Who Is Catching Passes From Russell Wilson In 2018?

Monday, May 07, 2018

TIM KEARNY, Oregon Sports News

Russell Wilson

The Seattle Seahawks have lost three of their main contributors in the passing game this offseason. Paul Richardson, Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson are gone after successful stints with the team. Richardson finally had a breakout year, Graham scored a bunch of touchdowns and Willson has been quietly consistent his entire Seattle career. These guys will be missed by more than just the fans, the QB will miss them on the field too. So, who will Russ be throwing to this year?

Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Marcus Johnson, Jaron Brown, Amara Darboh, Tanner McEvoy, David Moore and Cyril Grayson Jr.

Doug Baldwin- Has some of the best hands the NFL has seen in years. This guy can also beat you cold with his route running ability. Baldwin has morphed from undrafted free agent into one of the best all-round receivers in the league.

Tyler Lockett- This guy has speed, and he looks so smooth when he’s running away from people. Lockett has also shown reliable hands throughout his time as a Seahawk. The production isn’t necessarily what you would want from your number two receiver, but he has unique traits and room to grow.

Jaron Brown- He has nine touchdowns in five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Brown also has prototypical size for a receiver at 6’2” and 205 lbs., couple that with his above average speed and he could be a good weapon for Russell Wilson this year.

Amara Darboh- Darboh had a slow rookie year, filed with special teams’ snaps and learning. He has about the same size as Brown, 6’2” and 219lbs, and is fast too. So, they could be the matchup to watch in training camp.

The rest of these guys are really unproven will be battling the undrafted free agents for a roster spot.

Ed Dickson, Nick Vannett, Will Dissly and Tyrone Swoopes

Ed Dickson- Dickson is known more for his blocking than receiving ability but he is reliable in either department. I think this is a good pickup for Seattle. He brings a more traditional skill set to the team and will probably be the lead man in any running situations.

Nick Vannett- Drafted out of Ohio State he was known more for his receiving than blocking ability. Vannett has not quite broken through and made an impact on either front in his time in Seattle. This is a make or break year for Vannett who is now thrust into a battle for a possible starting spot this year.

Will DIssly- He was called the best blocking tight end in the draft this year. The Seahawks had said they were re-dedicating themselves to the run game this year and the Dissly pick proves they were serious. Many analysts thought he would go later in the draft but his blocking skills made him the Seahawks pick. He also has functional athleticism to help in the passing game.

yrone Swoopes- Swoopes is a converted quarterback out of college and is still just a bundle of athleticism and potential at this point of his career.

Rashaad Penny, Mike Davis, CJ Prosise, JD McKissic and Chris Carson

Rashaad Penny- I have been telling the Seahawks to draft Penny since the draft process started. He has tremendous big play ability and he averaged more yards after first contact than just about anyone else in the country. His kick return touchdown totals and total yards gained in his touches at San Diego State show his playmaking skills. He is a big get for Seattle and can be a help in the screen game this year.

Mike Davis- He wasn’t used as a receiver very much last year but he has some wiggle when given the ball in space. Davis is not a great route runner or receiver but given easier routes, he can contribute greatly to the aerial attack.

CJ Prosise- Will he stay on the field or will he get injured again, that’s the big question with Prosise. We have seen his ability and now we are just waiting to see if he can sustain that for multiple games in a row. Prosise has excellent speed and vision in the open field, he can make people miss and has good hands because he was a collegiate wide receiver for years.

JD McKissic- He was not a big factor in the running game, but he had 34 catches on 44 targets last year with only two drops. McKissic is a good backup who can be a change of pace back but he is not a game breaker.

Chris Carson- Carson is the biggest unknown in the group. He had several good games last year but was injured for most of the time. He had almost 300 yards in four games through the air and on the ground before the ankle injury. Carson caught seven of his eight targets during those games, proving himself a sold if not spectacular receiver.

(This list does not include undrafted free agents)