Do the Seahawks need to take a receiver in this receiver-rich draft?

Apr 10, 2020, 12:22 PM | Updated: Apr 14, 2020, 2:43 pm

Seahawks WRs Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf...

Do the Seahawks need to draft a receiver to pair with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf? (Getty)

(Getty)

Seattle Sports

The 2020 NFL Draft is less than two weeks from kicking off and the Seahawks own seven picks – though general manager John Schneider is always looking to add more – and three of those picks are in the draft’s first two rounds.

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It’s widely expected the Seahawks will address their struggling pass rush by drafting an edge rusher with one of those first three picks, and there are other needs such as offensive line, defensive tackle and cornerback to name a few. But what about wide receiver?

Seattle has a nice, young duo in Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, and Phillip Dorsett was signed in free agency to compete for the role of third receiver, but this is no ordinary receiver draft.

The 2020 draft is seen as one of the best and deepest drafts in terms of wide receivers, and could set a record for most receivers selected in a single draft. When the Seahawks are on the clock at picks 27, 59 and 64, some potentially game-changing receivers could be available, and Seattle struck gold at receiver at pick 64 last year with Metcalf.

Despite the defense’s struggles last year, six of the nine players that the Seahawks have acquired this offseason are on offense: four offensive linemen, Dorsett and tight end Greg Olsen. The team has clearly looked to give star quarterback Russell Wilson more pieces on offense, so adding a young receiver to the mix certainly isn’t out of the question.

With so much talent at that position in the draft, do the Seahawks need to draft one? Former NFL Michael Bumpus told 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny and Gallant that he doesn’t see the position as a necessity in the upcoming draft.

“I really think their earlier picks are going to focus on the defensive line, maybe a corner, maybe another offensive lineman,” he said. “I think at the receiver position, they have enough guys to be successful.”

That could always change, however, as there’s always a few players who are expected to be selected early who experience a slide. Metcalf was one of those guys last year. But even still Bumpus thinks if the Seahawks take a receiver, it will be with a later selection.

“I don’t think they’re going into this draft thinking ‘hey, we need a receiver. This is one of the pieces that we need,'” he said. “… I wouldn’t be surprised if they take a receiver just because you’ve got to bring bodies into (training) camp and you’ve got to fill some needs and push some guys, but I don’t think they’re going into this draft thinking ‘we have to pick up a receiver.’ I think their receiving core is pretty solid.”

If someone were to experience a slide like Metcalf, where they’re projected to be an early- to mid-first-round pick and fall all the way to the end of the second round, things could change.

“If you have a chance to add a name in there that you weren’t expecting to be on the board late in the draft, then you do it and see what happens, but it’s definitely not a necessity,” Bumpus said.

Listen to Bumpus’ thoughts at this link or in the player below.

Follow 710 ESPN Seattle’s Michael Bumpus on Twitter.