Which WR Doppelgangers Could Seahawks Draft to Replace DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett?

TCU receiver Savion Williams stretches during warmups prior to a road game. Credit: Savion Williams/Instagram

The Seattle Seahawks underwent a seismic shift on their roster this spring. Gone are Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett, three pillars of what the offense has been in Seattle for the past three-plus seasons. 

In Lockett and Metcalf's cases, that's certainly a larger window. The offense has not been without Metcalf since 2018, and Lockett made his Seahawks debut in 2015, lasting nine seasons with the franchise and carving his name into the team’s record books.

Of course, the top two receivers in the offense now are Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp. Still, the Seahawks would do well to draft a receiver to add to the depth and develop more sustainable replacements for Lockett or Metcalf than the 30-plus year old veterans Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Stating the obvious, the Seahawks need to get a little younger at receiver. 

Which receiving prospects in this coming NFL Draft most emulate the two departed staples in Metcalf and Lockett at receiver for Seattle?

Tyler Lockett

Xavier Restrepo, Miami

If there is a player in this draft that most emulates what Lockett became for the Seahawks, it's Miami's Restrepo. Yes, the poor 40 time was an eyebrow-raiser. However, there are rumors he was running with a less-than-100-percent hamstring, so take that result with a grain of salt.

How would you describe Tyler Lockett? A route-running artist with sure hands and a high football IQ with a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. You can basically copy and paste that into the scouting report for Restrepo. At a similar size to Lockett (5-10, 182 pounds), he projects as a slot receiver who can work in the middle of the field. Sounds a lot like No. 16 when he came out of Kansas State. He is a projected early Day 3 pick. 

Jaylin Noel, Iowa State

Noel calls to mind the young Lockett, who was a dynamic kick and punt returner. In fact, Lockett was named All-Pro as a rookie for Seattle as a dangerous special teams weapon. Noel has that kind of home run ability returning kicks, logging over 1,000 return yards in his college career. His ability to work with the middle of the field also calls to mind Lockett's artistry there as well. Noel is likely a Day 2 pick after a strong combine performance.

Jalen Royals, Utah State

Royals is bigger than Lockett at 6-0, 205 pounds. But his style and skills are similar. Royals is keen on finding soft spots in coverage and using a superior football IQ to get open. There are little-to-no wasted movements, like Lockett was in his prime, though Royals has a better ability to break tackles and create yards after contact with a sturdier, well-built frame. The Utah State star produced seven 50-plus yard receptions in 2023 and could be picked as high as Day 2. 

DK Metcalf

Jayden Higgins, Iowa State

From a sheer size aspect, Higgins looks the part. He's a bit sleeker and leaner than Metcalf, but has all the length with a 6-7 wingspan. His combination of length and 4.4 speed is comparable to Metcalf, but not perfect. He is not scared to go up for a "rebound" in a contested catch situation. He comes out of college with the knock of a limited route tree, just like Metcalf out of Ole Miss. Higgins is knocking on the door of being a mid-second round pick and could possibly sneak into the first round with his rare size, speed, and catch radius package.

Savion Williams, TCU 

The low-hanging fruit is to compare Williams with the last tall receiver out of TCU in Quentin Johnston. Williams might have more athletic versatility and wiggle than his predecessor, however. He has Metcalf's coveted blend of size, speed, and athleticism, as he can straight out-muscle less physical defensive backs. Metcalf came out of college more polished as a receiver overall, but Williams has all the physical tools you want in a dynamic receiver, and he ran for over 300 yards in his final season with the Horned Frogs, adding a running back as well as kick return dimension to his game. He likely will be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, depending on which teams feel they can best use him to maximize his ability. 

Of course, none of these receivers are guaranteed to have successful careers like Lockett and Metcalf had in Seattle. But there are some physical or mental abilities that several prospects have that are akin to those former Seahawks wideouts. The Seahawks likely need another young pass-catcher to complement the talented, but aging receiving corps beyond Smith-Njigba.