RADIO
The run-based Seattle Seahawks showed a little pop in the passing game in 2019. Is this a sign of an evolving offense for Russell Wilson and the gang or just an aberration? Will the NFL Draft also welcome in talent to further this team's potential? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.
The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.
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2019 Review
In the last couple of years, the Seahawks have focused in on the running attack and taken less of the load off of Russell Wilson. After the down season in 2018 in which he scored under 300 FP, Wilson came back with a strong 2019 being outshined only by Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. His QB3 finish was supported by a 34 total TD season while also being very careful with the ball (five INT). He was very efficient on the season (0.55 FP per dropback) and it was apparent that the addition of another playmaking receiver was the jolt this passing attack needed. On the year, Wilson exceeded his pre-season value in drafts and should once again be one of the first QBs off the board in 2020.
Chris Carson had a very good year heading up the Seahawks rushing attack. He was in the top five in the league in both attempts (278) and yardage (1,231) on his way to a finish as RB9 on the season. He is a high-volume producer that gets the job done in close. All seven of his rushing scores came from the red-zone, with five of them coming from inside the five. He's not the type of player that will break off the big run for fantasy owners but was among the league leaders in avoided tackles (62). He also added in a career-high 37 receptions in 2019, showing that he does have a small dose of value in PPR formats as well. He will be drafted as an RB2 in 2020 but has shown he has a ceiling as a potential RB1.
Rashaad Penny is the big question mark in this backfield as his season was cut short due to a torn ACL. He may not be ready to go or will be slowed to start the season, but late in 2019, he was showing some promise with big plays and elusiveness. Penny is a must-own handcuff for Carson owners that you may have to reach for to acquire.
The receiver group for the Seahawks was a dual-threat in 2019. Things were nearly split down the middle between Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Lockett had the edge in the catch department (82 to Metcalf's 58), but the two were side by side in other areas. Targets were very close (Lockett with 111, Metcalf with 100) as were yardage (1,057 to 900) and scoring (8 to 7). It was a tale of two seasons for both of the receivers as Lockett seemed to be the go-to guy early on for Wilson. But at the midway point, Metcalf began to get more comfortable in the offense and his playmaking skillset gave Wilson a bigger weapon to utilize.
The two receivers are great complements to each other and should be a solid foundation for this passing attack moving forward. From a fantasy perspective, the upside of Metcalf may be hard to ignore for owners as he will likely be the first selected between the two. But don't overlook what Lockett has done with the team recently as he is the better option in PPR formats.
Looking towards the draft, this Seahawks will have the luxury to focus on a select area of needs. Addressing the offensive line will continue to be a must for this team as Wilson was one of the most pressured QBs in the league (48 sacks tied for the league lead). Finding pass rushers will be key for the defense as they struggled to get to the QB a season ago. The Seahawks Defense can be easily exploited when they are not getting pressure on the QB. Also, adding some depth to the team's secondary, primarily cornerback, will be looked at. The Seahawks were middle of the road in pass coverage in 2019 and will need some youth added in this department.
Seattle Seahawks - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 79.3 (7th)
Defense: 68.9 (19th)
Overall: 83.4 (14th)
TEAM NEEDS
EDGE, OL, CB
First Selection (1.27)
Curtis Weaver, DE Boise State
Weaver brings above-average pass-rushing skills to the next level that should fit in well with the Seahawks need at the position. He is naturally instinctive and uses a blend of counter rushing with hand/feet skills to attack both inside and outside edges. He has below-average traits as a run defender that will need to be worked on if he is to stay on the field.
He has a quick lateral reaction to blockers but a lack of general explosion can bog him down early on. He brings a history of production with him to the next level, but his continued success depends on how quickly he can adapt to NFL speed. With the Seahawks losing a ton of pass-rushing specialists over the last two years, Weaver could come in and start right away.
Second Selection (2.27)
Jaylon Johnson, CB Utah
Johnson has the physical traits and athletic tools that set him up for success in the NFL. He is a bully on the outside that can lock down an opposing team's WR1. He is built for press coverage but has the flexibility to play a variety of schemes. His size, length, and athleticism forces receivers to work harder getting into their routes. His play-style and eagerness to bunch up on a receiver can tend to get him off balance and out of position.
He can play deep balls with the best of them with a rapid recovery if he is beat off the line. His physical playability and ball skills make Johnson a prospect that can develop into a team's CB1 very early into his career. He may also develop into a solid IDP option in fantasy with his turnover potential.
Third Selection (2.32)
Hakeem Adeniji, OT Kansas
Adeniji is a four-year college starter that has proved to be very durable. He is listed as a tackle, but his traits and attributes allow him the flexibility to slide inside to guard also. He has solid technique but must stay in tune with his footwork or he gets sloppy from time to time. He is more comfortable as a drive blocker, which fits in well with what the Seahawks and the power running game like to do.
He does widen out well in pass sets, which will be vital for a team that needs to protect its QB. Being selected to the Seahawks gives Adeniji a chance to start early on. But if he continues to battle with his control and consistency he may get overwhelmed by NFL speed.
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