Bumpus: Parkinson will see big boost in production for Seahawks in 2023

Despite 2022 being seen as a “down year” for the Seahawks, they went 9-8 and made the playoffs.

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A big part of that was the play of the offense, which did not take a major step back like many expected after the trade of quarterback Russell Wilson. Instead, Geno Smith was a Pro Bowler who helped the Seahawks finish ninth in points and 13th in yards.

When looking ahead to 2023, how can the Seahawks get even more production from the offense?

“I think the biggest boost is going to come from that tight end room,” former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus said during Friday’s Bump and Stacy on Seattle Sports. “These tight ends had themselves a decent year.”

In 2022, the Seahawks used all three of their tight ends a lot, both in the run game as blockers and in the passing game.

Noah Fant, who was part of that Wilson trade, led the way on the receiving side of things with 50 receptions, 486 yards and four touchdowns.

Veteran Will Dissly was a solid contributor as well, catching 34 passes for 349 yards and three scores.

And third-year tight end Colby Parkinson established himself in Seattle’s offense, catching 25 passes for 322 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Bumpus thinks Parkinson is ready to take an even bigger step forward in 2023.

“I think that when you get into the red zone, you get into the opponent’s side of the field, this guy is going to become more of a target,” he said. “I love the way he progressed this year. He became a blocker, he put on some weight. He scored (one of) the first touchdowns of the 2022 season against the Denver Broncos. I think he’s going to become a better route runner.”

Bumpus thinks Fant is the most explosive tight end of Seattle’s trio, but because Parkinson is 6 foot 7 and 250 pounds, he thinks the Stanford alum “has an advantage.”

“He’s just big, he’s tall, you can toss it up to him,” he said.

And Parkinson can especially thrive if Smith returns to the Seahawks next season, Bumpus said.

“If you bring Geno Smith back, Geno loves working the seams. He loves working the middle of the field,” he said. “That’s where Colby Parkinson can shine. So I say (he gets) 200 or 300 more yards (in 2023). I think he’s up there … Imagine Noah Fant around 500 (yards), you get Colby Parkinson around 500, you get both of them four to five touchdowns, this offense is moving, you’re (more) dynamic. I’m looking at Colby Parkinson and I’m saying go get it, young fella.”

Listen to the full second hour of Friday’s Bump and Stacy at this link or in the player below.

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