Seahawks: Projected 2016 starters and the next man up
By Keith Myers
Slot Receiver
Starter: Doug Baldwin
Backup: Kevin Smith
Listing Doug Baldwin as a slot receiver neglects that he also lines up on the outside, and doesn’t often come off the field when the Seahawks drop to only two receivers in the formation.
That said, that Seahawks spend a great deal of time in three WR sets, and Baldwin routinely lines up in the slot when they do so.
Baldwin’s strengths are his quickness and his ability to catch the ball through contact. He really is a prototype slot receiver. While those types of receivers typically aren’t big red-zone contributors, Baldwin actually led the NFL in touchdown receptions last season.
Behind Baldwin is the mostly unknown Kevin Smith. Smith was a mid-season roster addition in 2015 When he was called up from the practice squad. Smith lacks the savvy experience Baldwin has a route runner, but has physical skills that are surprisingly similar.
Next: Tight End