leave the Seahawks with a fascinating option in the middle of the first.

With QB, WR, a ridiculously deep OT class, Brock Bowers skewing the top half of Round 1, John Schneider will be left with several players who might ordinarily be a top-10 talent. There’s a chance they could take the second or third defensive player of the year – at 16!

It’s unusual to say the least, and since they don’t need a receiver or (hopefully) a tackle, it works in their favor. Besides Troy Fautanu, it means that positional leaders like Byron Murphy II, Jared Verse, or Laiatu Latu might all be in play when otherwise it would be more likely that only one of their ilk would be around by then.

If Schneider picks at 16, it’s going to be for someone with a real first-round grade. Perhaps that’s what they feel they need to start this new era.

Or…

Path 2: Trade back for top-50

At the same time, this class is considered one of the deepest ever. Seattle could trade back, and add firepower somewhere in the upper rounds. This option probably leaves them with fewer options at offensive line, but if a trade-back happens into the 20s there are a myriad of defensive lineman available.

Seeing how coach Macdonald earned much of his reputation by maximizing players from the entire spectrum of draft history, he might be encouraging Schneider to opt for more players in a strong class than hedging all bets on one elite prospect.

This path takes them out of the running for Fautanu and probably Verse, but it may still set them up for either OL or DL. Additionally, somewhere in the second or top of the third would be an ideal place to target linebacker, corner, or additional help on either side of the line.

I don’t believe I’m leaning towards this option, but draft day always brings surprises. Who knows, maybe the Denver Broncos are still willing to be insane.

Path 3: Bo Nix

Apparently Nix has fallen completely out of favor. You won’t see him mocked up ahead of Michael Penix Jr much these days. Where once we were hearing all six QBs gone by the Seahawks on the clock, that seems to be the case no more.

So 12s, do you want your quarterback?

To be honest, this is the progression that has made the most sense to me. Not Seattle picking Nix, but that Penix finally seems to have likely found a home ahead of him. Denver still needs a quarterback, but he’s not better than Penix.

Personally, I don’t hope they go that route. But that path may be available, and if that actually happens, we’ll have certainly learned…something…about either Schneider or Macdonald.