D.J. Hackett

A high ankle sprain cost Hackett 10 games last year, and he was at less than 100 percent in a few others, but even so, he performed steadily, catching a whopping 68 percent of the balls thrown his way and hauling in three of 11 red-zone targets for touchdowns. Hackett's high catch percentage probably isn't a sample-size fluke, either, as he caught 67 percent of his targets in 2006. At 6-3, 200, Hackett has good size and merely adequate speed, but he's got excellent leaping ability and good body control to make plays over the top of opposing defensive backs. Hackett signed with the Panthers this offseason where he'll compete with Muhsin Muhammad for a starting job opposite Steve Smith. Carolina's selection of Jonathan Stewart with its first round pick might signify an emphasis on the run, but as long as Jake Delhomme's healthy, we expect some downfield gun-slinging as well. If Hackett lands the starting job, he could be a decent source of touchdowns.

With Darrell Jackson gone, Deion Branch and Bobby Engram largely incapable of making plays down the field and Nate Burleson proving to be not much more than a well-paid kick returner, Hackett has a chance to be a major factor in Seattle’s passing game this season. On a per-play basis, Hackett was easily the best of Seattle’s receivers a year ago, hauling in 67 percent of his 67 targets and averaging 9.1 yards per look. Hackett isn’t overly fast or quick, but at 6-3 and 200 pounds, and with outstanding leaping ability and good body control, he’s able to make plays over smaller defensive backs down the field. With both Jackson and also tight end Jerramy Stevens out of the picture, Hackett should also see more looks in the red zone (just seven of his looks were from insider the 20 in ’06).

Hackett has big-play ability, but it's been hard to get on the field as the Seahawks' receiver rotation is set. However, if Darrell Jackson has problems returning from an injured knee, or if the receiving crops experiences other injuries, Hackett could step in. Hackett's not worth a draft pick, but keep him on the radar and if one of Seattle's starters go down he could be a good free-agent pickup.

Hackett is in his second year with the Seahawks and could get a shot this season of actually contributing. Without Koren Robinson, the Seahawks need a deep threat, and that could be the speedy Hackett. But he faces a numbers game. The Seahawks will keep five or six receivers. If it's the latter, he'll make the squad. If it's the former, he could be headed to the practice team.

Hackett could challenge Alex Bannister for the fourth-string WR spot. But in the Seahawks offense, the fourth receiver doesn't get much action. Don't expect much from Hackett unless one of the starters goes down.