In 2011, Doug Baldwin became the first undrafted rookie since 1960 to lead his team in receptions and receiving yards.
That’s a remarkable accomplishment during any season, but it was especially impressive since Baldwin didn’t have any offseason workouts to get acquainted with the offense before he became the Seahawks’ go-to guy. There’s a full offseason this time around and Baldwin is using it to make sure that he builds on his surprisingly strong rookie year.
Baldwin worked out with quarterback Matt Flynn in Pensacola, Florida this week, a move that could pay off for him if Flynn is named the starting quarterback this summer. Flynn sounded impressed by what he’s seen from Baldwin since coming to Seattle.
“Last year, Doug being undrafted, obviously, I’m sure he had something to prove coming in, a chip on his shoulder, and he more than proved he belongs on the field,” said Flynn, via the Pensacola News Journal. “He broke the record last year and he’s a very dynamic guy. I’ve been throwing to him for only two months but I can already see how he’s a special player and will be around for a long time.”
The Seahawks would probably prefer to see Sidney Rice atop the statistical rankings this season, but Baldwin should be an important part of the offense whether he’s working out of the slot or if he wins the other starting receiver job. Baldwin and Tarvaris Jackson worked well together last season, so his date with Flynn should help ensure he stays in the picture regardless of who wins the starting job.