Jermaine Kearse not surprised Seahawks receivers finally getting respect from national media

The oft-overlooked Seahawks wideouts are finally getting their due.

Pro Football Focus listed Seattle’s wide receiving corps as fifth best in the NFL, up five spots from last offseason and a far cry from the two years ago when the group was being referred to as “appetizers” and “mediocre” by pundits.

The football ranking site listed the Seahawks group behind only the Patriots, Cardinals, Redskins and Jaguars.

Here’s what PFF had to say:

Doug Baldwin has developed massively over the past three seasons, and is finally starting to get the credit he deserves as one of the best receivers in the NFL. Seventh at the position in terms of overall grade in 2015, Baldwin forced 18 missed tackles on 78 receptions a year ago, the seventh-highest total among wide receivers in 2015. He’s joined by the talented Tyler Lockett, who had one of the most impressive seasons of any 2015 rookie last year. 32nd in overall grade among WRs, Lockett averaged 13.0 yards per reception and scored six touchdowns a year ago. One key for the Seahawks’ offense will be getting the most out of tight end Jimmy Graham in 2016. Graham graded well last year, but his 605 receiving yards and two touchdowns were the second-lowest and lowest totals, respectively, in his career so far. At 6-feet-6, Graham has been one of the best red-zone weapons in the NFL in his career, and can help the Seahawks out massively in that regard if they use him correctly.

The rankings aren’t the only bumps this offseason for Seattle’s primary pass catchers, as Baldwin inked a four-year, $46 million contract extension late last month and Kearse re-signed on a three-year, $13.5 million deal at the start of free agency.

Kearse told 710 ESPN Seattle’s John Clayton on Friday that he didn’t see the ranking but that he’s not surprised.

“For our group, it’s just about going out there continuously and putting stuff on film and just make plays,” he said. “We always get the talk of being average and pedestrian but we just continue to focus on the task at hand, making plays for our team and winning football games. If we continue to do that, things will continue to show for themselves.”

Kearse said the team’s “very opportunistic” group found their rhythm in the second half of the season by converting more consistently on third downs. Kearse said he was pleased with what he saw from his teammates during OTAs. That included a “loose” Russell Wilson who was getting the ball out quicker.

“I think he’s definitely reading the defenses and being able to anticipate his throws and give us a chance,” he said. “There had been some throws during OTAs where he was just right on the money, right on time out of our break. Then we’re able to get the ball in our hands and do something after the catch. So I think in that aspect there has definitely been some improvement.”

Kearse said he also spoke with third-year receiver Paul Richardson, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, during the offseason workouts. Kearse believes Richardson’s hard work is paying off.

“He was out there in OTAs and he looked great,” Kearse said. “He’s one of our fastest receivers. He can stretch the field and I think he has the mindset to come into training camp and be able to contribute to this team, which I think he can definitely do because he has that type of talent to where he can change the game. I believe he will come into camp and prove that.”

As for himself, Kearse says he won’t let his newfound wealth impede his progress.

“I don’t try to stay complacent with my game, even after signing a new contract,” Kearse said. “I’m always trying to get better and make more plays for the team and win more games.”

Follow @https://twitter.com/emanreports