Seahawks Training Camp Battle: Tight end
There are few positions that have been slightly unsteady and incomplete in recent years for the Seattle Seahawks, and tight end has been one of them.
For several years, Seattle had Zach Miller at the top of their tight end group. Since his second ankle injury in 2014 the position has been relatively unsettled. As 2016 begins, that is the case more than ever.
Let’s get the negative stuff out of the way first. Rotoworld says that a recent study showed that patellar tendon repair is the toughest surgery for an NFL player to return from (which Jimmy Graham just underwent).
One recent example is New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who has been trying to get back on the field for nearly two years after suffering the injury in October of 2014. In essence, when Graham gets back on the field there’s no guarantee he will be the blue chip player he once was. Regardless, Seattle expects Graham back Week 1 of the regular season. Don’t be surprised if he starts the year on the PUP list, though.
Obviously Graham’s 2015 season prior to his injury wasn’t anything special, recording just 48 receptions for 605 yards and two touchdowns. Although, he seemed to be getting much more comfortable in the system later on, racking up 401 of those yards in the ladder six games. Graham will certainly be the TE1 going into the season if he’s 100 percent.
If not, there will be a two-man battle at the top.
AROUND COVER32
Seahawks: K.J. Wright speaks out against dogfighting
Seahawks: Pete Prisco disses Kam Chancellor
Seahawks: 2016 schedule relatively easy
NFL: Ranking the top five interpersonal rivalries
2016 Preview: Comeback player of the year candidates
Fantasy Football: Five bargain QB/WR pairs for 2016
Luke Willson will most likely be the TE2 heading into the season, should Graham be ready Week 1. Willson has been an explosive option when called upon and his spot on Seattle’s roster should be nothing but secure. The 26-year old has 847 receiving yards and five touchdowns on his career since being selected in the fifth-round of the 2013 draft. His speed and circus catch ability will enable him to hold off the Ohio State rookie, Nick Vannett.
Vannett has a chance to catch Willson but he’ll need a really strong showing at training camp to get it done. The 23-year old has reportedly “exceeded expectations” and Pete Carroll has had high praise for the young prospect. He also mentioned that quarterback Russell Wilson has clicked with Vannett and already shows a lot of trust throwing the ball his direction. More importantly, Carroll claims his schooling in combination blocking is top notch. He could start as soon as 2017, but consider him a red-shirt for now.
If Graham can’t play by the time the regular season rolls around Seattle is all but forced to carry at least one extra guy on the active roster.
Cooper Helfet has been with the Seahawks since 2012 but hasn’t seen much action on the field. He has recorded 315 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons of playing time. Helfet’s experience and athleticism will likely help him beat out Brandon Williams and Ronnie Shields for the final spot.
Seahawks Projected Tight End Depth Chart:
1. Jimmy Graham (if ready for Week 1)
2. Luke Willson
3. Nick Vannett
4. Cooper Helfet (if not)
The post Seahawks Training Camp Battle: Tight end appeared first on Cover32.