Seattle Seahawks: Will 2015 be Russell Wilson’s best season?

By Nick Ziegler | Apr 9, 2015

The Seattle Seahawks struck gold in the third-round of the 2012 NFL Draft, as they selected Russell Wilson from the University of Wisconsin.

Since drafting Wilson, the Seahawks have made the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, and in the last two seasons they have been the NFC Champions, and also the Super Bowl Champions in 2013.

Wilson is best-known for his ability to scramble and make plays with his legs, as in three seasons he has totaled 1,877 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and 6.1 yards per carry. Last season, Wilson was asked to do a lot with his legs, as the mid-season trade of Percy Harvin really depleted him of having weapons at the receiver position. In 2014, Wilson set career-highs on the ground by totaling 849 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and an impressive 7.2 yards per carry.

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It’s easy to get caught up in Wilson’s great skill as a running quarterback, but he is also great as a passer. In all three of Wilson’s seasons in the NFL he has totaled more than 3,000 yards passing, and has also had 20 or more passing touchdowns each season. Wilson is great at protecting the football with just 26 interceptions in three seasons. Since being drafted, Wilson also has an impressive 63.4 completion percentage..

There’s no denying that Wilson walked into a great situation with the Seahawks, as he has one of the best running backs in the league in Marshawn Lynch with him in the backfield, and also has a dominant defense.

The one thing that Wilson hasn’t had in his career has been weapons in the passing game. Percy Harvin was the Seahawks’ No.1 receiver when Wilson was drafted, but although Harvin brings a unique skill set, he is not a true No.1 receiver. Last season, the Seahawks traded away Harvin to the New York Jets for a late-round draft pick, which left Wilson with little to work with.

Doug Baldwin did emerge as a good wide receiver in 2014, as he totaled 825 receiving yards, 66 receptions, and three touchdowns, and he may very well improve upon that in 2015.

Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) is not tackled by Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) on a 10-yard touchdown catch and run in the first quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, Wilson will have easily the best weapon he’s had in his career to throw the ball to, as the Seahawks pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire tight end Jimmy Graham from the New Orleans Saints. Graham did cost Wilson his center Max Unger, but he will gain one of the hardest players to stop in the NFL.

In his five seasons with the Saints, Graham has totaled 4,782 receiving yards, 51 touchdowns, and 386 receptions. Graham has had more than 1,000 receiving yards in two of his five seasons, which is something that Harvin who was Wilson’s previous best weapon has never done in his career.

Heading into 2015, Wilson could be poised to have his best statistical season as a passer after his best season as a runner in 2014. The addition of Graham could easily help Wilson have 30 touchdown passes and 4,000 passing yards in 2015.

Next: What were Wilson's best games of 2014?

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