6 NFL players ready to make the leap in their third seasons
By Samuel Teets
3. Will Dissly, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Fantasy football fans know the dilemma with Will Dissly. During the weeks when he plays, the Washington product dominates. However, Dissly can’t stay on the field. He’s appeared in more games than Derrius Guice through his first two seasons (ten total), but that’s not inspiring considering he’s missed 22 games.
Dissly made four appearances as a rookie and six starts this past season. Besides excelling as a run-blocker, Dissly proved he can contribute in the passing game. As far as his potential, the former run-blocking specialist more than surpasses his fourth-round draft stock. Only his injuries could keep him from becoming one of the league’s most well-rounded tight ends.
The Seahawks loaded up at tight end this offseason, which might signal the team’s limited patience with Dissly. Seattle signed Greg Olsen in free agency, retained Jacob Hollister, and drafted two tight ends. Along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle boasts one of the deepest tight end groups in the NFL.
2. Hayden Hurst, TE, Atlanta Falcons
In 2018, the Baltimore Ravens used their first pick on South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst. Seven spots later, the team drafted Lamar Jackson. Two rounds later, Baltimore added Oklahoma’s Mark Andrews. Both players outperformed Hurst in embarrassing fashion through the first two seasons of their respective careers.
Hurst tallied 43 receptions, 512 yards, and three touchdowns during his time in Baltimore. In comparison, Mark Andrews made 34 receptions for 552 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie season alone. Andrews made the Pro Bowl in 2019 while Hurst only played 41 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
In March, the Ravens traded Hurst to Atlanta. The struggling 26-year-old steps into Austin Hooper’s shoes as the team’s’ leading tight end. Even if he’s not as talented as Hooper, Hurst’s production should at least double from playing in a loaded passing offense led by Matt Ryan.