One of the few positions the Seattle Seahawks didn’t address in the 2019 NFL draft was at tight end, where they already have three players with starting experience: Ed Dickson, Nick Vannett and Will Dissly.

While Vannett led the group in receptions and touchdowns last season, that was primarily thanks to a season-ending injury suffered by the rookie Dissly in his fourth game of the year.

Early reports from coach Pete Carroll are encouraging about the former University of Washington tight end’s health.

“He’s making great progress,” Carroll commented after the draft. “Really everybody is excited that he’s going to be OK by the time we open up. At camp it will be a really interesting time to see how far he’s come. He’s running, he’s working. He looks good, his attitude’s great, his weight is up, and all that.”

Dissly is expected to pick up right where he left off last season, when he had eight receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns in just over three games.

If that is the case, Seattle could choose to release one of Vannett or Dickson, in order to save some cap space. The Seahawks could then give their third TE spot to Jacob Hollister, who they just acquired from the Patriots, or choose to utilize tackle George Fant in that role more often going forward, something they did a fair amount of last year.

Regardless of how the depth chart shakes out, it sure sounds like Dissly is the guy to beat out at the top.

“Everything is pointing toward where he is going to be very competitive,” Carroll continued. “We loved the start he had with us last time around. Our hopes are really high that he will be a big part.”