The Seahawks beat the draft last year with DK Metcalf, and they might try again this year

Last year, the second round of the NFL draft became a firesale on high-profile wide receivers. The Seattle Seahawks selected DK Metcalf at the tail-end of round two, and potentially got the best of the bunch.

Here’s how the ridiculous run on receivers shaped out:

• AJ Brown: 52 receptions on 84 targets. 1051 yards, eight TDs, 39 first downs. 61.9% catch rate.
• Mecole Hardman: 26 receptions on 41 targets. 538 yards, six TDs, 18 first downs. 63.4% catch rate.
• JJ Arcega-Whiteside: 10 rec on 22 targets. 169 yards, one TD, seven first downs. 45.5% catch rate, which is all really sad because during the Seattle-Philadelphia playoff game, Arcega-Whiteside was regarded quite highly by the broadcast team.
• Parris Campbell: 18 receptions on 24 targets. 127 yards, one TD, six first downs. 75%.
• Andy Isabella - 9 receptions on 13 targets. 189 yards, one TD, four first downs. 69%.
• Diontae Johnson - 59 receptions on 92 targets. 680 yards, five TD, 31 first downs. 64%.
• Jalen Hurd: Did literally nothing for the San Francisco 49ers before being placed on IR on October 3.
• Meanwhile, our very own DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf: 58 receptions on 100 targets. 900 yards, seven TDs, 39 first downs. That 58% catch rate is something he needs to work on, and plans to.

Terry McLaurin had comparable stats to Metcalf, Marquise Brown was all speed and flash, and Deebo Samuel was quite annoying to play against, to name the best three receivers not taken in round two.

This year, the WR projections are equally as talented and bunched, and the Seahawks are likely to take another pass catcher at some point.

Why, are the Seahawks likely candidates to draft an early receiver?

Sheer numbers, for starters.

Brian Schottenheimer influence, for a second, combined with a dearth of receiving drafts over the years (they took three WRs last draft, compared to five over the previous five years combined).

There’s also stuff like this, taken from the higher ups at SB Nation on a ranking of wideout groups prior to 2019:

I don’t think Phillip Dorsett counts as a locked-in stud at third receiver. Nor should Seattle have any faith in their top three tight ends, as impressive a group that could be.

They need to press the offensive issue, while it appears the defense is still a few guys away from being elite again. Like, eight or so.

So, as long as the Seahawks don’t shoot their shot in Round 4...

...then I say go for it.

For his whole career, Russell Wilson’s had two quality wide receivers; with the exception of 2014. It would be cool to see what Wilson could do with three.