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DK Metcalf’s rookie season with the Seattle Seahawks was as good as one could’ve hoped for someone who had major question marks surrounding both his health and his actual abilities as an NFL wide receiver. Despite having just completed his three-cone drill seconds before this article published, Metcalf was among the top rookie wideouts in the league, recording 58 catches for 900 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
Joking aside, we know that Metcalf has room to improve his whole game, including a valid pre-draft concern about his route-running abilities. Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told KJR that based on what they’ve seen from DK, he’ll be seeing a lot more action outside of his predominant “X” receiver position.
Schottenheimer on DK Metcalf: "The number one thing we know is that we can move him around and do different things with him ... there's so many more routes that he can run."
— 950 KJR (@SportsRadioKJR) April 7, 2020
Metcalf played all but a handful of offensive snaps in 2019, with just over 100 coming from the slot.
Metcalf lined up in the slot for 103/940 snaps, with Will Dissly often outside of him before injury.
— Alistair Corp (@byAlistairCorp) April 8, 2020
More snaps in the slot would be great. Too big and too strong after the catch for nickels in short/intermediate areas; too fast for safeties vertically. A total mismatch inside. https://t.co/RbiQgGuMGq
His first touchdown of his career came out of the slot against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Metcalf for 6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/SsgNNtv7yo
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) September 15, 2019
Metcalf was also utilized on some shallow and deeper crossing patterns, including a 19-yard gain against the Cleveland Browns that got them out of a 2nd and 17 hole, as well as the go-ahead touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I’ve been pretty adamant that Metcalf has shown a work ethic that suggests he is making genuine efforts to improve. If Metcalf can add some more versatility to his skillset, this will be a major boost for the Seahawks passing attack.