After eight seasons of angry, physical play, Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin’s NFL “watch has ended.” The Seahawks top-dog for three of the last four seasons, Baldwin’s removal leaves significant fantasy scraps for the taking. Fresh off a breakout 1034 total yard, 10 TD season, Tyler Lockett seems in-line to top this depth chart and benefit the most. Meanwhile, rookie WR DK Metcalf’s already shiny outlook is even prettier now with more of Russell Wilson’s “Aerial Pie” up for grabs.
Lockett had a historically efficient 2018, finishing with the 14th most FPs despite ranking just 55th in targets. He trailed only Michael Thomas in catch rate (81%) despite averaging an absurd 14.1 yard depth of target. In fact, his 13.8 yards per target topped the league by a mile, and Lockett trails only Rob Gronkowski with 10.08 yards per look since 2015. He caught a TD on nearly 1 of every 5 receptions. This is all to emphasize Lockett’s insane chemistry with Wilson, particularly on the long-ball. Just a minor volume-spike will help Lockett repeat, or even best, last year’s impressive totals. He ranks at 43 overall (+10 ECR) on my latest Big Board.
Meanwhile, Metcalf’s first-year outlook only improves. At an imposing 6’3″, 228 lbs with a blazing 4.33 forty and absurd 40.5 inch verticality, Metcalf is the definition of a mismatch nightmare. With Baldwin removed, Metcalf’s path to prominent volume is even clearer. As explored here, the Seahawks dial up the go and screen routes Metcalf thrives with regularity. He now ranks at 78 overall, with upside to rise far higher with strong camp showings.
