As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for training camp, the expectation that veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling would secure the No. 3 wide receiver position behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp is being challenged by rookie Tory Horton. A fifth-round draft pick out of Colorado State, Horton has been impressively making waves on the practice field, leading head coach Mike Macdonald to note that Valdes-Scantling is indeed “in a battle” for the WR3 role.
Brock Huard, a commentator on Seattle Sports, expressed strong confidence in Horton’s potential, suggesting that he could surpass Valdes-Scantling. He referenced an earlier conversation with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who posited that Horton could have been a top-50 draft pick if he hadn’t suffered a knee injury last October. Despite this setback, Horton posted back-to-back 1,100-yard receiving seasons at Colorado State, ranking among the top 20 FBS receivers in both seasons.
Huard emphasized Horton’s unique talents, which he believes are a perfect fit for the Seahawk’s offense. He pointed out the success stories of fifth-round receivers in the NFL, citing examples like Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs, who have all made significant impacts after being drafted outside of the first round. “Fifth-round picks, especially wide receivers, can hit the ground running,” Huard noted, expressing his belief that Horton could solidify a top three spot in the receiver depth chart.
On the other hand, Mike Salk remains cautious about declaring Horton the WR3 just yet, highlighting that the rookie has yet to appear in a preseason game. He believes factors such as injuries could play a significant role in shaping the receiver lineup this season. Salk acknowledges the potential but wants to see Horton in action before concluding on his readiness to take on a significant role.
This competition underscores the Seahawks’ investment in young talent and their focus on building a formidable receiving corps. With veterans and rookies alike vying for critical positions, fans can look forward to an exciting preseason filled with opportunities to showcase new talent. The anticipation surrounding Horton’s progress is a hopeful sign for Seahawks supporters, eager for fresh energy on the team.