One of the Seattle Seahawks’ most competitive position battles is at wide receiver, where numerous players are vying for the final spots behind DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jake Bobo.
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Laviska Shenault Jr. appears to be a strong candidate for one of the remaining wide receiver spots after standout performances in Seattle’s first two preseason games. The fifth-year veteran has demonstrated his versatility with five catches for 58 yards, two carries for 10 yards, a 44-yard kickoff return, and a key block on Dee Williams’ 41-yard return.
Young is still on the roster bubble but could be next in line behind Shenault. A seventh-round pick in 2022, Young has four catches for 49 yards this preseason and brings valuable special teams experience from the past two seasons.
Beyond their receiving and special teams skills, both Shenault and Young have another attribute that could help them secure a spot on the 53-man roster, according to former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus.
Bumpus highlighted a play from the Seahawks’ preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. Lined up on the left side of the formation, Shenault and Young both made crucial blocks that allowed running back Kenny McIntosh to gain six yards on an outside toss.
“Shenault delivers a big hit on the defensive end, Dareke Young reaches the second level to block the linebacker, and left tackle Stone Forsythe wraps around to take care of the corner,” Bumpus said on Monday’s edition of *Four Down Territory* on Seattle Sports’ *Bump and Stacy.* “Now Kenny McIntosh is one-on-one with the safety.
“This is why Reke and Shenault will make the team—because they’re not only valuable on special teams, but they’re also physical blockers.”
Shenault, standing at 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, had limited offensive play with the Carolina Panthers last season but excelled in run blocking. Pro Football Focus gave him an impressive 87.5 run-blocking grade, though it was based on a small sample size of 12 snaps.
Young also received recognition for his blocking, with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praising his performance after Seattle’s first preseason game against the Chargers.
“I’m really happy with how Dareke blocked,” Macdonald told reporters last Monday. “He made some great plays downfield too, but I was most excited about his blocking at the point of attack. He’s like a silent assassin—always doing the right thing and tough as nails.”
