The Seattle Seahawks made their seventh, and for now final, pick in the 2020 NFL draft at the tail end of the sixth round, selecting Florida slot receiver Freddie Swain.
Swain fits what coach Pete Carroll likes in his slot receivers, with exceptional size (six-foot) and length (30 5/8 inch arms) as well as a 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash.
The athleticism is the big selling point here, as the rest of his profile is a bit shaky. Swain has not shown much discipline as a route-runner, often making predictable moves that don’t get him open. He also lacks the physicality to challenge for contested catches, something he will need to improve upon if he wants to be a target for Russell Wilson.
As is usually the case, Swain will also be considered for a role on the special teams – having returned 39 punts for 308 yards and a touchdown during his time with the Gators.
Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, Phillip Dorsett, David Moore and John Ursua represent Seattle’s receiving corps at the moment, and Swain will have to become a proficient route runner very quickly, or else make himself indispensable as a punt returner to avoid finding himself on the practice squad for the 2020 season.
