NFL Draft Results: Seahawks select TE Luke Willson in the 5th

The Seahawks have selected TE Luke Willson with the third of their three fifth round picks. The Rice tight end is listed at 6'5 3/8" and 251 pounds, right in the range the Hawks have shown interest in over the past few seasons at that position.

Per Gil Brandt, at his pro day, "Willson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 and 4.46 seconds. He had a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-2 broad jump. He ran the short shuttle in 4.28 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.04 seconds. He performed 23 lifts of 225 pounds on the bench press. All of those totals would have been among the top 10 in his position group at the combine." Willson is also a pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays farm system, so he's been a sports professional for a time now.

The insanely athletic tight end (Seriously, no other TEs ran in the 4.4s at the Combine) was on the Mackey Award list as the standout tight end in the nation prior to 2012 but struggled with an ankle injury that limited his production. However, per Adam Wright, Seahawks' Scout Ed Dobbs noted that Willson "Had a down year this year, but had 29 catches last year, 33 the year before. His Pro Day was phenomenal." Says Wright, "Ed Dobbs specifically mentions Willson's blocking ability. Also calls him a 'down the field threat from the TE position.'"

I haven't personally scouted the athletic tight end, but Per Tony Pauline, a respected draft analyst:

Three-year starter who struggled with injuries as a senior and totaled just 9 receptions/126 yards/2 TDs. Awarded all-Conference honors as a junior after posting 29/313/3. Career totals of 33/425/3 came as a sophomore. Accomplished baseball player who spent time in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

Positive: Athletic tight end prospect with a large upside. Displays solid speed, nicely adjusts to errant throws and extends to make receptions away from his frame. Strong and wins out in battles. Keeps his head on a swivel as a blocker, possesses better than average blocking strength, and gives effort.

Negative: Never stood out in any aspect of the game. Despite his 40 time, does not present himself as a downfield receiving threat.

Analysis: Wilson is an under the radar tight end prospect who played second fiddle to teammate Vance McDonald at Rice. He offers upside but must commit to football and find a team willing to develops his skills.