Seahawks quick reaction NFL Draft grades: TE Colby Parkinson

With the 133rd overall pick in the draft, the Seahawks selected tight end Colby Parkinson out of Stanford. How does he fit into Seattle’s offense?

The Seahawks took fans by a surprise by drafting linebacker Jordyn Brooks in the first round of the draft instead of a much-needed pass rusher. They then went back to the script and drafted two major needs in EDGE Darrell Taylor and guard Damien Lewis in the second and third rounds, respectively.

Seattle decided to go with a tight end to open day three of their draft, which is a bit of surprise considering they signed Greg Olsen in free agency and re-signed Jacob Hollister to a one-year deal. Perhaps Seattle is just preparing for Olsen’s retirement and a backup option if 2018 draft pick Will Dissly can’t stay healthy.

Colby Parkinson is 6’7″ 251 pounds and becomes a big red zone target for Russell Wilson. He’s the kind of size the Seahawks have been missing on offense for a while and is capable of catching passes from all levels of the field. He excels in length and has a lot of leverage against defenders but lacks a bit at run blocking.

Parkinson has the ability to line up wherever the Seahawks need him to and even acted s a wide receiver at times for the Stanford offense. Considering some question marks at tight end for Seattle and a need at wide receiver, the Seahawks likely eyeing his versatility on offense.

A concern here is Parkinson didn’t have much production in college at Stanford, only finishing with 1,171 yards and 12 touchdowns—with only one touchdown in 2019.

It probably would have been better for Seattle to go with another edge rusher here in the fourth but they still have three picks remaining in the draft barring any trades.

Grade: C