Seahawks HC Pete Carroll plans on deploying a committee backfield this season. "We like playing multiple guys, and we don’t have any problem with that at all," Carroll said. "I’ve said it to you a million times. I’m fine going with who is hot. But also, we have to find a way to keep our guys healthy. That’s why the rotation is so important, so we don’t overwork them, particularly early in the year, so we can keep the good momentum building." Seattle spent the 41st overall pick of this year's draft on RB Kenneth Walker. But, prior to that, they gave RB Rashaad Penny a 1-year, $5.75 million contract with a little more than $5 million guaranteed. Penny, of course, closed 2021 with 671 rushing yards over the final 5 games. Seattle also still has RBs Chris Carson, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer on the roster. We'll see how the backfield shakes out this summer.
Seahawks HC Pete Carroll evaluated rookie RB Kenneth Walker following day 1 of rookie minicamp. “Ken, he took off now,” Carroll said. “He’s a rocket. He caught the ball really well today, too, which we’re really excited about.” Carroll went on to note that Walker already knows some of Seattle’s terminology, having come from a pro-style system at Michigan State. Carroll did confirm that Walker’s passing down usage is very much up in the air. “Let’s wait and see on that one, as far as making him a third-down guy,” Carroll said. “He’s got a ways to go, pass protection-wise. That’s a real challenge for him. So we’ll see. I know his attitude will be in it. He’s a terrific, competitive kid. That (pass protection) needs to be a priority, and we’ve already talked to him about that.” Walker’s reception upside will remain a storyline throughout the offseason.
The Seahawks selected RB Kenneth Walker in Round 2 of the NFL Draft. Compactly built at 5’9, 211 pounds, Walker displayed exceptional power and burst across a 3-year college career. He transferred from Wake Forest to Michigan State after the 2020 season, citing a poor offensive fit. The move set the stage for a massive breakout last fall (263-1,636-18). He caught only 19 balls across 3 seasons, though. Receiving upside is the only potential negative attached to Walker’s skill set. The 21-year-old landed with an offense that’s run-focused, especially with Drew Lock in line to start. In the backfield, Chris Carson isn’t guaranteed to stick around following neck surgery. Rashaad Penny was re-signed to just a 1-year deal in March and brings durability questions of his own. Walker could quickly turn into an early-down workhorse, but it’s tough to get excited about his short-term TD outlook in Seattle.
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