It’s not even training camp but one Seahawks rookie is already turning heads

The Seattle Seahawks offense has plenty of question marks heading into the season, but it’s also not without its bright spots. With those question marks, though, the Seahawks undoubtedly need some fireworks from unproven players, especially in the passing game with new quarterback Sam Darnold taking over.

Of course, the wide receiver room has talent, particularly with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. But Kupp is on the backend of his career, and fellow offseason addition Marquez Valdes-Scantling has always been an up-and-down player. That leaves room for one of the Seahawks’ most exciting rookies to crack the lineup and make an instant impact.

It’s not often fifth-round rookies make instant impacts, but it’s not every year general managers find players as talented as Tory Horton waiting to join a team in the fifth round, either. Seahawk fans got a glimpse of his abilities at OTAs, and given the state of the passing game, are hopeful he can contribute right away.

The door is open for Seattle Seahawks' Tory Horton to carve out a role

Horton had a fantastic two years at Colorado State before his final college season was upended by a knee injury. Still, his production speaks for itself with 265 receptions, 3,615 yards, and 27 touchdowns across five collegiate seasons.

Horton will have to prove quickly that he provides more reliability as a deep threat burner than Valdes-Scantling has earned a career as. That’s ultimately his path to the field. While Smith Njigba is dangerous everywhere, Kupp is an underneath slot option, and provided both stay healthy, Horton’s opportunities are otherwise limited if he can’t eat into Valdes-Scantling’s target share.

Still, with a 6-foot-2 frame and 4.42 speed, it’s not as though he lacks the ability to do so. Moreover, Horton offers a more versatile skillset beyond flying past the defense on go routes. He’s a solid route runner and can make defenders miss in the open field, traits that haven’t always been present in 31-year-old Valdes-Scantling.

With fantasy outlets highlighting Horton as a sleeper and must-have stash in dynasty formats, more football minds are keeping an eye on Horton than just the fan base for the Seattle Seahawks. It’s just up to the rookie to make good on the opportunities that are sure to come his way this upcoming season.