The Seattle Seahawks’ new-look wide receiver corps may not be as strong without DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
But it could produce one of the fiercest roster battles heading into this season.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are virtual locks to make the 53-man roster. Rookie fifth-round pick Tory Horton also seems highly likely to make it, given his draft status.
That would leave a slew of other wideouts – including Jake Bobo, rookie seventh-round pick Ricky White III, Cody White, Dareke Young and return specialist Steven Sims – competing for the final spot or two.
“This might be the most competitive (position) group,” former NFL quarterback Brock Huard said during a recent Blue 88 segment on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk.
“I don’t think they’re having many mai tais,” Huard added. “I think a bunch of those guys that are fighting for that spot or two are making sure they keep themselves in shape.”
Will Hawks keep just five WRs?
In recent years, the Seahawks have typically kept six receivers. But with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system expected to feature a heavy dose of two-receiver sets, they could go with just five wideouts to free up a roster spot elsewhere.
When Kubiak was the offensive coordinator in New Orleans last year, the Saints used “11 personnel” (one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers) on just 33% of their snaps – which was the second-lowest rate in the league, according to Sumer Sports.
By contrast, the Seahawks used “11 personnel” on 77% of their snaps last season – the third-highest rate in the league.
“I think they’re only gonna keep five wideouts,” said Seahawks Radio Network analyst and former NFL wide receiver Bryan Walters, who was filling in as a co-host. “Because this offense with Kubiak, he’s gonna be in double tight ends, he’s gonna be more run-heavy, he’s gonna have that fullback involved. You’re not gonna have the four-wideout formations, the five-wideout spread.
“So I think you’re gonna only see five wideouts. … It’s gonna be a battle.”
Listen to the full Blue 88 segment at this link or in the audio player near the middle of this story. Tune in to Brock and Salk weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.
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