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What we should expect from Seahawks rookie D’Wayne Eskridge

By Andy Excell

EVANSTON, IL- SEPTEMBER 03: D'Wayne Eskridge #7 of the Western Michigan Broncos reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half on September 3, 2016 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. the Western Michigan Broncos won 22-21. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL- SEPTEMBER 03: D'Wayne Eskridge #7 of the Western Michigan Broncos reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half on September 3, 2016 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. the Western Michigan Broncos won 22-21. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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The Seahawks surprised many by making D’Wayne Eskridge their first selection of the 2021 NFL draft with the 56th overall pick in round 2 of this year’s draft. As a result Eskridge will come under more scrutiny than any of the other Seahawks rookies in 2021.

What should or could we expect from Eskridge in his rookie campaign with the Seahawks?

In order to try and quantify what a fair expectation could or should be, I have looked back through the last five drafts including this year’s wide receivers that were drafted at or a round a similar point to Eskridge.

What the Seahawks can expect from a second round WR?

Outside of Eskridge, I have selected the twenty wide receivers that were selected closest to the 56th pick that was spent on Eskridge and what they are projected to achieve in 2021 by CBS sports or did achieve in their rookie season.

Those players are

  1. Rondale Moore – 53 receptions – 739 yards – 4 TD’s
  2. Tutu Atwell – 34 receptions – 471 yards – 2 TD’s
  3. Terrance Marshall Jr – 52 receptions – 826 yards – 4TD’s
  4. Leviska Shenault Jr – 58 receptions – 691 yards – 5 TD’s
  5. K.J.Hamler – 30 reception – 421 yards – 3 TD’s
  6. Chase Claypool – 62 receptions – 873 yards – 9 TD’s
  7. Van Jefferson – 19 receptions – 220 yards – 1 TD
  8. Denzel Mims – 23 receptions – 357 yards – 0 TD’s
  9. Mecole Hardman – 26 receptions – 555 yards – 6 TD’s
  10. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside -10 receptions – 169 yards – 1 TD
  11. Parris Campbell – 18 receptions – 161 yards – 1 TD
  12. Andy Isabella – 9 receptions – 204 yards – 1 TD
  13. D.K.Metcalf – 58 receptions – 911 yards – 7 TD’s
  14. Christian Kirk – 45 receptions – 625 yards – 3 TD’s
  15. Anthony Miller – 33 receptions – 449 yards – 7 TD’s
  16. James Washington – 16 receptions – 217 yards – 1 TD
  17. D.J.Chark – 14 receptions – 174 yards – 0 TD’s
  18. Curtis Samuel – 15 receptions – 179 yards – 0 TD’s
  19. JuJu Smith-Schuster – 58 receptions – 917 yards – 7 TD’s
  20. Copper Kupp – 62 receptions – 869 yards – 5 TD’s

From these 20, the average production was 34.25 receptions for 481.4 yards and 3.35 TDs. Eskridge is currently projected for 38 receptions, 553 yards and 3 TD’s by CBS sports. If we take a mid point of these two and round off that would mean 36 receptions, 517 yards and 3 TDs for Eskridge in his rookie season.

In his first season he looks set to replace David Moore as the WR3 for the Seahawks, Moore produced an average of 19.5 receptions for 313.5 yards and 3,25 TDs per season during his four years in Seattle.

If Eskridge can achieve the mid-point number mentioned above that should be seen as a satisfactory rookie season for him and will also represent an upgrade from Moore with the potential to increase those numbers in the future.

Next. Marquise Blair might be the answer at safety soon. dark

This should form the benchmark that we should use to judge Eskridge in 2021. If he were to get to 40 receptions, 600 yards and 5 TD’s that would represent a really good rookie season. 50 receptions, 700 yards and any more than 5 TD’s would mark him as a resounding success and earmark as potential successor for Tyler Lockett longer term.

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