Seahawks Thrilled with Rookie WR DK Metcalf’s Development
Coming out of the University of Mississippi, receiver DK Metcalf fell the bottom of the second round in April's NFL Draft due to numerous concerns, including a lack of lateral quickness and durability issues.
The Seahawks ended his free fall by trading up to the No. 64 overall pick and selecting Metcalf, drawing criticism in some circles for drafting such a raw talent.
Based on the Ole Miss graduate’s performance through eight games, those same people are probably second-guessing scrutinizing the Seahawks front office for placing such high hopes in Metcalf. The rookie receiver has already caught 23 receptions for 402 yards along with four touchdowns, ranking among the best first-year players in several categories.
Metcalf may have posted his best performance of the season in Atlanta. Despite only producing a trio of catches for a total of 13 yards during the Seahawks 27-20 victory over the Falcons, he caught a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Russell Wilson, with his second touchdown of the game eventually holding up as the game-winning score.
Speaking with reporters following Thursday’s practice, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer shared his thoughts on Metcalf’s rookie campaign through the first half of the season.
“He’s doing well. He’s had high highs and low lows. He’s working his butt off. The confidence and the trust with Russ is really important,” Schottenheimer said. “Had a nice game last week. We’re able to move him around, which is good. I think he’s doing well.”
Entering the 2019 NFL Draft, one of the major concerns with Metcalf was his issues with executing routes effectively. But Schottenheimer has seen significant improvements with his rookie receiver in that area compared to when he first stepped out onto the field during rookie minicamp in May.
“When we first got him, again, you come out of the offense at Ole Miss and you’re wondering what exactly he can run, what he can do,” Schottenheimer commented. “The sluggo was a good example of it. The little stick route that he caught when we went fast in the end zone. He just found the void. Probably that would be the biggest thing. There’s not a route that we’re really not comfortable with him running. That allows us to move him around and put him at different spots.”
Wilson also spoke highly of the first-year receiver prior to Thursday’s practice. While Wilson always speaks positively about his teammates, the eighth-year pro was persistent in detailing everything that makes Metcalf an exciting young player.
“He’s been great all year. When he came in, he was really prepared. I think he had a chip on his shoulder and just ready to roll. He’s everything that you want him to be. High character, extremely amazing work ethic. Obviously, a ball player,” Wilson said. “A guy that can make great plays. Has a relentless approach to the game when he’s playing and also when he’s practicing and studying film. I’m glad he’s on our team.”
With Metcalf’s impressive 6-foot-4, 230-pound size and athleticism, Wilson will certainly be looking to target the rookie receiver more often during the second half of the season. Though he's been quite productive across from Tyler Lockett, he's received five targets or fewer in four of the last five games.
Even with the recent waiver claim of receiver Josh Gordon, the Seahawks must find a way to get Metcalf even more involved in the passing attack going forward.
