Many NFL fans know some of the names of Seattle Seahawks wide receivers. Almost everyone knows Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, and maybe only slightly fewer know Rashid Shaheed. All of those players have attributes that help the team win games at a high level.
A lesser-known name is Tory Horton, but probably because the 2025 rookie was injured midway through his first season. Had he kept playing, his raw production could have been huge. While he appeared in just eight games last season, he scored six touchdowns (five receiving TDs and one punt return).
He flashed great speed, especially on his 95-yard punt return, and good hands in tight coverage. He made the most of his limited opportunities. For proof, he only had 13 catches, so 38 percent of his catches went for scores. If JSN had that kind of percentage, he would have had 45 receiving TDs last year.
Seattle Seahawks' Tory Horton could rapidly rise up the wide receiver depth chart
Horton is highly unlikely to keep scoring at that clip, but what is realistic is that he becomes far more important in the overall scheme of the offense. He isn't going to be WR1 because that is Smith-Njigba, but could the second-year pro become WR2 eventually? Absolutely.
Kupp is a great voice in the locker room and a valuable possession receiver, but he's well past 30 years old and is closer to the end of his career. Shaheed is extremely important returning kicks and punts, but he might be limited in his raw production as a receiver.
Horton was drafted in the fifth round in 2025 after he slipped down draft boards because of a knee injury he suffered in college. Few doubted his speed, but because of his thin frame, many wondered if the receiver could stay healthy. That is still a concern, and he needs to prove he can.
But after just one offseason in the league, with limited reps, he flashed that he could be a scary option for the Seattle Seahawks. Playing across from JSN, Horton won't see much double coverage. If he can stay available and perfect his route tree, he has the speed and hands to develop into an explosive producer.
That could begin to be the case in 2026. He likely isn't going to regain his spot as the main punt returner, as that is going to be Shaheed, but a lack of playing special teams could keep Horton healthier for offensive reps.
One likely reason that the Seahawks didn't choose a wide receiver high in the 2026 draft is that the team already had Tory Horton. Many non-Seattle fans might have forgotten that, but the receiver might remind them in brutal fashion in 2026 and beyond how good he can be.
Add us as a preferred source on Google