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Breakout Player in 2016: Tyler Lockett

By Lior Habinsky

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) catches a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson (3) (not pictured) for a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) during the fourth quarter 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 pass from quarterback Russell Wilson (3) (not pictured) for a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a very good rookie year, wide receiver Tyler Lockett is ready to break out in a big way for the Seattle Seahawks.

Tyler Lockett recorded 664 total receiving yards on 51 receptions, scoring a total of 6 touchdowns receiving, in addition to 1 TD on a punt return and a 2nd on a kickoff return. The beauty of Lockett’s abilities is his impact on both special teams and offense. Most receivers struggle to make an impact their first year in the league, struggling to adjust to game speed and the increased focus and mental requirements that the pros subject new players to.

Tyler Lockett surpassed the Seahawks expectations his first year in the league, providing a dynamic down the field and speed threat on offense in addition to his spectacular return abilities. Lockett will continue to improve upon his receiver abilities, and most importantly, the innate connection he has with his quarterback that is sure to continue improving this upcoming year.

Brock Huard of 710 ESPN visited the Seahawks organized team activities this past week and made a telling point about the Lockett-Wilson connection, stating “They run this combination, and the whole thing is happening right in front of me. A year ago, Tyler Lockett doesn’t break the route off. He just runs it and then Russell and him have a conversation afterwards. Before Tyler could even run his route, he senses the space, he sees the coverage, so does Russell, the ball is out, it’s on his chest before you can even blink.”

Lockett’s route running abilities were one of his most touted abilities coming out of college. This has certainly helped him adjust to NFL defenses, relying more on his technical abilities and knowledge of the game to beat defenders rather than just pure speed, although that definitely is a major part of the receiver’s skill set as well.

Additionally, Lockett carries a superb catch rate of 70.5% from his rookie year, a quality that is sure to follow him in his sophomore year in the NFL. With another year in the Seahawks system, Lockett should take continue to improve upon his 13.3 YD/catch number in addition to his overall statistics as well.

Next: Nick Vannett is more than just a blocker

It sure looks like Lockett, and his fellow starting receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse, are ready for another strong year.

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