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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Tim Weaver

ESPN picks 2 Seahawks for their All-Youngster Team

Things are looking pretty bleak for the Seattle Seahawks right now. The team has lost three of four games, with their only win coming by a field goal against one of the worst teams in the league. It’s not about to get any better either, as their next three opponents are currently ranked third, second and first in our most recent NFL power rankings.

While it’s tough to be excited about the rest of this season, fans should take some comfort knowing that the team has a strong and young nucleus to build around. If nothing else, their last two top draft picks look like they’re going to be really good for a long time.

That would be left tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Both have been named to ESPN’s All-Youngster Team for 2023, which ranks players under 24 years old.

Cross earned second-team honors at left tackle behind Penei Sewell of the Lions. Witherspoon was also second-team at cornerback, while top honors went to Sauce Gardner of the Jets.

Seattle is fortunate to have these two cornerstones at critical positions – and they have a few other solid candidates, as well. Other Seahawks youngsters who should have a shot at this list include running back Ken Walker, who’s been limited by an unimaginative rushing attack and substandard blocking. There’s also wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had a slow start to his rookie year but we expect him to be recognized as one of the NFL’s best young pass catchers by the end of the season.

The Seahawks also have some slightly-older players at key spots who have a lot of promise, including cornerback Riq Woolen (24), right tackle Abe Lucas (25) and wide receiver DK Metcalf – who will turn 26 next month.

That’s a good number of quality young players for a roster that also has a healthy number of high-performing veterans. The last few weeks have proven that this team is not a Super Bowl contender as of yet, but that puzzle is only missing a few pieces.

More Seahawks Wire stories

5 best prop bets for Seattle vs. Dallas Thursday game

10 things to know about the Seahawks and the Cowboys

Ranking the top 32 QBs by EPA/Play going into Week 13

NFL Power Rankings: Seahawks sink to 16, Broncos at 9

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