The first part of organized team activities is a great opportunity for the Seattle Seahawks to take a look at their new players in a variety of different roles to see if they can uncover a hidden or unique skill set.
This includes giving most of the rookies a chance to try their hand returning punts. Receivers DK Metcalf and John Ursua, along with versatile defensive back Ugo Amadi, were all seen catching punts from Michael Dickson at OTAs on Tuesday.
Coach Pete Carroll provided quick thoughts on the rookies, including a very candid take on Metcalf.
“I don’t know that that’s going to be his strength,” Carroll laughed. “It’s too early to call.”
He was much more positive regarding Amadi, saying he looks comfortable catching the ball and that he’s well-equipped to be a returner.
Of course, anyone who wants to return kicks for the Seahawks will have to compete with Tyler Lockett, who was an All-Pro kick returner back in 2015. Carroll admitted he’d like to transition Lockett out of the return game, but also admits its hard because of how good he is at it.
“We are always thinking that way,” Carroll responded when asked about moving Lockett away from returns. “We’ve been thinking that way for a few years now and we look for the opportunities to see if we can maximize his play or however we do that. He’s such a great catcher and a great return guy that it’s hard to put someone else in his spot. But we continue to always lean that way. We’d rather have him pick and choose when he can do it, particularly on the kickoffs, but he’s just such a good punt returner it’s hard to take him out of there.
“But, we do have some guys now, some guys that are working hard at it.”
Running backs J.D. McKissic and Rashaad Penny both returned kicks last year, although Penny will likely focus more on the offense than on the special teams going forward.
Returning kickoffs is a great way for McKissic to earn his way onto the roster, and would certainly allow Lockett to focus solely on his duties as a receiver and as a punt returner.
If McKissic can’t cut it, Seattle could look toward some of the younger guys to shoulder the load on the returns.
Just don’t expect to see Metcalf back there anytime soon.
