Seattle Seahawks: 5 Prospects to avoid in 2019 NFL Draft

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

The Seattle offense needs more weapons for Wilson, but D.K. Metcalf, like Smith Jr., should be avoided. While Smith Jr. seems like more of a safe pick, Metcalf has big boom or bust potential. The 6-3, 228-pound wide receiver has massive potential to dominate at the next level and has even drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones.

However, Johnson and Jones both produced 1,000-yard seasons in college. Metcalf’s college career high for receiving yards in a season was just 646.

This is a case where a prospect’s potential far outdoes his production. Some players who fall into this category do turn out to be stars, but others flounder at the pro level. Metcalf has other red flags as well. In three seasons with Ole Miss, Metcalf suffered two season-ending injuries. What’s the old cliché — the best ability is availability. All of Metcalf’s potential is wasted if he can’t stay healthy.

On top of that, Metcalf did show he has weaknesses at the combine. In the 3-cone drill, which tests agility and quickness in a short space, Metcalf finished third-to-last out of the 29 receivers who participated. His time was 7.38 seconds — the receiver who finished first recorded a 6.77-second time. That’s not a big time difference in normal life, but it can have an impact on the football field and it shows just where Metcalf’s physical flaws may lie.

There’s a good chance the Ole Miss product won’t even be available when the Seahawks have their first selection, but the team should still steer clear, even if Metcalf is the top-rated receiver left on the board. Seattle has other more pressing position needs anyway.