12th Man Rising
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Seahawks report card: Tyler Lockett

By David Stobbe

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) catches a touchdown during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) catches a touchdown during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tyler Lockett had an unbelievable rookie season for the Seattle Seahawks and surpassed all expectations with his tremendous performance on the field.

When the Seahawks drafted wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL draft, most people saw a player that could contribute right away, but only as a return specialist.  What he did in the 2015 season was absolutely incredible, and he proved to be a lot more than just a player that can return punts and kicks.

Tyler Lockett finished the year with 51 receptions, 664 yards and 6 touchdowns.  He became one of Russell Wilson’s favorite targets and was second on the team in receptions.  Lockett made countless plays at crucial times in big time games for the Seattle Seahawks last season.

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Lockett had a pretty good case for offensive rookie of the year with his performance as a receiver and return specialist, but lost to eventual winner Todd Gurley.  Compared to the other wide receivers in his draft class Lockett did quite well, as he placed third in receiving yards, only behind Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs.

Lockett was named a first-team All-Pro as a returner and was also selected to the Pro Bowl, which are both outstanding accomplishments for any NFL player, never mind a rookie.  He returned one punt and one kickoff for a touchdown last season, and was very close to breaking many more for 6 points.  The most impressive game Lockett had as a returner was against the Cardinals in week 17 where he had punt returns of 66, 42, and 31 yards.

It was easy to forget that Tyler Lockett was only a rookie last season, as he displayed a confident swagger in which no moment seemed too big for him.  He played like a seasoned veteran and would do the little things that rookies tend to miss.  This was put on display in week 12 when he made a key block for Doug Baldwin which enabled him to go 80 yards for a touchdown, sealing the Seahawks’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tyler Lockett has everything necessary to be one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.  He has the blazing speed plus the quickness which makes defenders look silly.  Lockett also has the sure hands to catch every ball that comes his way.

His route running is crisp and he knows where to go when Russell Wilson does his scramble drill.  And, maybe most importantly, Lockett has all the intangibles necessary to be great in this league, including his team-first attitude and drive to be successful.

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Going into the 2016 NFL season, I believe it is fair to expect great things from Tyler Lockett.  He is still very young and is going to keep improving with each game he plays.  His chemistry will continue to grow with quarterback Russell Wilson, which will be a dynamic connection for years to come.

The wide receiver duo of Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett will prove to be one of the best in the NFL in 2016.  Lockett truly doesn’t have a ceiling for how good he can be and his growth is going to be fun to watch next season, as the Seahawks offense looks to achieve new heights.

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