5 Reasons Tyler Lockett's 2025 Value is Unstoppable
Why is Tyler Lockett one of the NFL's most underrated stars? We explore 5 compelling reasons, from his legendary toe-tap catches to his quiet leadership.
Michael Rodriguez
Former D-III wide receiver and lifelong NFL analyst with a passion for film study.
5 Reasons Tyler Lockett is the NFL's Most Underrated Superstar
In the highlight-reel-driven world of the NFL, it's easy to get lost in the noise of one-handed grabs and off-script heroics. But while we're distracted by the flash, some players quietly build Hall of Fame-worthy careers on a foundation of pure craft and unwavering consistency. At the top of that list? Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, Tyler Lockett.
For years, Lockett has been the reliable, beating heart of the Seahawks' passing offense. He’s the guy who just always seems to be open, the one who makes the impossible sideline catch look routine. It's time to give one of the league's most complete receivers his flowers. Let's break down five reasons why Tyler Lockett isn't just good—he's a bona fide, albeit underrated, superstar.
1. The Bedrock: Unwavering Consistency & Durability
In the brutal landscape of the NFL, the greatest ability is often availability. Tyler Lockett embodies this principle. Since being drafted in 2015, he has been a pillar of reliability for Seattle, rarely missing time due to injury. This isn't just luck; it's a testament to his preparation, body maintenance, and an innate understanding of how to avoid big hits.
But it's not just about being on the field; it's what he does while he's there. From 2019 to 2022, Lockett posted four consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and at least 8 touchdowns. That's the model of a #1 receiver. Even when the offense has struggled or quarterback changes have occurred, Lockett's production has remained a constant. He is the definition of a quarterback's best friend—a security blanket who runs the right route, at the right depth, every single time.
To put his consistency in perspective, let's compare his peak three-year stretch (2020-2022) with another highly-regarded veteran receiver, Amari Cooper.
Lockett vs. Cooper (2020-2022 Seasons)
| Player | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Lockett | 251 | 3,260 | 27 | 49 |
| Amari Cooper | 224 | 2,999 | 18 | 46 |
While both are phenomenal players, Lockett's numbers during this period highlight his elite production and remarkable durability. He doesn't just show up; he produces at a high level, year in and year out.
2. The Professor: Elite Route Running & Football IQ
Tyler Lockett may not have the imposing physical frame of a DK Metcalf or a Mike Evans, but he creates separation with the best of them. How? Through masterful route running and a genius-level football IQ. Watching Lockett's film is like attending a masterclass in the art of the wide receiver position.
His routes are a thing of beauty. There's no wasted motion. Every step has a purpose, designed to manipulate the defender's leverage and expectations. He uses subtle head fakes, devastatingly sharp breaks, and a change of pace that leaves cornerbacks flat-footed. He understands coverages instinctively, knowing exactly where the soft spot in a zone will be before the quarterback even finishes his drop. This telepathic connection, first with Russell Wilson and now with Geno Smith, is born from trust—a trust Lockett earns by being precisely where he needs to be on every play.
He's a master of the over-the-shoulder catch and tracking the deep ball, adjusting his path in mid-air to meet the ball at its optimal point. It’s this technical perfection that allows him to win consistently, not just raw athleticism.
3. The Magician: Unmatched Sideline Awareness
If Tyler Lockett has a signature skill—a move that belongs on his personal highlight reel forever—it's his almost supernatural ability to work the sideline. He is, without a doubt, the "Toe-Tap King" of the NFL.
Countless times, we've seen a pass sail towards the boundary, seemingly destined to be incomplete. Then, out of nowhere, Lockett appears. He'll contort his body in mid-air, secure the football, and somehow, someway, get both feet down inbounds with millimeters to spare. It defies physics. It defies logic. It's just what he does.
“He has the best feet I’ve ever seen... It’s an art. He’s a master at it.” - Geno Smith on Tyler Lockett's sideline work.
This isn't just a flashy trick; it's a critical weapon that expands the field for his offense. Quarterbacks can throw to a spot that is essentially undefendable for a defensive back. They can trust that if they put the ball anywhere near the chalk, Lockett will find a way to make it a legal catch. This incredible body control and spatial awareness is a rare, elite trait that separates him from 99% of other receivers in the league.
4. The Captain: More Than a Receiver
A player's value isn't solely measured in yards and touchdowns. Lockett's impact on the Seahawks organization extends far beyond the stat sheet. He's a multi-year team captain and one of the most respected voices in the locker room. In a league full of big personalities, Lockett leads with quiet dignity, wisdom, and a relentless work ethic.
He’s the player young guys look to for guidance. He’s the one who holds teammates accountable while also being their biggest supporter. His character is unimpeachable, a fact underscored by his multiple nominations for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes excellence on and off the field.
When the Seahawks traded away Russell Wilson and moved into a new era, it was veteran leaders like Lockett who ensured the culture remained strong. He provided stability and belief, helping Geno Smith author one of the most incredible comeback stories in recent memory. This kind of intangible leadership doesn't show up in a box score, but it's essential to building a winning team.
5. The Chameleon: Deep Threat Versatility
Early in his career, many pigeonholed Lockett as a speedy slot receiver and return specialist. While he was elite in those roles (earning a First-Team All-Pro as a returner his rookie year), he has evolved into one of the most versatile receiving threats in the game.
Lockett is a true chameleon. He can cook a nickel corner from the slot with quickness and precision on a third-and-6. Then, on the very next series, he can line up on the outside and burn a top cornerback for a 50-yard touchdown. His ability to win at all three levels of the field—short, intermediate, and deep—makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators to game plan against.
- Slot Receiver: Uses his agility and route-running to dominate in tight spaces.
- Outside Receiver: Employs his deep speed and ball-tracking skills to be a constant home-run threat.
- Return Specialist: Though used less here now, his history proves his elite open-field vision and dynamism.
This ability to wear multiple hats is what makes him the perfect complement to a bigger, more physical receiver like DK Metcalf. They form one of the most potent and balanced receiving duos in the entire NFL, all because Lockett can do everything at an incredibly high level.
The Bottom Line
Tyler Lockett's career is a powerful reminder that substance will always outlast hype. He's a technician, a leader, and a clutch performer who has consistently delivered for nearly a decade. While he may not always lead the nightly sports recaps, those who truly appreciate the nuances of football know his value. He's not just a great Seahawk; he's one of this generation's finest and most complete wide receivers—a true underrated superstar.