Seattle Seahawks Select TE Luke Willson

January 19, 2013; Carson , CA, USA; National tight end Luke Wilson (88) of Rice runs the ball after making a catch against American during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate bowl at the Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks finally shocked everyone. We knew it was going to happen, we just weren’t sure when. This year, it came at the end of the 5th round.

With the 25th pick in the 5th round, the Seahawks selected TE Luke Willson from Rice.

I’ll admit, this is one of the few players taken so far in the draft that I had no idea about. He was completely off my radar.

Willson had just 9 catches in 2012. He wasn’t considered a drafted prospect for much of the year, then suddenly blew up the Rice Pro-Day with amazing numbers: 6’5, 251, 38″ vert, 10’2″ broad, 4.51 40, 1.53 10-yard split (AMAZING!), 7.08 3-cone, 4.29 short shuttle

Willson is a project. Someone who clearly has the raw physical tools to play in the NFL. The question is how long will it take before he’s ready to contribute. His lack of playing time in college is a serious concern.

This pick is bound to be hated by Mel Kiper and the rest of the draft pundits.