Highly rated rookies have it rough. Players drafted in the high rounds are always expected to perform in spite of the difference in level the professional game has compared to college football. Fans will hound rookies like D.K. Metcalf hard if they don't meet the level of expectations they set ahead of the season.
The Seattle Seahawks rookie has become all-too-aware of this situation. The second-round pick was able to put on a show during his first full game as a Seahawk. However, he's also played plenty of horrible games that got many Seahawks fans frustrated with him. Fans have a mixed feeling about him while the team is giving him all the snaps he needs to develop as a player.
However, it seems like Metcalf has shown everyone just what he's made of. He displayed his full capabilities against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing with 123 yards on six receptions. He also got one touchdown in the process.
Such a breakout game should be considered by Seahawks fans as a monumental game. Thanks to this outing, Metcalf is becoming more established as a player that the team can certainly rely on sooner rather than later.
One of the big improvements Metcalf has made in this game is his ability to get more catches now. His six catches are the most he's made this season, and it seems like he's getting used to playing NFL defenses.
The fact that he's getting used to NFL secondaries means that he's more than ready to turn on the afterburners and get on with making big runs. The biggest adjustment rookies always have to make when they make the jump is the sheer speed of the game. Every single defender they will face from this point on are excellent pass defenders who made their mark during college. Getting used to those defenders quickly will allow him to get more yards.
As he gets used, the number of completed passes he will get will rise. His six catches this game will surely become a more consistent number once he gets more experience under his belt and put on more work on his upper body strength.
With nine NFL games under his belt, he's started to show off just what he can do when he's running the routes. Even Pete Carroll can't help but sing praises for his rookie wide receiver after his magnificent performance against the Bucs.
Wide receivers are important in the Seahawks system given that they have a talented quarterback in Russell Wilson. With the way Metcalf's development has been going lately, fans can expect him to make an impact come the playoffs.
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