Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge was suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the 2023 season, further highlighting a major draft mistake.
Every team has NFL Draft what-ifs, some bigger than others.
For the Seahawks, at this very moment, the biggest regret has to come in the form of Dee Eskridge.
Eskridge was suspended six games on Friday for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy with the team cryptically releasing a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation involving Dee Eskridge and have followed league and law enforcement protocol."
It's not clear what Eskridge did to be suspended, but the fact that law enforcement protocol had to be cited is not good news.
Now, the third-year wide receiver who had received glowing reviews from teammates this offseason will miss the first six games of the season against the Rams, Lions, Panthers, Giants, Bengals and Cardinals. He will be eligible to play in Week 8 against the Browns.
Seahawks drafting Dee Eskridge over Creed Humphrey only looks worse now
Eskridge was already a controversial figure in Seattle. The Seahawks selected him 56th overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Oklahoma center was still on the board and many fans thought he should have been the pick.
Well, Humphrey has started 40 games over the last two seasons for the Chiefs, who selected him seven picks after the Seahawks. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2022 and won a Super Bowl while anchoring Kansas City's offensive line.
Meanwhile, Eskridge has yet to start a game. He has played 20 games in two seasons with 17 catches for 122 yards and one touchdown.
When you compare the careers so far alone, drafting Eskridge over Humphrey looks like a mistake. Add in a six-game suspension and apparent legal trouble for the wide receiver, and that mistake only balloons.
Eskridge's future with Seattle looks murky while Humphrey has the makings of a franchise center for the Chiefs.
