Tyler Lockett Already A Fantasy Football Star For Seattle Seahawks

Tyler Lockett has fantasy football owners and Seattle Seahawks fans very excited. Lockett, in his first NFL game, ran back a punt for a touchdown in the first quarter. The 57-yard return took place with 4:45 still left in that first quarter, and it gave the Seahawks a quick 7-0 lead. It was a remarkable coming out party for Lockett, showing the rest of the NFL how dangerous the Seahawks’ return game could be in 2015.

Lockett also caught a short pass on the sideline for seven yards on the first possession the Seahawks had, giving Russell Wilson a look at his new target during game action. Lockett gives the team a great downfield weapon that could turn out to be a big asset late in games. Against a tough front line defense from the Rams, he may not see many deep routes until the Seahawks head into Week 2 action.

Tyler Lockett was a third-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2015 NFL Draft. With the No. 69 overall pick, the Seahawks took a risk on the Kansas State receiver who showed a lot of promise in the return game. He put up good numbers during the NFL preseason, and quickly won a spot on the 53-man roster. The Seahawks plan to use him in many different facets this year, including to return kickoffs and punts.

As for his value in fantasy football, Lockett is rewarding not just owners that selected him as a receiver, but also owners that drafted the Seattle Seahawks’ defense and special teams. That first quarter touchdown was a quick six points on both accounts, or 12 total points for an owner that went with both options on draft day. For leagues that use return yards, he has immediately become one of the more valuable return men in the NFL after that showing.

It shouldn’t take too long for opponents to start trying to kick the ball away from Lockett during kickoffs and punts. That will benefit the Seattle Seahawks quite a bit, because it will hurt the accuracy of the punters and kickers. If the passing game develops a bit more this season for the Seahawks, he could become a really big threat to score on deep passes. For that to happen, though, the offensive line is going to have to come together as a unit.

In his first NFL game, Tyler Lockett has already turned from a sleeper pick to a draft day steal. That bodes well for the Seahawks moving forward.

[Image Source: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images]