One of the Seattle Seahawks’ biggest preseason highlights was rookie WR Tory Horton, a fifth-round pick. He had 7 targets, 3 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD, 3 forced missed tackles, 2 first downs, and a 56.3 passer rating when targeted against the Las Vegas Raiders.
A few days ago we reviewed the rookies’ overall performance, but now we’ll take a more detailed look at the WR’s performance.
Where does he need to improve?
Maybe he’s asking too much after so many years with Tyler Lockett as a receiver. He saw the field and adjusted very
well as the QB’s best friend. Real football isn’t like Madden. WR routes aren’t (and shouldn’t be) set in stone. There’s the initial call, but based on what the WR reads from the defense, he must adjust.
I’m not here to defend Drew Lock, but Horton could have helped him on this play. In fact, on at least three plays, it was clear that Horton wasn’t on the same page as the QB.
On this play, the Raiders had two defenders deep down the field. Obviously, Drew Lock staring at Horton from the snap doesn’t help the offense and makes the safety’s job easier. But, seeing the safety’s positioning, he needed to adjust his route to something like a deep out, instead of what appeared to be a corner (which wasn’t as sharp as it should have been).
Here, the Raiders were in Cover 3. Horton’s route won’t be clear. He’s heading toward the coverage and not finding space away from it. Here, he could adjust for a comeback or an out, and that’s what Lock was hoping for.
Where did he impress?
It was only a 5-yard return, but it was by far the Seahawks’ best kick return play of the night. He basically takes six Raiders players to the ground. Another way he can contribute to the team immediately.
Horton is putting his speed on tape. He’s being single-covered, he threatens the vertical route, and when the defender buys the route, he cuts back, creating separation. He wasn’t targeted on the play, but he managed to get free.
Good job finding open space after his initial route wasn’t triggered. Drew Lock seems to have spotted Horton, but I don’t know why he didn’t realize Horton would be completely open. This could have resulted in a huge run. Lock prefers to pass to Robbie Ouzts, who was well covered.
Fast processing, very fast. He finds the space between the zones and turns to the quarterback for the reception. Lock, this time, makes the correct read and connects the pass to the cornerback.
He holds the safety, threatening the vertical route, and when he passes the line of the linemen, he cuts to serve as a passing option. Lock’s play works, and Eric Saubert almost gets the first down.
Besides doing much better work than I saw on his 2024 tape against zone, Horton showed unexpected physicality. He has a very lanky frame, yet here he manages to impose himself physically and create separation at the top of the route. In fact, a DPI was called on this play (something I completely disagree with).
Damien Martinez’s pre-snap movement suggests the Raiders are in zone coverage. The closest defender to Horton is a lineman, making him the best matchup and, consequently, Lock’s first read. Horton notices the quarterback is defending more inside, so he cuts outside on what appears to be a stick route. Besides the catch, he gains a few yards, including a spin move, to reach the end zone.
We’ll look to see more of Horton on Friday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, potentially in the first-team offense with Sam Darnold set to start.
