There weren't too many reps, but he didn't need them. Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo flashed enough in the team's first preseason game of 2025 to hint at regular season magic. Plus, how Seattle was using him was important.
Arroyo had only two targets against Pete Carroll and his Las Vegas Raiders, and he caught them both for a total of 14 yards. His longest catch was 10 yards. But he could have done so much more. What was clear was that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is going to find ways to get the rookie involved.
The tight end, who runs more like a wide receiver, was moved around in alignments. This will force opposing defenses to have to account for where Arroyo is pre-snap, which should open things up for the run game and other receivers. A healthy Arroyo should be a productive one, especially in the red zone.
Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo is on the verge of being a star
In training camp, he has been a blend of brilliance and explosion. Even against what should be a very good Seahawks defense, the rookie was having splashy moments. It is likely better for Kubiak to hide Arroyo in preseason reps. Not overusing him, but getting the rookie used to where he might line up and when.
One aspect of the tight end's game that should help him get to being very good faster is his self-awareness that he has a lot to learn. Instead of relying on his immense natural athleticism, he wants to outthink and out-technique opponents.
While speaking to the media after the Seahawks tie with the Raiders (that isn't a soccer reference; the game actually ended in a 23-23 tie), Arroyo reacted to his first preseason game by saying, "No drops today. That's always a good day. I could improve on being consistent in the run game. There's certain defensive moves I want to learn how to counter."
The rest of the preseason might mimic the same as far as Arroyo's use. He should get reps because he is a rookie, but he doesn't need to be targeted 10 times in a game. Kubiak shouldn't want to show his full hand of how he will incorporate the tight end into the scheme. By Week 1 of the regular season, Arroyo could lead the team in receptions.
He has the speed and size to keep defenses honest and create havoc in the middle of the field. He is the kind of player that Russell Wilson would have wasted since RW3 didn't like to throw over the middle, but that Klint Kubiak should turn into gold. The Seattle Seahawks rookie will most likely turn out to be the best receiving TE the team has ever had.
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