Five Biggest Questions
1. Will Russell Wilson once again be a top-5 QB?
2. Is Chris Carson a top-14 RB?
3. Will the still-injured Rashaad Penny outperform Carlos Hyde?
4. Are Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf WR2s?
5. Who will be the top-performing TE?
The once seemingly dynastic Seahawks haven't reached the NFC title game since 2014's seemingly inconceivable comeback against the Packers, which was followed by the Seahawks' seemingly inconceivable Super Bowl collapse against the Patriots. Through it all--the rise and ever-so-slight fall--has been one of the greatest QBs in NFL history. No exaggeration. Russell Wilson is the epitome of excellence: a QB1 in all eight seasons (including top-3 in four of his last six), has never missed a game, and probably will finish his career as the #2 all-time QB rusher. He's a perennially safe draft pick, and this year he's no exception at his QB-5 ADP.
If Seattle's quarterback situation is a model of consistency, then its backfield is a little less so. Chris Carson followed up his 2018 breakout with an even stronger sequel, and managed to stay pretty healthy throughout. A hip injury isn't worrying the team, so it's not worrying me. I love Carson at his understated RB-18 ADP. Meanwhile the newly added Carlos Hyde (RB-60) will be a solid early-season handcuff as Rashaad Penny (RB-64) recovers from a brutal December injury. However--and this could have huge implications--Hyde somehow might be one of the top handcuffs out there. Penny's injury has been reported as "more than just a normal ACL tear." I'm unfazed by the offseason buzz of Seattle potentially signing the now-dreadful Marshawn Lynch, and rookie DeeJay Dallas (RB-252) isn't a load-carrier. That leaves Hyde as a sneaky bargain who could be an instant RB2 if Carson goes down (and assuming Penny's season is in at least minor jeopardy).
Is Tyler Lockett still the #1? The 27-year-old certainly played like one for much of last season, catching an incredible 82 of 110 targets. In fact, his catch percentage the past two years is a phenomenal 77%. I think the only wideout better over that span is Michael Thomas (83%). But this is not an offense that breeds dominant receivers, and now Lockett has to contend with the ascending D.K. Metcalf. In fact, the fantasy universe slightly favors Metcalf (WR-21) over Lockett (WR-22). If you have a preference, shout it out below. I don't even think Russell Wilson knows who will lead the team. But it's fair to say that grabbing both at the 4/5 turn of a 12-team draft (which is around where both are valued) would be a terrific hedge. Both guys have easy 70/1,000/7 potential, and given the lack of talent behind them, both easily could finish in the top 16. Speaking of "behind them," Freddie Swain (WR-112), Phillip Dorsett (WR-126), and David Moore (WR-369) will compete for largely forgettable #3 duties.
The TE race is one of those nothing-to-lose situations. Will Dissly, Will Dissly, Will Dissly. All signs are pointing to him being ready Week 1, and his TE-31 ADP seems misguided. Greg Olsen (TE-23) knows he's nearing the end of his career and realistically won't hit the top 18 even if Dissly isn't ready to go. Jacob Hollister (TE-46) probably overachieved in 2019 and is destined to be no better than a #2 TE in this offense. In an offense screaming for a reliable #3 receiving target, that leaves Dissly (TE-31) as a great-value Best Ball TE pick and a terrific Dynasty draft pick, with the understanding that even if he splits time with Olsen in 2020, he'll be a TE1 contender in 2021.