Ohio State TE Nick Vannett: How He Fits in Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks drafted the tight end they needed in Nick Vannett. They finally have a TE on the roster that can block as well as contribute as a receiver.

With the 94th pick (acquired from the Broncos), the Seahawks selected Nick Vannett, the talented tight end out of Ohio State. How he fits in Seattle will be something to watch next season. 

Measurables: 

Height: 6 ft 6 in

Weight: 257 pounds

Arm Length: 34 ¼ inches

Broad Jump: 9 ft 3 inch

Bench: 17

Vertical: 30.5 inch

Short Shuttle: 4.20

3 Cone: 7.05

How He Fits in Seattle

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Last year’s high profile acquisition Jimmy Graham’s long term health is in question after a gruesome knee injury ended his uneventful 1st year in Seattle. His backup, Luke Willson is a free agent at the end of the season.

Vannett is a big, physical tight end with ideal size for the position. He will never be Rob Gronkowski or even Jimmy Graham, but his grit and athleticism will make him a reliable target for Russell Wilson.

His selection likely means that Graham will not be ready for week one. Never one who fills up the stat sheet, Vannett is an accomplished blocker with soft hands and a gritty demeanor. His lack of use in Ohio State’s offense isn’t reflective of his talent, but the weapons around him. Vannett can be an immediate contributor in Seattle.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein summed up Vannett pretty nicely in his pre-draft profile.

"“Vannett’s combination of size and athleticism will be very attractive to teams in search of a combination tight end who can stay on the field and operate from a variety of personnel groupings and formations. Vannett will need to embrace his size and become more aggressive as a blocker, but his athleticism and pass catching ability could turn him into a safety blanket for a quarterback in need of a big, safe target.”"

CBS Sports’ NFL Draft Scout had this to say about the selection of Vannett.

"“Vannett showed he can be an every-down viable tight end where you can virtually line him up anywhere to help out an offense. He certainly is more than solid in the run game and helping to open up some holes. When given opportunities, Vannett caught the ball well. While this isn’t a deep tight end draft class, Vannett could separate himself as the top senior prospect at the position and worthy mid-round pick.”"

Overall it’s tough to dislike the selection of Vannett, as it gives Seattle a hedge in case Graham’s recovery does not go as planned. Projecting him in Seattle next year will be difficult due to the uncertainty at the position, but he will likely be a more traditional tight end, a la Zach Miller. He’s a surprising, yet necessary selection that will help replenish their depth at a much-needed position.