Could two former Washington quarterbacks be reunited in Seattle to battle for the starting QB job once again–this time for the Seattle Seahawks? That’s the projection of Pro Football Network’s mock 2023 NFL Draft.
In 2019, when Jake Haener traded in his Husky purple and gold uniform for Fresno State’s blue and cardinal uniform some questioned that decision. However, much like current Husky linebacker, Edefuan Ulofoshio he bet on himself, rolled the dice, and appears to be winning. The decision came on the heals of losing out on the starting nod from then-Washington coach Chris Petersen in the final week of camp.
At Fresno State Haener produced one of the most iconic performances of the 2021 season:
If there’s one word I’d use to describe Fresno State’s Jake Haener, it’s resilient. Here’s his entire GW drive vs UCLA. It took him less than a minute and 6 plays to drive 75 yards on an injured left hip. One of my favorite QBs for 2023!
-E@jakehaener10 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/tWEJMew5Uv
— Scouters Anonymous (@Scouters_Anon) May 6, 2022
While in Seattle some questioned his arm strength but in Pro Football Network release of 2023 NFL Draft projections it is touted.
“…Haener has an incredibly high ceiling. For a player who almost entered the 2022 NFL Draft, Haener can vault himself into the Round 1 conversation by removing a few of the ill-fated decisions that plagued his season a year ago. There’s no denying his arm talent, so if he can avoid the turnovers, Haener can shine. The Mountain West signal-caller stays home as the Seattle Seahawks should be able to be in attendance at every game for the Bulldogs”
The projection has Haener as the 6th QB taken in the first round, behind marquee names likes of Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, and South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, to name a few.
Haener led the Bulldogs to a 10-win season in 2021 under Washington’s new head coach, Kalen DeBoer. In fact, Haener flirted with the possibility of a return to Seattle when DeBoer took the Washington job.
If the Pro Football Network’s projection is correct he could find himself back in the Emerald City any way.
