A Seahawks Star: John Carlson

In an article in the Seattle Times today, Mike Holmgren is adamant that his team will not tank. (By the way, if you ever thought this man would tank the final three games of his Seahawks coaching career to get Jim Mora a better draft pick, you are not very smart).

But this calls to mind the Seahawks’ previous draft. While first-rounder Lawrence Jackson, defensive end out of USC, hasn’t made any sort of headlines in his rookie season, second-round pick John Carlson, a former Notre Dame tight end, has been outstanding. He will set the team’s single-season record for catches by a tight end and could threaten marks for receiving yards and touchdowns. It now looks like a very good thing that the Hawks lost the Alge Crumpler sweepstakes this offseason.

Though only a barometer of individual success, the fantasy football world has taken notice of Carlson. He’s in the top 10 tight ends in the league in terms of offensive production. I can’t say much about his blocking, because I just haven’t watched much, but with all of the worries about Walter Jones and Matt Hasselbeck, it can feel like this team has no hope. Carlson provides hope.

The tight end isn’t the most important position on the field. Most elite teams don’t have star tight ends. They have productive, reliable tight ends. Finally, it appears, the Seahawks have a reliable tight end.

~ by ericmonek on December 10, 2008.