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Seattle Seahawks: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

By Russell S. Baxter

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 08: Brandon Marshall #15 of the New York Giants warms up prior to an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium on October 8, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 08: Brandon Marshall #15 of the New York Giants warms up prior to an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium on October 8, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 08: Ed Dickson #84 of the Carolina Panthers fights for yardage against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 08: Ed Dickson #84 of the Carolina Panthers fights for yardage against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Ed Dickson, TE (from Carolina Panthers)

This past season, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson led the NFL with 34 touchdown tosses. A lot of that had to do with his continued development as a passer. And it’s also worth noting that nearly one-third of those scoring connections (10) fell into the hands of five-time Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham.

Add in the contributions of unsung tight end Luke Willson and there’s no doubt that that position was a focal point when it came to the red zone and the Seahawks’ six-year quarterback. But Graham has moved on to the Green Bay Packers and Wilson is now a member of the Detroit Lions. Add in two-year pro Nick Vannett (12 catches for 124 yards and one touchdown in 2017) and Seattle tight ends combined for 15 of Wilson’s 34 scoring tosses this past year.

So who fills the void when it comes to this spot? Yes, Vannett (a third-round draft choice in 2016) returns for his third season. General manager John Schneider added Will Dissly (Washington) in the fourth round. But it’s veteran Ed Dickson, late of the Carolina Panthers, who could emerge as the Seahawks’ biggest contributor at the position.

A third-round draft choice by the Baltimore Ravens in 2010, he’s missed only four games in eight NFL seasons. In 2017, he made 12 starts for Ron Rivera’s club due to the fact that Greg Olsen was banged up. His 30 catches were the second-highest total of his career. Dickson’s racked up 437 yards and one score. He could easily wind up being Wilson’s new favorite red zone option.

Next: No. 2

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