Wilson: 'I’d Fight Anyone' in Support of Tyler Lockett as One of the NFL's Best Receivers
Ever since receiver Tyler Lockett was drafted by the Seahawks with the No. 69 overall pick in 2015, the Kansas State graduate and quarterback Russell Wilson have created a special bond like no other.
Wilson and Lockett’s relationship quickly developed through the receiver’s rookie season when they hooked up for 51 receptions, 664 yards, and six touchdowns. Since that outstanding rookie campaign, Lockett's connection with Wilson has developed even further over the past four seasons in Seattle.
As a result, Lockett has grown into one of the most impactful receivers in the league. This season in particular, he has already made his presence known as a big play threat downfield. Through just five games in 2019, Wilson has connected with Lockett six different times on plays that have resulted in 20-plus yards, which currently ranks him ninth in the NFL for that category according to NFL.com.
Based on that stat alone, perhaps Wilson's assessment of where Lockett stands among the league's elite isn't too far off. The five-time Pro Bowler jokingly told reporters that he would fight anyone who didn’t agree that his star receiver is currently one of the best in the league at his respective position.
“I think he’s one of the best receivers in the National Football League. I’d fight anybody on that,” Wilson said prior to Thursday’s practice. “I think he’s making every play. He’s doing everything right the past couple years and looked really special.”
Wilson continued by adding that he believes Lockett sometimes plays the game like a quarterback instead of a receiver, which helps explain why he's an extremely special player.
“I think with Tyler, he kind of plays the game like a quarterback. He sees the game really well,” Wilson said. “We got a couple plays in practice just now in walk through that he really recognizes things and sees things and sees the pressures. How he responds and reacts, you can’t teach it. He just knows what he’s doing.”
With long-time receiver Doug Baldwin now retired, Wilson and the Seahawks were forced to rely on Lockett as their primary receiver going forward. So far, it’s safe to say the Seahawks aren’t lacking production from their best receiver and he's handled his expanded role with ease.
Building off a career year in 2018, Lockett has already made 30 receptions for 379 yards along with a trio of touchdowns, including his seemingly impossible catch in the back of the end zone during last week’s primetime game against the Rams. Even if the stats don’t always show it, Lockett remains one of the most valuable players on the Seahawks offense and Wilson just reminded everyone of that once again.
