The much anticipated season 5 has finally arrived, and after an entertaining free agency, NFL draft, and a handful of trades many teams have new faces on the squad. With a majority of the week 2 out of the way, we take a look at the early impact new faces are making for the Seattle Seahawks
Off-season: The Seattle Seahawks certainly had some holes in the roster. Since Tyler Lockett decided to move on in free agency two seasons ago the coaching staff has had difficulty finding a solid option to line up opposite DK Metcalf. The coaching staff thought they found their option in 4th round draft pick Tyrell Shavers. At 6’6″ 220 lbs, Shavers has great speed for his size and can really get up in jump ball situations. Shavers had decent rookie showing of 30 catches for 547 yards and 5 touchdowns, but had some concerning holes in his game. He struggled to get separation and struggled to hold onto the ball in contested catch situations. A lot was expected in his sophomore season when an injury to DK Metcalf found Shavers moving up in the depth chart, but instead Shavers regressed from his rookie season and ended the his sophomore season with only 21 catches for 296 yards and no touchdowns. It was clear to the staff that Shavers was not the answer they were looking for. Which leads us to the 2024 rookie draft, where the Seahawks looked to make their move for what they saw as one of the best wide receivers in the draft.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, 6’1″, 205lbs, Ohio State
Initial Scouting Report:: Elite body control to go with optimal size and strength, with good top end speed and separation. Physical receiver, difficult to press but also takes advantage of any cushions given. Can adjust to each and every throw, take short passes the distance while also getting behind the secondary on deep routes. Strong hands, wide catch radius, will bring anything in range down. Consistently draws double coverage and bracket coverage and routinely gets open. Able to get consistent YAC. Also skilled punt and kick returner. If hes is on the board at pick 12 we will pull the trigger.
And that they did. With pick 12 of the 2024 NFL draft the Seattle Seahawks took Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. So far that pick as paid off as Emeka has made an immediate impact through two weeks of action. Putting up a two game stat line of 5 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. With blazing fast speed and solid route running that defenses must respect the Seattle Seahawks may have finally found the perfect compliment to DK Metcalf, They are finally opening up the passing game even with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson out on injury. Egbuka has the talent, and if he clicks with Russell Wilson when he returns the sky is the limit for the duo.
