Seahawks 53-Man Roster Prediction: Take 1
By Justin Floor
WIDE RECEIVER
Contenders: Doug Baldwin, Deshon Foxx, Antwan Goodley, Jermaine Kearse, Kenny Lawler, Tyler Lockett, Doug McNeil, Paul Richardson, Tyler Slavin, Kevin Smith, Kasen Williams
Winners: Baldwin, Kearse, Lockett, Richardson, Smith, Lawler
Practice Squad: Slavin
The Skinny: The top 3 players are very good and bring different assets to the offense. Baldwin is an exceptional route runner with quick, precise cuts that get him open consistently and ascended into rarefied air among his WR peers last season. Kearse is a fine possession receiver with some high-point ability, reliable hands and a knack for making big catches at big moments in games. Lockett is both quick and fast, as well as a hard worker and natural weaver through traffic with the football. Together they stress defenses from sideline to sideline and over the top.
Richardson–hopefully healthy and ready to contribute for a full damn season–brings lid-lifting speed to the table. Smith is a good depth option and special teams contributor, and Lawler is a player that could be a specialty (red zone) player early on while working through the big learning curve that awaits rookie receivers.
Slavin, making the transition from small school to the NFL, has traits to work with as well and should safely pass through waivers before being brought back to the 10-man PS.
This is a deep if not spectacular group that can really make some noise in the league as long as Russell Wilson is their quarterback. I look forward to the passing game taking a step forward in 2016, becoming more threatening to secondaries and more capable of winning a shootout type of game.
Next: Graham on the PUP List?