Poll: Which 2020 Seahawks draft pick will have the “sophomore surge”?

The Seattle Seahawks got considerable contribution from their rookie draft class last season, and that’s factoring in that two of their top four picks either didn’t play or barely saw the field due to injury.

Jordyn Brooks and Damien Lewis were the standout rookies for 2020, with Lewis making the PFWA All-Rookie Team in a rare moment of praise for any Seahawks offensive line draft pick. Lewis will be switching over to left guard this season, whereas Brooks may very well become a full-time starter should the team not re-sign K.J. Wright.

Darrell Taylor missed his entire rookie year due to recovery from surgery, so he really has a lot to catch up on and perhaps technically this is his rookie season despite it being his second year in the league.

Colby Parkinson missed much of the season with a broken foot and only played sporadically when he was healthy, and his two catches were thrown by Geno Smith. He’ll be in tough competition with Will Dissly and Gerald Everett for playing time.

DeeJay Dallas had just 108 yards on 34 carries and was pressed into emergency starting duties when Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde went down with injuries. He had some value as a receiving back with 17 catches on 20 targets, but he only had 111 yards on 5 first downs managed.

Alton Robinson was a significant surprise, having recorded four sacks and 11 pressures despite playing in just under 30% of the team’s defensive snaps. I’ve already outlined my reasons to be excited about his play.

Lastly, Freddie Swain had 13 catches for 159 yards on 2 touchdowns on just 21 targets, which are fine numbers for a WR4. There’s a lot to be sorted out with D’Wayne Eskridge getting taken at 56th overall, so Swain’s role and target share is far from certain at this point.

Stephen Sullivan, of course, is with the Carolina Panthers and thus doesn’t factor into this article.

You hear the phrase “sophomore slump” for rookies who impress out of the gate and struggle to meet heightened expectations in year two. Well here’s one for a sophomore surge, which is what I used in 2019 and ultimately Rashaad Penny and Rasheem Green were the top two choices.

Well I’m bringing back for 2021! Sophomore surge can mean different things to different players. If Brooks and/or Lewis have improved second seasons they should be in Pro Bowl consideration, for instance.

Go on and vote!