Seattle Seahawks: 3 undrafted free agents who could make the team
Gavin Heslop, Albany Great Danes.
Gavin Heslop, CB, Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University on Long Island, isn’t a school known for producing big-time professional players. The Seawolves’ most prestigious NFL player is tight end Will Tye, who had 94 receptions for 897 yards from 2015–17 playing for both New York teams. Gavin Heslop might change that dynamic.
A cursory look at Heslop’s college stats shows a decrease in production from his sophomore to senior seasons. Digging a little deeper reveals the reason why. The more Heslop played, the less opposing quarterbacks threw in his direction. As a result, he had fewer chances to make plays.
Heslop has good size for a cornerback at 6-0, 200-pounds. At his pro day, he ran a 4.58 40-yard dash. That isn’t great, but not bad either. What makes him stand out is his “compete level.” The Yonkers, NY native is a physical cornerback who will battle receivers all the way downfield. He has a good closing burst with the strength to break up passes. He also isn’t afraid to come up to play the run.
It will be hard for Heslop to get playing time in the defensive backfield as a rookie. There are quality corners on the Seattle Seahawks roster ahead of him. With time, he can be useful in covering the slot. Until that happens, Heslop will be a significant contributor on special teams.