NFL analysts have touted Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf as one of the most promising rookies of the 2019 NFL draft and a major candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year for the upcoming season.
The hype surrounding him is no surprise, given his physical attributes and athleticism. The potential is definitely there, especially with Russell Wilson throwing him the ball. However, it would be unwise to expect him to reach his ceiling immediately.
The Seahawks recently released their de facto No. 1 receiver Doug Baldwin this offseason. His myriad of injuries caught up with him and he was nowhere near 100 percent healthy last year. That leaves fifth-year veteran Tyler Lockett with the distinction of Wilson’s go-to guy.
The two worked wonders last season as Wilson had a perfect passer rating when targeting Lockett. Seattle now has a clear-cut No. 2 receiver in Metcalf and he and Lockett are expected to be a deadly duo. If the team can produce a strong running game with Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny like they did last season, the offense could be a tour de force.
However, it should be established that Metcalf is a rookie and that he dropped to the end of the second round of the draft for a reason. There have been concerns about the receiver’s route running abilities ever since his poor performance in the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle drills at the 2019 NFL Combine. In addition, it usually takes time for rookies to adjust to the NFL from college, and this applies to even the most pro-ready of prospects.
An excessive amount of hype often leads to a letdown, especially when players are expected to contribute right from the jump. Metcalf is definitely a promising receiver and a potential cornerstone for the Seahawks franchise, but fans will most likely have to be patient with him.
