Past Production
Tyler Lockett finally stepped into the number one wideout role for the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 and produced elite numbers when he was healthy. In 2019, Lockett played in over 90% of the offensive snaps in 8 of his first 9 games. After he was hospitalized during week 10 against the 49ers, he was only able to hit 90% of offensive snaps again one time the rest of the way. Prior to the injury, Lockett had amassed 767 yards and 6 scores through 9 weeks. In the 7 weeks after, and including the game he was injured in, he only gained 290 yards and 2 scores. In those first 9 weeks, Lockett was the third-best wide receiver in fantasy.
He is a reliable presence on the field for Seattle having never missed a game in his career. He has the trust of Russell Wilson after putting up the third-highest catch rate amongst wide receivers in 2019. Moreover, Wilson’s passer rating when targeting Lockett was 127.0, fifth-best in that category.
2020 Outlook
I believe that Lockett will have success in 2020 across from second-year wideout D.K. Metcalf. Some fantasy players are quick to scoop up Metcalf over Lockett, but Lockett remains the safer play for at least one more season (and possibly more). Lockett has shown reliability and consistency when healthy which is what you look for in a WR 2. He had one fumble and two drops all season.
In a vacuum for the 2020 season, I prefer Lockett to Metcalf, but not by much. Russell Wilson has never supported two 1,000 yard receivers but this could be the first year he gets there. Even with a run-first approach, having your two top running backs banged up going into the season makes me think they may adjust to a slightly more pass friendly offense. Lockett’s sure hands, veteran presence, and history of performing as a top 10 wide receiver for half the year give me a ton of confidence in 2020.
Dynasty Analysis
Lockett is will turn 28 at the start of the season which is approaching the dreaded 30’s for fantasy players. He is signed through the 2021 season which is about as long as I would feel comfortable with using his as my WR 2. Whether Seatle signs him to another contract or he goes elsewhere will greatly determine his value as he moves into the latter half of his career.
Lockett is going 55th overall in dynasty startup ADP and is the 27th overall wide receiver. Honestly, this seems slightly low to me. I think he is at his peak value right now. He has an outside chance of finishing as a top 15 wide receiver. He is being taken as a mid-WR 3 and I believe that is his floor. If you have the opportunity to draft Lockett as the 27th wide receiver off the board you should feel great, he is all upside.
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