With the NFL Draft coming up, Seahawks.com is taking a position-by-position look at where things currently stand with Seattle's roster, as well as the top prospects at each position. We'll also look at Seattle's draft history at each position under general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll.
Seattle currently holds nine picks in the 2016 draft, which begins on Thursday, April 28 in Chicago.
Round 1 | Pick 26 | No. 26 overall
Round 2 | Pick 25 | No. 56 overall
Round 3 | Pick 27 | No. 90 overall
Round 3 | Pick 35 | No. 97 overall*
Round 4 | Pick 26 | No. 124 overall
Round 5 | Pick 34 | No. 171 overall*
Round 6 | Pick 40 | No. 215 overall*
Round 7 | Pick 4 | No. 225 overall (from Dallas)
Round 7 | Pick 26 | No. 247 overall
* - Compensatory Pick (compensatory picks cannot be traded).
So far we've covered the offensive and defensive lines, running backs and linebackers, today we shift our focus to receivers.
Draft History (Under Schneider and Carroll)
WR Golden Tate* (No. 60 overall, 2010)
WR Jameson Konz* (No. 245, 2010)
WR Kris Durham* (No. 107, 2011)
WR Chris Harper* (No. 123, 2013)
WR Paul Richardson (No. 45, 2014)
WR Kevin Norwood* (No. 123, 2014)
WR Tyler Lockett (No. 69, 2015)
** signifies a player no longer with the team. *
Where the Seahawks Stand
After taking defensive end Frank Clark in the second round last year, the Seahawks moved up for their next pick, trading multiple draft picks in order to select receiver/return specialist Tyler Lockett. The move paid off in a big way for Seattle, as Lockett not only became a big part of Seattle's offense, seeing the third most playing time at receiver behind starters Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin; he was also a first-team All Pro as a returner. The pick of Lockett marked the second time in as many drafts that Seattle has used one of its first two picks on a receiver having taken Paul Richardson with its first pick (45th overall) in 2014. Considering the Seahawks also gave up a first-rounder to acquire Percy Harvin, and used a second-round pick on Golden Tate in 2010, it's safe to say they aren't shy about investing draft capital in receivers even if they haven't used a huge number of picks on that position.
But with Baldwin coming off of a career-best season, setting a franchise record with 14 touchdowns, with Kearse re-signing in free agency, and with Lockett showing so much potential, will receiver be a focus for Seattle this year? Big-time playmakers, or as Seahawks coach Pete Carroll calls them "touchdown makers" are one of football's rarer commodities, so if the right player were available, the Seahawks could always go that direction, but any receiver that might be added to Seattle's roster is going to have his work cut out for him to earn playing time in what was a very productive position group last season. In addition to Kearse, Baldwin and Lockett, the Seahawks still have high hopes for Richardson, who missed all but one game last season with injuries, and they saw encouraging development from Kasen Williams and Kevin Smith, a pair of players who worked their way from the practice squad to the active roster last season.
Take a look at NFL Media Analyst Mike Mayock's Top 5 wide receivers in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) runs the ball during an NCAA college football game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, October 25, 2014 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won 10-7. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) lines up against SMU defensive back David Johnson (4) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) is pictured during an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Philadelphia native, Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller (7) runs with the ball as he warms up before an NCAA college football game against Temple Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, in Philadelphia, Pa. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) carries during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas, top, pulls down a touchdown pass against Northern Illinois cornerback Paris Logan during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
NFL Media Draft Expert Mike Mayock's Top 5 Receivers
*1. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss *
Bottom Line (via NFL.com): Like DeAndre Hopkins, both players should be defined by their talent, ball skills and consistency of production over pure speed numbers. Treadwell is at his best when he has a clean, two-way go off the line of scrimmage and he could be a challenging size matchup from the slot. While Ole Miss used him underneath quite a bit, he runs quality downfield routes and has the ball skills needed to become a more vertical receiver than underneath, possession guy.
2. Josh Doctson, TCU
Bottom Line (via NFL.com): Highly productive receiver with good height but in need of more functional mass for the NFL game. Doctson must prove he can play against press coverage if he is to reach his potential, but his ability to go up and win when the ball is in the air will endear him to quarterbacks. Scouts don't expect to be wowed by his 40 time, but most believe he'll be a solid No. 2 receiver in the league.
3. Corey Coleman, Baylor
Bottom Line (via NFL.com): Dangerous vertical talent with the ability to get over the top of defenders who fail to recognize his blazing quickness off the line of scrimmage. Coleman can get instant separation to create favorable passing windows and is one of the top playmakers in this draft. Coleman's issues with drops near the middle of the field could be a concern if teams see him next as a slot receiver due to his lack of size. Regardless, he can line up outside and win and he offers immediate punt return help.
4. Will Fuller, Notre Dame
Bottom Line (via NFL.com): Fuller doesn't check all the boxes with his slight frame, below average hands and limitations with his game-by-game production, but he possesses the coveted ability to hit the big play and score touchdowns. My grade might be higher than some, but Fuller has the type of functional speed that can win deep and free teammates up in the intermediate passing game. Look for Fuller to come in and contribute early on as a third receiver.
T-5. Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma
Bottom Line (via NFL.com): The similarities in backgrounds, playing style, production and football character and between Shepard and Seattle's Tyler Lockett are obvious. Shepard doesn't possess Lockett's explosiveness as a return man, but is a better overall receiver. With more and more teams using "11" personnel (3 WRs) as their base offense, Shepard's stock should be on the rise. Teams looking for a slot receiver who can make plays and rack up a high volume catch count on any given Sunday will find their man in Shepard.
T-5. Michael Thomas Ohio State
Bottom Line (via NFL.com): Thomas has just scratched the surface of his potential in Ohio State's offense full of quick outs and tunnel screens. While he has the size and potential to excite offensive coordinators, Thomas is still a work in progress who must develop a greater feel for the position if he is to match his traits with real NFL production. Thomas has a relatively high ceiling, but his floor is "bust."
