The Seahawks concluded their 2020 draft with the selection of LSU TE/WR Stephen Sullivan. Here is an analysis of the teams Day Three Picks.
Round 4 133rd Colby Parkinson TE Stanford 6’7 252
Considered one of the most athletically gifted TEs in the draft due to his ability to create separation in space with great pass-catching ability. Parkinson had 48 catchers for 589 and 1 td at Stanford last year. He did not drop a single pass Look for the Seahawks to use him in the RedZone and on third down and short.
“It’s something I have prided myself on, over my career; being a very good pass catcher, someone that’s going to go up and make every catch. Didn’t have a drop last year on catchable balls. Something that I take very seriously; I make sure I’m always working on it. To be that consistent presence, especially at that tight end position, that the quarterback can depend on. He can throw the ball anywhere, and I can go up and get it.”
(On his blocking ability…) “It’s definitely getting better. I’m willing and able and ready to go, in terms of blocking. Obviously, room for improvement, as I was mainly a receiver my first couple years at Stanford. I progressed to be a more complete tight end. I’m ready to step in and put my hand in the dirt and get ready to go in the run game.”
TAKEAWAY
The pick makes sense when you consider the Seahawk’s tight end room is temporary. Will Dissly coming off a torn Achilles. Free-agent pickup Greg Olsen is 35. Jacob Hollister and Luke Wilson are on one year deals. Luke Wilson will have difficulty making the roster.
Round 4 144th DeeJay Dallas RB, Miami
A good all-purpose 5 foot 10, 217pound running back who can run, catch and pass block out of the backfield. Dallas’s versatility makes him a candidate to return punts, kickoffs, and be the Seahawks coveted third-down back.
“My favorite part of third-down situations is protecting the quarterback. You get to kind of get to enforce your will upon the other guy across from you. Just being physical in third-down situations, whether it’s running the ball, or blocking a linebacker or a safety, or catching out of the backfield. Just finishing third down with a physical blow.”
TAKEAWAY
If he is able to put his fumbling issue behind him Dallas could push for the number two running back spot. Chris Carson ( hip ) and Rashaad Penny ( ACL) suffered season-ending injuries last year. Carson is expected to return before the start of training camp. Penny’s injury was more serious and required surgery. His expected return is Week 1. Dallas ran for 693 yards on 115 attempts (a 6.0 yard-per-carry average) with eight rushing touchdowns and added 14 receptions for 140 yards and two more scores.
Round 5 148th Alton Robinson DE Syracuse
Another defensive end to bolster one of the leagues worst pass rushes last year.The 6 foot3 264 pound Robinson is already familiar with the Seahawks and some of their players. Robinson prepared for the draft working out with former Seahawks legend Cliff Avril and got a chance to meet Bobby Wagner and other players.
It definitely crossed my mind a couple of times, because I was actually training in Bellevue, so I’m familiar with the area. I love the west coast vibes out there. I’m a Texan, so it’s a little different out there, but it’s definitely a desired place to be. I’m not too familiar with a lot of the guys, but the at the facility I was training at, actually, I got a chance to meet Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, and I went to high school with Tre Flowers.”
TAKEAWAY
Alton was a three-year starter at Syracuse and a Two-time All-CC selection. A quick first step with a drive and determination to sack the quarterback should get him on the field on a rotational basis. The learning curve will be how to quickly shed blockers.
Round 6 214th Freddie Swain WR Florida
A lean and gifted receiver at 6-0 199 Swain started 12 games for Gators last year catching 38 passes for 517 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also a steady punt returner averaging 7.9 yards per return. Look for Swain to battle for the punt and kick returner positions next season. The is some criticism regarding his pass route running but the same was said of DK Metcalf. Swain posted a time of 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at the combine.
Round 7 251 Stephen Sullivan TE/ WR
The Seahawks concluded their 2020 draft when they picked 6’5, 248 pound LSU TE/WR Stephen Sullivan. Of all the team’s draft picks Sullivan is the one true project with exciting talent. A big body with speed and strength. Sullivan posted the second-fastest- 40 yard dash time of all tight ends at the combine.
