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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett has managed to turn some heads at practice this offseason. Needless to say, he is likely hoping for a breakout year after a disappointing 2017 campaign.
Lockett attributed the rough outing to lingering health issues throughout the year. However, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, Lockett understands he still needs to produce when his number is called:
Article Continues Below“I’d probably say about 75, 80 percent,” he said Thursday when asked to assess his health in 2017. “But it didn’t stop me from still going out there and doing my same job, the same role that I was given. Still was getting open against people. The thing is, it doesn’t matter how you feel when you go out there. If you go out there, it’s time to go. You can’t make excuses if you don’t get open. You can’t make excuses if you don’t catch the pass. If you’re out there, everybody expects you to do the same thing if you weren’t hurt.”
Lockett has made his bones as a bonafide playmaker on special teams and in the offense. Unfortunately, it was clear that he was still hampered by the devastating leg injury he suffered during the final stretch of the 2016 campaign. As a result, he registered just 45 catches for 555 yards and two touchdowns. He did manage to make his usual impact on special teams by returning 37 kicks for 949 yards and a touchdown and 36 punts for 237 yards.
However, it is clear that both Lockett and head coach Pete Carroll are hoping he can translate his playmaking ability into a larger role in the offense. It goes without saying that quarterback Russell Wilson is starved for more weapons outside of wide receiver Doug Baldwin. Lockett will need to prove himself as a viable option if he is hoping for a long-term extension when his contract expires at the end of the season.
