Seattle Seahawks: Which running backs will contribute most?

While the Seattle Seahawks drafted Reshaad Penny, they still have a number of running backs who can and will get the chance to contribute.

The Seattle Seahawks drafted Rashaad Penny in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but he isn’t guaranteed to start from Week 1 or to get most of the carries throughout the season.

There’s still a big chance for other running backs on the team to get their fair share of touches. While Penny will probably assume the leading role in the backfield, the Seahawks have a lot of runners they can utilize.

But how will things shake out this season?

A challenger for the starting spot?

For starters, they selected Chris Carson in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, he got injured and missed most of the season, but he was impressive in his four appearances. He even earned three starts. While he didn’t rush for any touchdowns, Carson averaged 4.2 yards per carry and 52 rushing yards per game. That means he carried the ball 12.3 times per game, which is a fairly low total.

For comparison superstars Le’Veon Bell and LeSean McCoy both finished in the top five in rushing during 2017, but only averaged four yards per carry — they just had more touches. I’m not saying Carson is the next great running back, but he didn’t get enough action or credit in his rookie season. Surely we’ll see him in 2018, when he’ll show if he’s worthy of a major role in the Seahawks offense.

Third string option

Mike Davis is currently sitting at third on the Seahawks depth chart behind his two previously mentioned teammates. Davis is entering his fourth NFL season and coming off of his best year yet. That’s not saying much though, as he had just 240 rushing yards on 3.5 yards per carry with the Seahawks in 2017.

His 131 receiving yards and dynamic play out of the backfield were far more impressive. It’s hard to see what Davis brings to the table that sets him apart from Penny and Carson. If he ends up on the roster this season, which isn’t a given, then he’ll see some touches, just not nearly as many as last year.

Third year players

Do you remember C.J. Prosise? The Seahawks picked him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was supposed to be a big part of the team’s run game. Two seasons and 11 games later and he has has under 200 career rushing yards. If Davis’ chances of making the team are shaky then Prosise’s are almost nonexistent. He’s young and can still develop or catch on with another team, but the Seahawks are moving on.

J.D. McKissic (that’s a fun name to say) is another third year player on the roster. His career accomplishments are just as underwhelming as Prosise’s. There’s no reason to see why the Seahawks will use McKissic baring complete failure by the other runners in this article.

Fullbacks on the roster?

The other rushers currently on the Seahawks are Tre Madden, Jalston Fowler and Khalid Hill, who are listed as fullbacks. This year will be Madden’s second season and he’s still  looking to get his first carry in the NFL. That’s right, he didn’t record a single rush last season in eight games.

Fowler recorded just 10 rushes and 20 rushing yards over the last three seasons. Hill joins the Seahawks as an undrafted rookie from the University of Michigan. I’ve mentioned a number of players in this article have a chance to be cut before opening day and these guys are certainly among them. After all, the fullback position seems to be fading from the NFL entirely.

Next: NFL 2018: Ranking all 32 starting RBs

Conclusion

It seems like 2018 will be a two horse race between Penny and Carson. Both are young players with a lot to prove and the Seahawks need to make sure they take the time to properly evaluate their prospects. Davis will get some carries, but nothing major. His role will be as a situational supporting back. The other players listed may not even make the team.

There’s probably roster space for one or two other guys, but no one jumps out as a sure bet to grab a spot. Anyway, 2018 will serve as a testing ground for the Seahawks run game that will determine who is the starter in the coming years.