Seahawks: Wide receiver depth on display in training camp
By Keith Myers
The Seattle Seahawks have tremendous depth at wide receiver. The position group has proven to be a major strength at training camp.
It wasn’t all that long ago that the Seattle Seahawks had a major wide receiver problem. They were desperate for talent, and bringing in washed-up ex-stars like Terrell Owens and Braylon Edwards entirely out of desperation.
Here we are, just three short seasons later, and wide receiver is one of the strongest units on the roster. It is so strong, that guys who don’t make Seattle’s roster are going to end up being claimed by other teams.
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The top four receivers on the roster have been just as advertised. Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett have looked great. Paul Richardson has looked super fast. Jermaine Kearse has been typical steady Jermaine Kearse.
Behind those four is a very tough battle for roster spots. Kevin Smith remains steady and unspectacular. Kasen Williams seems to regularly make big plays, but is rarely seen making regular plays. Douglas McNeil started strong, but hasn’t stood out in recent practices.
The big surprise thus far has been DeShon Foxx. He’s been giving corners fits with his quickness, and he seems to be catching anything that in the same area code he’s in. He’s one of the smallest WRs on the team, but he’s made a big impression so far.
Foxx is very much in sync with the QBs right now, and thus getting a lot of balls thrown his way in 7 on 7s and team drills. He seems to always be open, and he catches everything thrown his way. He’s probably the most improved player from last year’s camp to now.
The big disappointment would have to be rookie Kenny Lawler. He hasn’t been bad (this isn’t a Chris Harper situation), but he’s yet to stand out in any of the drills I’ve watched. His lack of speed has been evident. He simply isn’t getting enough separation to get a chance to show off his huge catch radius and good hands.
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There are other guys who have impressed too. Tanner McEvoy in particular has used his height to make a few plays, among others.
This is a very deep unit overall, and a far-cry from the “pedestrian” groups from a few seasons ago.