There were many impressive rookies this season in the NFL, including St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley, who will probably be named the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper. Neither Gurley nor Cooper will be taking part in the playoffs as both of their teams failed to qualify for the postseason, but there are some impressive first year players who are lucky enough to be playing in the playoffs this season. One rookie to keep an eye on this Wild Card weekend is Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett.
TYLER LOCKETT IS THE ROOKIE TO WATCH IN WILD CARD ROUND
In 2015 Lockett played in all 16 games and pulled down 51 catches for 664 yards and he found the endzone six times, including five times in the final seven weeks of the season, while only losing one fumble. The former Kansas State Wildcat also recorded 852 kick return yards (third in the league) and 240 punt return yards (15th in the NFL) this season. Lockett was one of only two players this season to return both a kickoff a punt for a touchdown. The talented playmaker finished his rookie NFL season with 1,915 all-purpose yards, which is a Seahawks rookie record.
In Seattle’s game against the Arizona Cardinals Lockett returned four punts for 139 yards (a Seahawks record), all in the first half. For his efforts, the third-rounder was named NFC special teams player of the week. But that wasn’t enough and Locket also took the honor for the month of December, winning the award for a second time this season. Lockett has certainly proven he can make plays in the receiving game, but his ability to flip field position as a returner is really impressive. He became the first rookie since the great Gale Sayers to record at least five receiving touchdowns and at least one touchdown on both kick and punt returns. Lockett was named to the 2016 Pro Bowl as a return specialist in his first season in the NFL.
Yes, Seattle’s injury report for Wednesday listed Lockett as not participating due to a hip injury. But considering the talented rookie wideout played in Seattle’s Week 17 contest against the Cardinals and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has not mentioned Lockett’s injury, it seems that he sat out practice for precautionary reasons. My guess is Lockett will be ready to go on Sunday when the Seahawks face the Minnesota Vikings. If he is healthy and available, which I believe is likely, be sure to keep an eye on him when the Seahawks and Vikings square off in Minnesota on Sunday.
Main Photo: Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett cruises for a 63-yard touchdown in the first quarter in their last preseason game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Sept. 3, 2015. (Mike Siegel / The Seattle Times)
