Seahawks Position Breakdown: Tight End

 (Current TE’s: John Carlson, John Owens, Cameron Morrah)

The TE position was one of the few bright spots for Seattle in a season full of lows. Rookie second round pick John Carlson led the team in receptions, hauling in 55 catches for 627 yards, and five TD’s. He proved worthy of the Seahawks decision to trade away a third round pick to move up and grab him with the 48th pick in the 2008 draft.

Barring injury Carlson is a lock for the starting TE position. He gives the Seahawks another great pass catcher to add to their aerial assault. He gives them the ability to stretch the middle of the field. With LB’s having to account for his presence, it allows the WR’s to get open in the center of the field. The Seahawks have a perfect slot WR, TJ Houshmandzadeh, he can make all the plays over the middle.

John Owens was brought in from the Detroit Lions to replace TE Will Heller (who ironically signed with the Lions). Owens is a blocking TE, and that’s all he is expected to be used for. He only has 19 receptions, 162 yards, and one TD in his receiving career. Look for him to be strictly used on running downs, and potentially in play action situations (deception of the defense).

Cameron Morrah is a raw rookie TE from Cal. He has great speed and athletiscm. He hauled in eight TD catches during his senior season. If the Seahawks don’t decide to carry three TE’s on the active roster, look for him to be relegated to the practice squad. He does not possess great blocking skills. He has plenty of chances to upgrade his blocking and add additional mass to his weak upper body frame.

The Seahawks appear set at TE. They have their young rising star, Carlson, their blocking specialist, Owens, and their young talented rookie, Morrah. Carlson’s performance in 2009 will be critical in the Seahawks quest to regain the perch a top the NFC West.