When the Seahawks drafted John Carlson in the second round (38th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft, they did so hoping to lock down the pass-catching portion of the position for the foreseeable future.

Carlson came through and was very productive in his first two years. He averaged 53 receptions, 600.5 yards and six touchdowns in those seasons. Last year though his numbers dipped as he was called on to aid the offensive line and block more. He caught 31 passes for 318 yards and one touchdown – all career lows.

So the Seahawks made a move. When one of the top free agents, tight end Zach Miller, was still available after the initial blur of signings, Seattle didn’t waste any time and locked up Miller.

Miller, 25, led the Oakland Raiders in receiving yards each of the past three seasons and totaled nine touchdowns in the same span.

“Now we’ve got another weapon,” said offensive line coach Tom Cable. “They’re (Miller and Carlson) going to complement each other the right way. Zach’s all about winning and all about team.”

Cable coached in Oakland for all four of Miller’s seasons. He had focused on Carlson’s pass-catching ability as an opposing coach, but after seeing him in person Cable came away impressed with Carlson’s blocking too.

“With John just being around him for a week now he’s so impressive with how he works and how he learns,” Cable said. “He’s a very very prideful guy. Very detailed. Those two are going to get along great because they’re like two peas in a pod.”

Miller was enthusiastic about the potential for himself and Carlson.

“We’re similar but we’re different players too,” he said in a press conference. “We can play off each other. Any time you can put pressure on a defense with two tight end sets, you’re going to give them headaches.”