Seattle Seahawks: End of season awards for 2019

Defensive Player of the Year: Bobby Wagner, LB

With Luke Kuechly recently retiring, Seahawks fans should be even more appreciative of Wagner’s contributions to the franchise. The 2012 second-round pick led the league in tackles this past season with 159. Wagner also led the league in tackles during the 2016 season.

Besides racking up nearly ten tackles a game, Wagner also recorded three sacks and quarterbacked Seattle’s defense. For his continued efforts, the Associated Press selected Wagner as a First-Team All-Pro for the fourth consecutive season and fifth time overall.

Wagner’s six Pro Bowls, five First-Team All-Pro selections, and Super Bowl victory put him on par with current and future Hall of Famers. For example, Brian Urlacher went to eight Pro Bowls and made four First All-Pro Teams.

However, Urlacher won a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005. Kuechly also won the award in 2013. It’s the only accolade missing from Wagner’s incredible resume.

Rookie of the Year: D.K. Metcalf, WR

While other rookie Seahawks appeared in games, none of them came close to the impact Metcalf had on the team. The Ole Miss product dazzled fans and NFL teams at the NFL Combine, but concerns led to him falling in the draft. Seattle traded with the New England Patriots for the 64th overall pick in the draft, which they used on Metcalf.

Metcalf rewarded Seattle’s faith immediately, producing 89 yards on four receptions in Week 1. While his production varied throughout the season and fumbling was an issue at times, Metcalf fit perfectly into Seattle’s offense.

As a vertical threat who towered over defensive backs and flashed deceptive speed, Metcalf accumulated 58 receptions for 900 yards and seven touchdowns. He set a rookie record in the Wild Card round by amassing 160 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.

The Seahawks cannot wait to see how Metcalf rounds out his game in the coming years.