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Tory Horton is now a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
The former Colorado State star was picked by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Most analysts had him projected as a third-or-fourth round prospect, so it was a bit of a slide for Horton, likely due to his knee injury in his final year as a Ram.
But once the dust settled, it has the appearance of a good spot for Horton and Seattle. Here's what national analysts say about the pick.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler selected a favorite pick and pick who could surprise for each team. Horton was his "Day 3 pick who could surprise."
Brugler writes that Horton "can make an impact from day one as a rotational flanker capable of creating big plays with fluidity, speed and natural tracking skills ... Horton has the talent to be a long-term answer at outside receiver."
The Seahawks traded longtime star receiver DK Metcalf this season. Seattle has signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Cooper Kupp, but both are north of 30 years old and not long-term solutions. That's where Horton could have a chance to gain a foothold.
"Horton had a strong showing at the combine and offers good size for a Z receiver of the future," writes USA Today. "His speed and ball tracking skills give him a high floor as he adjusts his strength and route running to the NFL."
USA Today gave Seattle an "A" grade on the Horton selection.
Brady Henderson of ESPN says Seattle is trying to rebuild some of the size and speed lost in the Metcalf trade and "drafting Horton is another attempt" to add more.
Horton ran a 4.41-second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine while still not 100% from his injury. Horton said he has ran in the 4.3s.
"That kind of speed could also help him factor as a punt returner," Henderson writes. "He returned three punts for touchdowns in college to go along with 27 receiving scores over five seasons. As for Horton's injury, the Seahawks were able to check on his recovery when they brought him in for a visit."
Pro Football Focus gave the Seahawks an overall "A" grade for their draft and broke down every pick. PFF says it had a No. 112 overall grade on Horton (who went with the No. 166 overall selection).
"This is a nice value pick for the Seahawks, who need more outside weapons," PFF said.
Justin Melo of Seahawks Wire gave Seattle an "A-" grade for the Horton selection.
"His experience and route-running prowess could make an immediate impact for a Seahawks pass-catching corps that's searching for depth," Melo writes.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: National NFL draft grades for Seahawks pick of Tory Horton
Continue reading...
The former Colorado State star was picked by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Most analysts had him projected as a third-or-fourth round prospect, so it was a bit of a slide for Horton, likely due to his knee injury in his final year as a Ram.
But once the dust settled, it has the appearance of a good spot for Horton and Seattle. Here's what national analysts say about the pick.
Tory Horton 'can make an impact from day one'
The Athletic's Dane Brugler selected a favorite pick and pick who could surprise for each team. Horton was his "Day 3 pick who could surprise."
Brugler writes that Horton "can make an impact from day one as a rotational flanker capable of creating big plays with fluidity, speed and natural tracking skills ... Horton has the talent to be a long-term answer at outside receiver."
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Tory Horton has a chance to help Seattle's receiver room
The Seahawks traded longtime star receiver DK Metcalf this season. Seattle has signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Cooper Kupp, but both are north of 30 years old and not long-term solutions. That's where Horton could have a chance to gain a foothold.
"Horton had a strong showing at the combine and offers good size for a Z receiver of the future," writes USA Today. "His speed and ball tracking skills give him a high floor as he adjusts his strength and route running to the NFL."
USA Today gave Seattle an "A" grade on the Horton selection.
ESPN: Tory Horton's speed a factor for Seahawks
Brady Henderson of ESPN says Seattle is trying to rebuild some of the size and speed lost in the Metcalf trade and "drafting Horton is another attempt" to add more.
Horton ran a 4.41-second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine while still not 100% from his injury. Horton said he has ran in the 4.3s.
"That kind of speed could also help him factor as a punt returner," Henderson writes. "He returned three punts for touchdowns in college to go along with 27 receiving scores over five seasons. As for Horton's injury, the Seahawks were able to check on his recovery when they brought him in for a visit."
Seahawks get 'value pick' with Tory Horton
Pro Football Focus gave the Seahawks an overall "A" grade for their draft and broke down every pick. PFF says it had a No. 112 overall grade on Horton (who went with the No. 166 overall selection).
"This is a nice value pick for the Seahawks, who need more outside weapons," PFF said.
Another strong grade for Tory Horton selection
Justin Melo of Seahawks Wire gave Seattle an "A-" grade for the Horton selection.
"His experience and route-running prowess could make an immediate impact for a Seahawks pass-catching corps that's searching for depth," Melo writes.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: National NFL draft grades for Seahawks pick of Tory Horton
Continue reading...
