Tyler Lockett a 'Calming Force' Says Seattle Seahawks Ex

Tyler Lockett is the veteran presence for the Seattle Seahawks offense, and former receiver Michael Bumpus says he is the calming force for the unit.

The Seattle Seahawks are embarking on a new era under Mike Macdonald, who takes over from Pete Carroll. Additionally, the offense will have a new voice in the room, with Ryan Grubb replacing Shane Waldron.

Change can be difficult, especially for the younger players on the roster. But that's where veterans and their experience can play a big part in bringing everyone together.

For Seattle, that person on offense is receiver Tyler Lockett. Having seen everything there is to see in the NFL, with a host of "young receivers" on the roster, Lockett can be the one person those around him can lean on - even the experienced receivers.

For former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus, Lockett is the one person who he thinks is the type of player every team needs in the locker room to be that calming influence.

Nov 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) looks on

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“The receivers lean on Tyler Lockett,” Bumpus said on Bump and Stacy Seattle Sports. "Tyler Lockett doesn’t seem like the guy who’s gonna stand up in front of the room and put together a speech. He’s just a guy who’s gonna say what’s on his mind, who’s gonna get people opportunities, who is going to be kind of the wide receiver whisperer when it comes to the younger guys. He’s just a calming force that I think you need in an offense, especially a new offense with (coordinator) Ryan Grubb over there.”

With Geno Smith stating earlier in the week that everything about Grubb's offense is different, including the terminology, it is going to take time for the players to get a handle on what Grubb is asking of them.

That's where Lockett and his "calming" nature can come to the fore for others around him. Still only 31 but having players who are coming into their first and second seasons who are learning a new offense, Lockett can be the one to calm things down and make sure everyone is doing what they're supposed to.

“He knows that for this team to be successful, he’s gotta be like the bridge when it comes to the receiver room,” Bumpus continued. “I think DK (Metcalf) is a more talented receiver, but when it comes to the guy who has the calmest demeanor, who shows up to work every day – not saying DK doesn’t – but Lockett is just the elder statesman.”

It is going to be a fascinating watch to see how this Seahawks offense evolves over the course of training camp and the regular season. But with Lockett being the one to bring the group together, Seattle has a host of weapons that in Grubb's air-raid system, could explode in 2024.

First, however, the system must be learned and executed at a high level, which is where the "calm" Lockett can help bring everyone along on the journey.