While former UConn Huskies Byron Jones and Geremy Davis were selected in the first and sixth round, respectively, in the NFL Draft, it’s another ex-Husky who has a chance to make it at the professional level that I’m eyeing today.
Deshon Foxx is one of six players to sign a rookie free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
He even skipped his graduation ceremony at UConn on May 10th to attend the ‘Hawks rookie mini-camp without a guaranteed contract. He’s now part of the 90-man roster looking to make the final 53-man roster.
Officially signed to the Seattle Seahawks. I want to thank the Seahawks organization for this… https://t.co/2rEgHOnYa4
— DeShon Foxx (@DeshonFoxx) May 18, 2015
Foxx was arguably one of the most exciting players to watch play for UConn and he is a big reason why the Huskies even made an appearance in the win column last year. His collegiate career was mostly overshadowed by his teammate and fellow wideout Davis, but Foxx brought a whole new dynamic to UConn — even if it was just temporary.
Foxx’s versatility as a receiver, rusher and special teams player made NFL teams (Seattle, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins) want to take a flier on him.
In a two-game span, Foxx had four receptions for 120 yards (including a 88-yard TD reception) and 11 rushes for for 102 yards and a score.
His resume also includes a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown against Stony Brook, which accounted for one of the two wins for UConn last year.
In Seattle, Foxx finds himself in a crowded competition among 10 wide receivers.
The depth is as follows:
- Doug Baldwin
- Jermaine Kearse
- Chris Matthews
- Kevin Norwood
- Tyler Lockett
- Ricardo Lockette
- Deshon Foxx
- Kevin Smith
- Douglas McNeil
- Paul Richardson
First, Richardson could begin the season on the PUP or the IR after suffering an ACL injury in the postseason. It effectively opens up the fifth and usual final wide receiver spot on the roster and gives Foxx an outside chance of making the team if he isn’t on as a special teams basis.
There is also this guy called Jimmy Graham.
There’s no doubt that Graham will change the dynamic of the Seahawk offense, but Foxx could fill a role of a speedster return guy with a good showing at offseason workouts.
Foxx’s former teammate Davis is probably making the roster in New York, but his possession-style of play is far different than Foxx’s specialties. However, in Seattle there isn’t really any guarantees in their receivers as their is for the Giants who found the receiver of the 2014 draft last year.
The vision, quickness and versatility of Foxx is similar to the skill set of former ‘Hawk Percy Harvin. Figuring out a role for Harvin in the offense as a speedy play maker never really panned out in Seattle and he has now bounced between teams in the AFC East.
The Seahawks could benefit from Foxx’s skill set and making the team as a special teams player could lead to an offensive role in the future. The most reliable pass catcher on the ‘Hawks hasn’t even taken a snap in a Seattle uniform, making anything possible come time for the last cuts of the offseason.
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