Noah Fant nearly became a Seahawk three years ago during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
As general manager John Schneider explained last month after the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos for a package that included multiple draft picks as well as Fant, quarterback Drew Lock and defensive end Shelby Harris, the Seahawks were ready to draft Fant three years ago with the 21st overall pick, and even had his name written down on the card they would need to turn in to make the pick official, but instead the Broncos took Fant at No. 20, leading to the Seahawks trading back.
"In the green room when I was in Nashville, me and my agent were kind of talking about that a little bit, thinking that Seattle was a possibility," Fant said. "Obviously, John confirmed that in saying that they were going to pick me, but I ended up here at the right time. It would've been nice to be drafted either place, but I'm in the right place at the right time and excited to be here, especially with a team and a GM that wants me here. Excited to compete and get to work."
Fant, who has started 41 of 47 games played in his first three seasons, admitted he was "a little shocked" to find out he had been traded, but he sees in Seattle a good opportunity to build off of the success he has already had and to take his game to even higher levels.
"I'm happy to be in a spot where the front office and the coaches want me here, and it feels good to be wanted," he said. "I'm just looking forward to competing and getting in with this team and making an impact right away. It feels good to be here."
Fant's first three seasons have hardly been disappointing, with him contributing 170 catches, 1,905 yards and 10 touchdowns, including 130 catches and 1,343 yards the last two seasons. But as good as he has been so far, Fant still sees a chance in Seattle to do even more than he has so far in his career.
"To be honest with you, I haven't been really happy from my perspective with my production the last two years," he said. "Granted, it's been decent production compared to other tight ends in the NFL, but I definitely am striving for more and better. Essentially the biggest (place) I've grown in my game is just kind of understanding defenses and understanding where I can slide into certain zones and how to run my routes and get different coverage, different press, different ways the defense is playing me and just kind of overall knowledge gaining of the game. Goals for year four is to take that leap, right? I mean, I'm kind of stuck at that high 600 ceiling and I got to break through that. I think I have every opportunity to do that in Seattle, and I'm excited to get to work to do that."
Coming out of Iowa in 2019, Fant was known for his speed and the ability to stretch a defense, and he has been able to do that in the NFL, but coming to Seattle where the running game will also be important, Fant is also focused on making himself a more complete tight end.
"This offseason, I've been watching a lot of run tape," he said. "I feel like that's been kind of one of the things that I've been decent at, but could be a lot better at. If I could take that step to be a dominant run blocker, then I don't know what (bad thing) could be said if I could do that in that area of the game. So that's what I've been focusing on a lot. I know (Will) Dissly's a really good run blocker. I've talked to him a little bit over the last couple days. Haven't really dived into the X's and O's yet, but hoping that he could be a big help for me also to get where I want to be in that area."
Of course, Fant isn't the only player coming to Seattle in the Wilson trade who is looking to elevate his game with his new team. Quarterback Drew Lock arrived in Denver as a potential quarterback of the future, a second-round pick selected 22 picks after Fant, and while he took over the starting job late in his rookie season and played well, Lock struggled at times over the next two seasons and lost his starting job in 2021. But for all the ups and downs experienced by Lock so far, Fant sees a quarterback who could thrive in Seattle if given the chance.
"Drew's biggest attribute is his arm," Fant said. "I think he's made some insane throws the times that we've played together. He has all the talent in the world. He can run with the ball. He can do it all. He's been through some things with previous things in Denver and he's been working through that. I think he has all the opportunity and all the talent in the world to get it done and be that franchise guy. I know he's excited to get in and get to work and meet all the guys. I think it'll be a really good opportunity for him."
Check out photos of Seahawks tight end Noah Fant from his college days in Iowa and first three seasons in the NFL with the Broncos.
Iowa tight end Noah Fant catches a pass during a drill before the team's NCAA college football spring scrimmage, Friday, April 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant (87) celebrates in front of Northern Iowa defensive back A.J. Allen, rear, after catching a 43-yard pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant celebrates after scoring on a 5-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant runs up field after catching a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 23-0. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant (87) runs from the defense of Purdue safety Jacob Thieneman (41) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Iowa wide receiver Noah Fant in the first half of a NCAA college football game between Illinois and Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Iowa tight end Noah Fant scores on a 5-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. Fant is a possible pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
FILE - In this Saturday, March 2, 2019 file photo, Iowa tight end Noah Fant runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson spent their three years at Iowa trying to one-up each other in a friendly but fierce competition. So, why should the NFL draft be any different? The latest members of the Hawkeyes' long pipeline to the pros are expected to become the first tight end duo from the same school ever selected in the first round of the draft.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Denver Broncos selected Fant in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Denver Broncos first-round selection in the NFL Draft, Noah Fant (1), a tight end out of Iowa, holds up his new jersey as, from left to right, his girlfriend Averee Anderson, mother Kathy Fant and father Willie Fant of Omaha, Neb., join in for a photo after a news conference at the football team's headquarters Friday, April 26, 2019, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant speaks on the phone backstage after being selected by the Denver Broncos during the 2019 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Iowa tight end Noah Fant holds his jersey on stage after being selected by the Denver Broncos during the 2019 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) celebtrates his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) walks on the field while warming up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) scores after taking a pass from quarterback Jeff Driskel during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) works during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 34-27. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant hauls in a touchdown catch as Buffalo Bills linebacker Andre Smith defends during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) lines up against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan.. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) celebrates a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) takes part in drills during an NFL football training camp at the team's headquarters Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) protects the ball from New York Giants' Lorenzo Carter (59) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants' Logan Ryan (23) and Jabrill Peppers (21) tackle Denver Broncos' Noah Fant (87) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) runs after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) scores a touchdown as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21)cloaks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) signals on the line against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) catches the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Denver. The Raiders won 34-24. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) rushes against Cleveland Browns defensive back Ronnie Harrison (33) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) lines up for a play during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) makes a reception against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) plays against Cleveland Browns defensive back Ronnie Harrison (33) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant is hit by Philadelphia Eagles free safety Anthony Harris, left, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant during the first half an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) catches the ball against the Detroit Lions in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec 12, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) is pushed out of bound by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Chargers won 34-13. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Chargers won 34-13. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
A detail of the back of Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant's jersey prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Chargers won 34-13. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) catches a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday Jan. 2, 2022 in Inglewood, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 34-13. (John McGillen via AP)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) takes the field during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (87) catches a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
