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Seahawks outlook: Receivers

I’m on vacation until March 4, but while I’m out, here is a position-by-position rundown on where the Seattle Seahawks stand at that spot and what they might need heading into 2015.

Today it’s the receivers.

Wide receivers: Starter Doug Baldwin is right: This group is unfairly maligned and plays at a higher level than it is given credit for because the Seahawks don’t throw the ball as much as most teams. But it’s still an area where the team lacks a star. The Seahawks continue to try to find one, but that’s tough to do when you’re picking at the end of the first round. They want a big-bodied wideout who can outmuscle defenders for the ball, and they might have found something close to it in Chris Matthews, who had a breakout game in the Super Bowl. But judging off one game is a big gamble. Starting wide receiver Jermaine Kearse is a restricted free agent, meaning the Seahawks have a right to match any offer he gets. Paul Richardson, the top draft pick in 2014, is coming off ACL surgery and might not be ready to go for the start of 2015. The coaches still have high hopes for 2014 rookie Kevin Norwood, who could end up being better than Richardson in the long run.

Tight ends: A lot depends on what happens with Zach Miller, who spent most of the season on injured reserve after having ankle surgery. He restructured his contract last year, but he’s still a $4 million cap hit for 2015. He’s far and away the best blocking tight end the Seahawks have, but the coaches were impressed with Luke Willson’s improved blocking in 2014. Are they ready to move on without Miller and keep Willson as the starter? Tony Moeaki had some good moments after joining the team at midseason, but he’s a free agent. And Cooper Helfet improved and could continue as a decent backup. Anthony McCoy is coming off his second Achilles tendon surgery, but he’s also a free agent.

Draft: This is a clear area of need for the Seahawks, but would they make a wide receiver their first pick two years in a row? Maybe if the right player fell to them at the end of the first round. Sammie Coates of Auburn comes to mind. And drafting a big tight end isn’t out of the question.