BRADY HENDERSON

Pete Carroll likes what he sees from Luke Willson

Aug 28, 2013, 5:59 PM | Updated: 6:08 pm

By Brady Henderson

The injuries that sidelined Seahawks tight ends Zach Miller and Anthony McCoy were double-edged swords for Luke Willson, on one hand taking away examples from which to learn but at the same time giving the rookie plenty of opportunities to hone his craft with the first-unit offense.

AP13073114194
Rookie Luke Willson, a fifth-round pick out of Rice, is vying to be the Seahawks’ backup tight end behind Zach Miller. (AP)

All the extra work has seemed to serve Willson well.

“Luke has had a fantastic preseason and offseason. He’s ready to play for us,” coach Pete Carroll told “Brock and Danny” this week. “He’s done a great job of studying and he’s adapted well.”

That’s a nice endorsement for a player who wasn’t expected to contribute much as a rookie when Seattle chose him in the fifth round. Miller was entrenched as the starter, after all, and McCoy was coming off a year in which he began to curb the inconsistency that defined his 2011 season. But when McCoy went down with an Achilles injury during OTAs, it left Willson with an opportunity to grab hold of the backup job behind Miller.

Willson has four catches for 37 yards in three preseason games, and he’s flashed the speed that was so enticing to the Seahawks that they were determined to draft him even though he was coming off a senior season at Rice in which he caught all of 11 passes and wasn’t even a starter.

“We really, really would have been disappointed if we wouldn’t have been able to acquire him, that down-the-field threat,” general manager John Schneider told “Brock and Danny” before the start of Seattle’s rookie minicamp.

While he’s plenty fast, there was a question as to whether or not Willson could develop as a blocker quickly enough to see significant playing time as a rookie. Willson, who’s 6 feet 5 and 251 pounds, has said that maintaining a low pad level while run blocking is a point of emphasis, and it’s an area in which Brock Huard said he has noticed gradual improvement from Willson.

Carroll agreed that Willson has progressed nicely in that regard.

“He continues to improve and get more comfortable with what’s asked of him, and he’s handling a lot of stuff; we’re not holding back on him,” Carroll said. “That’s a really good sign that he can contribute early and be a factor for us.”

Willson is a virtual lock to make Seattle’s final roster. It’s still unclear, though, whether he’ll be the Seahawks’ No. 2 tight or if that distinction will go to Sean McGrath, Cooper Helfet or a veteran added after rosters are trimmed to 53 players on Saturday.

Follow Brady Henderson on Twitter @BradyHenderson.

Brock and Salk podcast

Brady Henderson

Rees Odhiambo, a 2016 third-round pick, will compete with Matt Tobin to start at left tackle. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Tom Cable: Rees Odhiambo, Matt Tobin are Seahawks’ preferred LT options

Tom Cable brought a bit of clarity to the Seahawks' plans at left tackle in the wake of George Fant's season-ending knee injury, saying Tuesday that Rees Odhiambo and newcomer Matt Tobin are the top two options.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks injury updates: George Fant set for surgery, K.J. Wright returns

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle George Fant is expected to be back by next season from the knee injury that will sideline him in 2017.

7 years ago

Matt Tobin, 27, started 21 games over seasons with the Eagles. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks acquire OL Matt Tobin in trade with Eagles

The Seahawks have acquired offensive tackle Matt Tobin in a trade with the Eagles, making another move to shore up their offensive line after losing left tackle George Fant for the season.

7 years ago

Luke Joeckel played left tackle for his first three NFL seasons. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Luke Joeckel? Rees Odhiambo? A look at the Seahawks’ LT options with George Fant out for the season

The Seahawks need a new plan at left tackle with George Fant out for the season. Moving Luke Joeckel there is one option, writes Brady Henderson.

7 years ago

Michael Bennett on Justin Britt standing by his side during the national anthem Friday night: “I ...

Brady Henderson

Justin Britt stands by Michael Bennett during national anthem: ‘A very emotional moment’

Seahawks center Justin Britt showed his support for teammate Michael Bennett Friday night, standing by him as Bennett remained seated during the national anthem.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks’ George Fant needs ACL surgery, likely out for season

The Seahawks' offensive line was dealt a massive blow with left tackle George Fant suffering a knee injury Friday night that will likely keep him out all season.

7 years ago

Pete Carroll likes what he sees from Luke Willson