Seattle Seahawks fans have expected big things from tight end Jimmy Graham since the team added him to the roster two seasons ago. The same goes for his coaching staff, his head coach in particular. Graham has done nothing but impress with his preparedness as he enters his third season in a Seahawks uniform.

“Jimmy’s offseason is a big highlight for us,” Carroll said during his Thursday press conference. “He had a phenomenal offseason and did great work with us. His preparation to get here was just terrific.”

Carroll spoke to Graham’s growth, particularly in his skills outside of catching passes. With tight ends in Seattle’s offense expected to be blockers as well as receiving threats, Graham’s improvement in that area is much needed for the Seahawks.

“He’s become such a complete football player,” Carroll praised. “He had a very good year in advancing his blocking skills and the demands we placed on him. You can just tell his confidence level is in the clouds. He knows he can block big guys and backers and DBs. He has no hesitation. He’s totally grown in that area. He’s so much more of a complete player than we thought he would even become.”

“He’s so much more of a complete player than we thought he would even become.”

Graham has played 27 games over his last two seasons with the Seahawks, and although he has over 1,500 yards receiving, his mere eight touchdown receptions have been a disappointment.

“He and Russell are really tuned in,” Carroll explained. “They spend a lot of time together, they communicate beautifully. I think it will hopefully show up as we get closer to the end zone – we were not quite as productive as we thought we could be. But that’s a big area of focus for us now.”

Carroll and the Seahawks hope Graham’s increased efforts to work with Wilson and to improve his blocking will lead to better results in the upcoming season.

“He’s had a beautiful offseason so I think we should expect to get even more out of him moving forward,” Carroll said.

A great year from Graham could go a long way toward another run at the Super Bowl for the Seahawks.