The Seattle Seahawks had their first full pads practice on Saturday, and with it came plenty of football action. The passing game of the Seahawks was on full display as third-string quarterback Josh Portis, cousin of Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, impressed with a range of wide receivers.
Portis, who jumped around from Florida to Maryland before settling at California University (Division II) his senior year of college, showed that he could perform at the next level with several throws on Saturday. Portis made nice passes over cornerbacks to wide receivers Sidney Rice, Isaiah Stanback and Ricardo Lockette.
Among that list of wideouts, Rice is the only surefire player. Stanback, a five-year veteran, is trying to secure a starting spot on the team after stints with the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. He has never recorded more than three receptions in a season.
Lockette has plenty of potential. The rookie out Fort Valley State was the fastest wide receiver at the combine, clocking in at 4.37 seconds. Scouts originally envisioned Lockette not as a wide receiver but rather as a special teams contributor with his size and speed. It looks like Lockette might be proving them wrong as he ran routes well and was able to distance himself from defenders when the ball was tossed his way.
This all bodes well for the Seahawks' offense. With receivers Mike Williams and Rice established as clear-cut starters, the competition amongst the younger wide receivers could breed an excellent WR 3 in Pete Carroll's system.