Wide Receiver Competition

Wide Receiver Competition

Could Be a Case of 'My Cup Runeth Over'

After the first days of training camp, and on their first official day off, I thought I'd look at the competition heating up for the Wide Receiver position.

With a history of keeping twelve receivers on the active roster, there's sure to be some surprises from this group. With Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Tyler Lockett and Paul Richardson (if he stay's healthy) presumably having the first four spots locked up, the remaining two should be as tough of a decision as Pete, John and receivers coach Dave Canales have to make. Currently also on the roster are second year Deshon Foxx, 3rd year Antwan Goodley, rookie Montario Hunter, rookie Kenny Lawler, rookie Tanner Mcevoy, 3rd year Douglas McNeil, and 3rd year players Kevin Smith and Kasen Williams.

Smith and Williams (both Washington Husky alumni. WOOF WOOF) both spent time on the Seahawks active roster last year, and both have experience on the special team squad, which should only help.  Rookie Mcevoy, with his size (listed 6’ 6”) and a converted defensive player, may also have an in with the special teams lineup. Lawler has shown in college that he has a great set of hands. Deshon Foxx has some Lockett-like speed, and is nearly the same size; might be a good practice squad pickup. Goodley is also listed at 5’ 10”, but is 20-25 lb.’s heavier than Lockett or Foxx. Montario Hunter is, to me, a complete unknown, because who has ever seen Elizabeth City State College play a game?  McNeil has spent time on the Seahawks and Broncos practice squads, and has shown he knows how to use his 6’3” frame to get his hands on the ball. He has also played some in the Arena League, scoring 18 touchdowns in 11 games for Portland.

So yeah, it is going to be a tough decision for the coaches to make. If they stay with recent history, and, all the receivers making it through camp healthy, which way do we go?

After Baldwin, Kearse, Lockett and a healthy Richardson, if I had to venture a guess, I’d probably go with Williams, for his experience in the system, at #5. For the sixth receiver I’d have to guess rookies Lawler or Hunter, or former Husky Smith, just for the special team experience. But I’ve always liked to have one receiver with size, and Mcevoy and/or McNeil both have that. I’m not sure how many we’ll attempt to sign to the practice squad, but I’d personally like to see two there.

So I would keep Lawler and Williams on the active roster, with Smith and Mcevoy or McNeil on the practice squad. Or maybe Foxx, as that kind of speed is hard to pass up. Also, with his advancement as a receiver, do we keep Tyler Lockett back returning kicks? He’s fun to watch, but that could come back to hurt the team. Look no further than recently retired Ricardo Lockette. There is always some heavy hitting on special teams, and I’d hate to lose somebody as valuable as Tyler on a kickoff or punt return.

That’s all for today, just a short quick one today. Thanks for reading, and until next time……………………………Go Hawks!!
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