Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there for today—Thursday, July 23—about your Seattle Seahawks:
Will Lockett improve the return game?
In his countdown to training camp series, the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta today looks at how rookie receiver Tyler Lockett might improve a return game that took a step back in 2014. As the article notes, trading away multiple picks to move up in the draft is an unusual move for the Seahawks under John Schneider and Pete Carroll, so the Seahawks clearly have high hopes for Lockett.
"When the dust had settled, the Seahawks ranked near the bottom on both categories, standing 25th in punt-return average at 7.0 per attempt and 30th in kick returns at 21.0.
"Both numbers were drop-offs from the previous year, especially the punt returns, as the Seahawks averaged 11.1 per attempt in 2013—ninth-best in the league—when Golden Tate was the primary returning before departing in free agency."
Breaking news (not really): Seahawks merchandise popular
In news that should come as a surprise to no one at this point, Seahawks merchandise is once again some of the best-selling gear in the NFL.
According to the NFL Players Association, during the period from March 1 to May 31, Russell Wilson ranked third in all licensed merchandise sold (jerseys, bobble heads, Fatheads, etc.), down a bit from when he ranked first in the previous quarter. Overall six Seahawks were in the top 50, with Richard Sherman checking in at seventh on the list, Jimmy Graham at 12th, Marshawn Lynch 24th, Earl Thomas 28th and Kam Chancellor 42nd.
Insta of the day
Today's Instagram post of the day comes to you from the NFL, which reminds you that Super Bowl 50 is only 200 days away.
More form around the web
For fantasy football players, Rotoworld.com has its preview of the Seahawks’ offense.
Sports Illustrated has 50 reasons to be excited about the upcoming football season, including "Jimmy Graham's impact" at No. 21.
The MMQB has a story on Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, who has a side business training players with MMA workouts. Among his clientele this offseason was Seahawks 34-year-old rookie long snapper Nate Boyer.
The Harvard Sports Analysis Collective has the Seahawks as its top team in 2015 with a 95 percent chance of making the playoffs.
Here at Seahawks.com, our series on past training camp surprises continues with a look at Mike Williams going from former first-round bust to starter in 2010.
