Seahawks quick NFL Draft grades: TE Stephen Sullivan

With the 251st overall pick in the draft, the Seahawks selected tight end in LSU’s Stephen Sullivan, their second of the draft.

The Seahawks moved up to select one last player in the 2020 NFL Draft—just like last year with wide receiver John Ursua— in LSU tight end Stephen Sullivan. Seattle already drafted tight end Colby Parkinson out of Stanford in the fourth round, which came as a bit of surprise to imagine my shock that they moved up to grab another.

Taking Sullivan over LSU teammate Thaddeus Moss or even hometown kid Hunter Bryant is a bit of a head-scratcher but the Seahawks must have seen something in him that they really like in order to trade up to draft him rather thank risking losing him as an undrafted free agent.

Sullivan had only 47 total catches for 712 yards and three touchdowns in his three years at LSU. His counterpart, Moss, had 47 receptions for 570 yards and four touchdowns in his only season at LSU. Seattle likely chose Sullivan over Moss because of his size, athleticism, and medicals.

Sullivan, who is 6’5 and 248 pounds, is likely seen as a developmental prospect for the Seahawks. He can play as a tight end/wide receiver hybrid in Seattle’s offense and will probably find himself playing the slot often although his versatility allows him to line up on the outside as well.

Competition is thick now in Seattle with seven tight ends on the roster. Sullivan is going to have to work on pass blocking and moving away from contact after the catch if he wants to edge up the other tight ends in the room. If he can learn to become a better route runner, his versatility as a hybrid receiver will be beneficial for the Seahawk’s offense.

Grade: C-