I’m leaning towards, “No.”
I personally believe Carroll and Schneider believes Seattle is NOT far from winning a Super Bowl.
Let’s look at the division to rationalize why Carroll and Schneider thinks the division can be won sooner than later.
Arizona: Terrible. New coach. Terrible FO, used to making bad organizational decisions. Arguably, one of the worst NFL organizations.
Rams: Downward slope. Aging QB. One piece on defense. One premier WR. Few draft picks.
San Francisco: Questions at QB. Aging team. Defense still capable but remaining an elite defense every year is unsustainable.
If Seattle goes directly for building a contender now, you DO NOT pick a QB top 5, especially when you have a capable QB that can win games with adequate pieces around him.
If Jody Allen is going to sell the team in a few years, you want to try and win another Super Bowl to drive the price of the team even more.
If Carroll is to retire in a few years and Schneider may leave, why wouldn’t you put all your chips on the table and go for a WIN NOW mentality.
Anthony Richardson, isn’t going to win the team a Super Bowl this year. But Geno can with the appropriate pieces around him.
For the most part, the team (also players) believes they have the talent, they just need to add more talent and it’s very possible considering the division minus San Fran isn’t very good.
Why wouldn’t you not go for it all?
If you pick up Richardson, you significantly delay the process and you don’t play him immediately anyways.
Put all the chips on the table, secure additional talent and give yourself a chance to WIN NOW!
Easy decision.
Pass on Richardson at 5, cause Carroll, Schneider and Jody Allen, wants to win NOW!