Russell Wilson
Tasked with calling all of Seattle’s new draft picks on the phone as soon as they were selected, Russell Wilson’s enthusiasm for this draft class is no doubt warranted.
While they may not have brought in the “superstars” that he requested earlier this offseason, Wilson was given a bevy of weapons to throw the ball to, as well as a pair of blockers to help keep him safe and in the pocket in 2020.
“We love our quarterback,” John Schneider said before the start of the draft. “We want to keep him. We want to have as many grown men in front of him as we possibly can.”
Damien Lewis no doubt qualifies as that. While he’s known more as a run-blocker than a pass-protector, Lewis is “a forklift dressed as a right guard” according to NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, and should help keep Wilson safe under center.
In addition to Lewis, Seattle also added third down back DeeJay Dallas. Dallas is a converted wide receiver who will give Wilson another option to dump the ball to – but he’s also a physical back who loves protecting his quarterback.
“My favorite part of third down situations is protecting the quarterback,” Dallas told Seattle media members shortly after getting selected. “You get to kind of get to enforce your will upon the other guy across from you.”
As if a mauling guard and a physical, pass protecting running back wasn’t enough, Wilson also received a trio of other pass catching weapons, including six-foot-seven tight end Colby Parkinson, speedy slot receiver Freddie Swain and hybrid tight end/wide receiver Stephen Sullivan.
Wilson is in his prime, and the Seahawks want to do everything they can to keep him healthy and put the people around him who can help him win another Super Bowl. This draft must have been a dream come true for him, as they managed to do exactly that.