What Ken Walker III’s pick means for Chris Carson in the Seahawks backfield – Seattle Seahawks blog

RENTON, Wash. — This is a team that defies convention in the NFL draft. Seattle SeahawksThis year, they were very straightforward. They addressed their most immediate needs quickly and often (except for quarterback, which was where they had limited options). They made just one trade (though they tried to make more), which was their lowest since 2015. They did not take any of the nine picks they made earlier than what analysts had predicted.

However, it wouldn’t been a Seahawks draft with out at least one debateable decision. And they chose Michigan State running again Ken Walker IIIThe debate continued in the second round. Some fans loved it. Others responded with the same level of disapproval as former offensive line coach Tom Cable, and the unfortunate Pete Carroll challenges.

Critics of the pick saw a running return at No. Although 41 overall was seen as a misappropriation of high-end resources to rebuild a team, the Seahawks did not hesitate about responding to a situation of need so quickly with a player they valued highly. And with Chris CarsonAfter neck surgery, a woman’s future looks bleak. Rashaad PennyIt was an important need due to’s long history of injury.

Carroll described Walker as the second running back, after Iowa State’s. Breece HallBy the New York JetsNo. 36. “But, we don’t have any updates on Chris yet and we won’t be able to know for some time. … There’s some uncertainty, so we’re waiting. We are committed to running the game and want those guys to be great. [ready]To get it done right away.”

Todd McShay of ESPN rated Walker the top running back in draft. Walker was drafted out of a sparse Wake Forest backfield in January 2021. He rushed for over 1,600 yards in 12 games his Spartans lone season and placed sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. In an October win over Michigan last year, five of his 19 touchdowns were. The defense of Michigan had three of the top 45 picks. Walker, a 5-foot-9, 211-pound downhill runner, ran a 4.38 40 yard dash at the Scouting Combine.

After the first practice of Seattle’s rookie minicamp, Carroll declared that “he’s a rocket.” “He also caught the ball very well today, which is something we are excited about.”

Walker only caught 19 passes in three college seasons. Carroll said that Walker still has a lot to learn in pass protection. Given his extensive experience with the Spartans’ professional-style offense, learning the playbook might not prove as difficult as for others rookies.

Carroll stated that Carroll understood the terminology and offense, as well as the concepts, from previous runs. He was also prepared for Michigan State’s visit. He understood the terminology, which will help him feel more comfortable during the transition. Therefore, we expect no problems. He’ll be able. He was extremely fast and bursty.

One reason to object to Walker’s pick is scar tissue from the previous two drafts where the Seahawks had drafted a runningback within the first two rounds. Christine Michael (62nd overall) was not drafted in 2013. This is due in part to maturing issues. Penny (27th overall, 2018) was the NFL’s most productive runner in the last five weeks of 2021. Seattle decided to bring him back to Seattle on a one year deal. However, his career has been disappointing with injuries affecting 30 of his 69 career games.

The Seahawks also felt the need to improve their backfield. They’ve been one the NFL’s most run heavy offenses over the past decade. In fact, they rank fourth in designed run percentage between 2012 and 2012. Therefore, they will likely lean on their ground play without a quarterback. Russell Wilson2022. To do it, they must have strong backs.

Their backfield currently has Penny, Carson and Walker at the top. DeeJay DallasAnd Travis Homerthey are next, however, the Seahawks prefer to see them in change-of pace roles. Josh JohnsonAnd Darwin ThompsonThe depth chart is complete. Carson will make a $4.5 million non-guaranteed base salary in Carson’s final year of his contract. Penny, Homer and others will be released next offseason.

Carroll said that it was a volatile area during the draft. “Guys get hurt, and with how we ask our boys to run, rotations are necessary. We enjoy playing multiple guys, and that’s no problem at all. It’s something I have said a million times: I am fine with playing with the hot guy, but we also need to figure out a way to keep our boys healthy. Rotation is important so they don’t overwork the guys, especially early in the year. This allows us to keep the momentum building.

John Schneider, general manager, interjected to remind everyone of the events that occurred late in the season 2019. The Seahawks looked poised to be the NFC’s top team. They were poised to claim the NFC’s No. 1 seed, but their backfield was abruptly decimated by Carson and Penny’s injuries. C.J. Prosise. They brought Marshawn LynchOut of retirement, lost Week 17 to enter playoffs as wild-card team. They were bounced in divisional round.

Schneider said that Schneider felt that it was the most important part of their team. “And we went from there.” [three running backs] to zero.”

Carson, the Seahawks’ top rusher from 2018-2018, underwent surgery last year to repair a neck injury that had ended his 2021 season. He was only able to play in four games. Carroll initially expressed optimism that Carson would return to the field this season. In Seattle, there is uncertainty and even doubt about whether Carson will be back in the backfield in 2022.

This is why the Walker pick.

Carroll stated that they are excited about Carroll’s addition to the NFL Network. “What an explosive player to have, to go with Rashaad Peny. We are really excited.”