5 breakout stars to watch for Seattle Seahawks in 2020
By Conor Myles
2. WR John Ursua
The Seahawks drafted John Ursua with their final pick of the 2019 NFL Draft in the seventh round after trading back into the seventh round to land the wide receiver. Despite facing long odds of making Seattle’s final 53-man roster, the rookie made enough of a case for the coaching staff to stick around.
Entering year two of his career, Ursua is going to have to stand out more, especially in exhibition games, to remain with the team. Still, after glowing endorsements from Carroll and Wilson following the conclusion of Seattle’s season, the wideout may be in for a more significant contribution going forward.
The wide receiver offers the exact craftiness and speed to fit what the Seahawks need for their third receiver role. Ursua gives the offense noticeable quickness and the catching range required to meet the expectations of the offense’s slot position.
Seattle added Phillip Dorsett in free agency to a small one-year pact, while also adding Freddie Swan from Florida in the sixth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, which creates competition for Ursua. But taking into account Carroll’s comments about the receiver’s development after nearly catching a game-winning touchdown against the 49ers in Week 17, it’s hard to envision Ursua not getting more chances to shine.
"“[Ursua] is such a natural athlete. He’s got magnificent body control and quickness. He’s got excellent quickness, the kind you get in and out of your breaks and change direction stuff the best guys have,” Carroll says. “He scored more touchdowns than anybody in college football last year (2019). You can see why. As soon as it all clicks and he’s in, he’s going to be a factor.”"
The factor that Carroll mentioned could be the anticipation for what’s to come in 2020. Seattle will give Ursua the opportunities he needs to showcase his development if he stays healthy. There is real potential the receiver becomes an impact weapon in the Seahawks’ passing attack this season.