:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59559645/usa_today_10550452.0.jpg)
The Seattle Seahawks and head coach Pete Carroll have maintained all offseason that the team is going to prioritize running the ball, and with the 120th pick in the NFL draft, the Seahawks selected tight end Will Dissly out of the University of Washington.
Dissly is a converted defensive lineman with a limited amount of experience playing tight end, but his specialty is as a run blocker. He can catch the ball, but he’s not going to outrun many defenders in the second level with his 4.87 speed (for reference, lead-footed Zach Miller ran a 4.86), but with the team looking to get back to beating defenses up and running the football, Dissly fits the bill.
Here’s the team’s announcement from its official Twitter account.
This Husky is staying in Seattle! #SeahawksDraft pic.twitter.com/yqUGeZB2oM
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 28, 2018
And here’s what Dissly posted to his own Twitter account hours before he was drafted by the Seahawks in the fourth round.
As excited as I am about this opportunity, I did not get here alone. To anyone who helped or supported me along the way it did not go unnoticed and I am forever grateful.
— Will Dissly (@Will_Diss) April 28, 2018
And then there were reactions from experts and fans, some of whom really liked the selection, while others hated it.
The #Seahawks got Will Dissly with their 4th rounder in the #NFLDraft. He's an AWESOME run blocker. Going to be a HUGE upgrade over Graham and Willson at the in-line tight end spot for their running plays.
— Samuel Gold (@SamuelRGold) April 28, 2018
In the 4th round, with pick 120 overall, the Seahawks select Washington TE Will Dissly. Dissly stayed in to pass protect on 78 snaps in 2017. He did not allow a single QB pressure for the draft class' highest pass-blocking efficiency at a perfect 100.0.#SeahawksDraft #NFLDraft
— PFF SEA Seahawks (@PFF_Seahawks) April 28, 2018
Will Dissly regarded by many as best blocking tight end in this draft. Followed Chris Petersen from Boise State to #UWHuskies, as a DL. Messed around at a bowl practice catching passes and--viola!--newest #Seahawks tight end https://t.co/oHtvu5hCoD @thenewstribune
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) April 28, 2018
Wanted to see the #Seahawks commit to the run in this draft. That's exactly what they're doing here. Will Dissly the definition of smart, tough and reliable. Blocking tight end. Here's Bob McGinn take: pic.twitter.com/L7fiXCpJf8
— Rob Staton (@robstaton) April 28, 2018
TE Will Dissly is the first Husky drafted by the @Seahawks since Seattle drafted TE Jerramy Stevens in 2002 and the 11th Husky drafted in franchise history. #SeahawksDraft
— Seattle Seahawks (@seahawksPR) April 28, 2018
I love Will Dissly but him going ahead of some of these guys is not smart
— LIFELONG BLOCKING TE FAN (@zjwhitman) April 28, 2018
The Seahawks got their best pass protector in TE Will Dissly
— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) April 28, 2018
Will Dissly has a cool story: He came to Washington as a DL and, as he describes it, was messing around during a bowl practice a few years ago and jumped into a 7-on-7 drill. Caught Chris Petersen's eye and was moved to TE the next year.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) April 28, 2018
so many holes and a need for impact players, it's tough to get on board with that pick. Will Dissly will do exactly what's asked of him in the run game, nothing more, nothing less
— Alistair Corp (@alistaircorp) April 28, 2018
Analysis of the Seahawks' selection of TE Will Dissly in the fourth round. Great match stylistically for what Seattle needs at that spot. https://t.co/w2Ruv1EFVs
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) April 28, 2018
Seattle invests in a blocking tight end in the fourth in Will Dissly. #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/QjIzDfYc4E
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) April 28, 2018