Context:

The Seattle Seahawks are undergoing significant changes in 2025, notably replacing quarterback Geno Smith with Sam Darnold and revamping their receiving corps by acquiring Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling while drafting Tory Horton and Ricky White III. Horton, a standout in college football, is expected to become a key asset despite his knee injury that impacted his draft position. Known for his speed and punt returning skills, Horton's background in baseball contributes to his proficiency in tracking the ball, making him a strong candidate for improving Seattle's punt return game. His combine performance demonstrated impressive speed, surpassing several higher-drafted receivers, and he aims to leverage his multifaceted athletic experience to contribute to the Seahawks. Alongside veteran Steven Sims, Horton is in contention for the crucial punt return role, which is a vital area of improvement for the team after their struggles in the previous season.

Dive Deeper:

• The Seahawks have made major roster changes ahead of the 2025 season, including replacing long-time quarterback Geno Smith with Sam Darnold and restructuring their wide receiver lineup by trading away D.K. Metcalf and letting go of Tyler Lockett, while bringing in new talents like Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

• In the 2025 NFL draft, the Seahawks focused on enhancing their receiving corps by selecting Tory Horton from Colorado State in the fifth round and Ricky White III from UNLV in the seventh round, with Horton showing significant potential despite previous setbacks due to injury.

• Tory Horton had an impressive college career, accumulating 3,615 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, but his draft stock was affected by a knee injury that ended his season prematurely; nonetheless, he exhibited remarkable speed at the combine that surpassed several receivers drafted before him.

• Horton is particularly poised to make an impact in the punt return game, an area where the Seahawks struggled in 2024, drawing on his baseball experience which enhances his ability to track and catch the ball effectively, akin to an outfielder's role in baseball.

• The Seahawks' interest in multi-sport athletes is evident as Horton's baseball background as a center fielder contributes to his skills as a punt returner, positioning him as a prime candidate alongside special teams veteran Steven Sims to revitalize Seattle's return game.

• The Seattle Seahawks will look considerably different in 2025 than they did in 2024. 

• For starters, the team replaced starting quarterback Geno Smith with Sam Darnold. The team also parted ways with 10-year veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett and then traded fellow receiver D.K. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

• To replace the production of Lockett and Metcalf, the team brought in Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency.

• In the 2025 NFL draft, the team continued to add at receiver, selecting Colorado State's Tory Horton in the fifth round and UNLV's Ricky White III in the seventh. 

• Horton, in particular, could be a valuable weapon for the Seahawks. The receiver dominated in the Mountain West for both Nevada and Colorado State, ending his college career with 3,615 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. 

• However, Horton suffered a season-ending knee injury last October, which affected his draft stock. Unfortunately for Horton, he also finished just 35 yards shy of the Mountain West all-time receiving record.

• Still, Horton quieted any doubters with an impressive combine performance in Indianapolis. The wide receiver ran a faster 40-yard dash time than several receivers who were drafted before him. 

• Now, Horton will have a chance to prove himself on a team that certainly needs another pass-catcher to step up, but the rookie's first contribution could come in the return game.

• In college, Horton was one of the best punt returners in the FBS, ending his career with three punt return touchdowns. The Seahawks were among the worst punt returning teams in the league in 2024, so Horton could inject some life into that area. 

• Speaking with Seattle media, Horton credited his prior baseball experience with helping him as a returner. 

• "It was a little new to me, but you know, with my baseball history, I kind of got tracking the ball down," explained the rookie. "So, I'm excited to get back there and return some punts, whatever I can do to try and help the team win." 

• A reporter asked Horton if he was an outfielder in baseball, which is definitely comparable to being a punt returner. 

• "Yeah, I was in the field," said Horton. "I still got a little pitching to do, too, but yeah, center field." 

• NFL teams typically like players with experience in multiple sports, as the skills often translate. 

• Assuming he's healthy, Horton should be in firm contention for the punt return job in Seattle. Steven Sims, a veteran special-teamer, is also expected to be in the running. 

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