Nov 30, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo (8) runs with the ball after a catch against Syracuse Orange defensive back Clarence Lewis (3) during the second half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

NFL expert shares high praise for Seattle Seahawks rookie

Originally posted on Seattle Seahawks on SI
By Russell Baxter | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Seattle Seahawks have a new look on offense, from a new coordinator (Klint Kubiak) and starting quarterback (Sam Darnold), to numerous changes in the wide receiver room.

There’s also a new tight end in second-round draft choice Elijah Arroyo. The 6’5”, 250-pound performer comes off a career campaign with the Miami Hurricanes. On a recent appearance of the Ross Tucker Podcast , Greg Cosell had praise for the Seahawks’ rookie.

In his first three seasons with the Hurricanes, Arroyo played in a total of 23 contests (12 in 2021). It added up to a mere 11 receptions for 163 yards and one touchdown. In 2024, he appeared in 13 games and put up solid numbers, amassing 35 catches for 590 yards (16.9 average) and made seven trips to the end zone.

“I thought that he was the most vertically explosive tight end in the draft.”@GregCosell on Seahawks rookie Elijah Arroyo: pic.twitter.com/P5OopLNUtn
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 31, 2025

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had this pre-draft scouting report of the talented prospect. “Arroyo enters the evaluation process with questions to answer after a knee injury took chunks of two seasons from him. He displayed a willingness as both a point-of-attack and move blocker, but his technique and play strength will need upgrading. He’s an average athlete who struggles to beat man coverage but appeared to get faster and more fluid as the 2024 season wore on. He plays with awareness in space and secures throws with sure hands in traffic. Arroyo is a move tight end whose medical and athletic testing need to check out to give him a legitimate shot at being a productive pro.”

The Seahawks could really use a tight end with more big-play ability. In his three seasons with the Seahawks, former Broncos’ tight end Noah Fant has caught a combined 130 passes—with only five of those receptions going for touchdowns.