The Seattle Seahawks running back position has been a continuous trial and error for the past few years with several running backs attempting to prove their worth. But despite some promising performances, no one has been able to snag the starting job just yet. Below we address the Seattle Seahawks running back need.
Addressing the Seattle Seahawks Running Back Need
Keep Three, Cut Three
Keep Chris Carson, Mike Davis, and J.D. McKissic. Cut Thomas Rawls, Eddie Lacy, and C.J. Prosise. In 2017 Carson, Davis, and McKissic showed the most promise with Carson coming out as a frontrunner until he suffered a season-ending injury. Meanwhile Rawls, Lacy, and Prosise showed no production with Rawls and Prosise having become injury prone in their young careers. Although Rawls and Prosise were both promising in during their initial NFL debuts, they since have seemed to go downhill as well Lacy who was once a top running back in the league and is now thought of as a joke. Prosise ended his second season on injured reserve, for the second time.
Sign Carlos Hyde
If the Seahawks decide to make a move for a running back in free agency, they need to pursue Carlos Hyde, who would be a definite upgrade at their lacking position. The Seahawks need someone to rush for touchdowns in 2018 other than quarterback Russell Wilson, who was the teams leading rusher in 2017. Last year, Hyde had another solid season with the San Francisco 49ers, accounting for 938 yards and eight touchdowns.
If the 49ers decide to re-sign Hyde, the second best option for Seattle could include LeGarrette Blount. Other free agents running backs include the Cleveland Browns’ Isaiah Crowell, the Minnesota Vikings‘ Jerick McKinnon, the New England Patriots‘ Dion Lewis, and New York Giants‘ Orleans Darkwa.
Draft Bo Scarbrough
The Seahawks running game could see significant improvement if they decide to draft Alabama’s Bo Scarbrough. Despite his lack of lateral speed, Scarbrough has the right physique and the ability to make cuts and run over defenders on the outside to gain the necessary yards or to score. His assets could be a good addition to the team. He’s projected to go in the fourth or fifth round of the draft. Many draft analysts compare Scarbrough to his former Alabama teammate and current Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry.
Penn State’s Saquon Barkley and LSU’s Derrius Guice would be a dream pick early on for the Seahawks but it’s highly unlikely the team uses their 18th overall pick to take a running back.
There are many other draft options for the team to consider, including Georgia’s Nick Chubb, Oregon’s Royce Freeman, and LSU’s Darrell Williams, among others.
Last Word
Since Marshawn Lynch left Seattle, most of the Seahawks running back struggles have come from injury prone players. A safe bet would be for the Seahawks to go after a more durable player in either free agency or via the draft. Either way, they have a significant amount of choices as to who can take the top spot.
