The Seattle Seahawks will enter the 2025 season as a significantly different team than they were last season. In year two under Mike Macdonald, Seattle has added Sam Darnold at quarterback and also signed wide receiver Cooper Kupp. After going 10-7 last year, but missing the playoffs, the Seahawks are hoping to improve their record and actually make the postseason. In order to do that, they will need big years from their newcomers.
In addition to veteran free agent signings, some of the newcomers are rookies, and they will be expected to have big roles as well. One rookie who has quickly emerged as name to watch entering the season is Tory Horton. The wide receiver was selected in the fifth round by Seattle, and he is already predicted to be a playmaker for the Seahawks in 2025.
In a recent CBS Sports piece, Chris Trapasso named five day-three draft picks that are set up for instant success with their new teams. Horton was one of the listed rookies, and Trapasso explained how his ability to win on the outside will work well with Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who both excel in the slot.
"This is where Horton comes in -- during his illustrious five-year collegiate career, he aligned on the outside on 79.4% of his snaps. With tight splits and motion, we shouldn't be as obsessed with the inside-outside delineation, however, there is something to be said for a rookie receiver who produced at an extremely high level while needing to combat opposing cornerbacks and the sideline more frequently than others. "
Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports)
Tory Horton expected to be an immediate contributor for Seahawks
While Horton is officially a day-three, fifth round selection, his talent is believed to be better than that draft slot. However, a knee injury significantly affected his final collegiate season at Colorado State, and his pre-draft process. Still, he was able to finish his college career with 265 receptions for 3,615 yards and 27 touchdowns.
That’s why Trapasso is confident Horton can be a factor for Seattle; the receiver isn’t just an outside option for the team, he’s a talented one. Trapasso explained that, calling Horton a “spindly” receiver who “runs jagged, separation-creating routes and catches everything.” If those skills immediately translate to the NFL, Horton will have a big rookie season.
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