Seahawks Pre-OTAs Roster Reset: Running Backs

Restocking their backfield by using two draft picks at the position, including landing Zach Charbonnet in the second round, the Seattle Seahawks should feel pretty good about their backfield stable behind Ken Walker III heading towards a new season.

Though the 2023 season remains months away, the NFL never sleeps. And after landing a new 10-player draft class, the Seattle Seahawks have transitioned into phase two of their offseason program with OTAs and minicamps just around the corner.

In the backfield, the Seahawks lost two of their top running backs in Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer in free agency, leaving the group depleted heading into the NFL draft. Addressing these depth concerns early, the team invested a second-round pick in Zach Charbonnet and later added another talented young back by snagging Kenny McIntosh in the seventh round, giving them two versatile backs to pair with rising star Ken Walker III and veteran DeeJay Dallas.

Transitioning from the frenzy of free agency and the draft to on-field offseason work, where do things stand for Seattle at running back? Here's a look at projected starter, backups, a wild card to watch, and what could come next at the position:

Don't miss our roster resets for other positions:

- Quarterbacks

- Safeties

Projected Starter: Ken Walker III

Though drafting Charbonnet in the second round has led to some conjecture about a possible competition looming and the rookie's arrival could cut a bit into his workload, Walker will still be in the driver's seat of Seattle's backfield vehicle. The explosive second-year back became only the second running back in franchise history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie and nearly scored double-digit rushing touchdowns, finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year balloting. On top of his rushing contributions, he caught 27 passes for 165 yards last season, becoming a bigger fixture in the passing game as the year progressed.

Looking towards his sophomore season, Walker should benefit from an improved offensive line with fellow second-year players Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas set to take a big step forward at the tackle positions and a pair of rookies in center Olu Oluwatimi and guard Anthony Bradford who could be ready to start right away. Even if blocking only marginally improves in front of him, with his blend of speed and underrated power, another 1,000-plus yard season should be in the cards with the potential for far better receiving numbers as well.

Backups: Zach Charbonnet, DeeJay Dallas, Kenny McIntosh, Bryant Koback, Chris Smith, Marcus Cooper

Built with a powerful lower body on his 214-pound frame, Charbonnet will immediately give the Seahawks a talented one-two punch by providing a contrasting, downhill running style to complement Walker. Though he isn't quite the same home run hitter as his new running mate, the former UCLA star's ability to push the pile and finish with authority should make him an ideal change of pace back and from a fantasy perspective, he could play the role of touchdown vulture in goal line situations. He also has a quality set of hands, as evidenced by more than 60 receptions the past two years for the Bruins.

Away from Walker and Charbonnet, Dallas played well when called upon on offense last season, averaging a healthy 5.3 yards per carry and catching 17 passes for 126 yards out of the backfield. Entering the final year of his contract, he will open training camp as the favorite to maintain third-down back duties, but McIntosh will be a worthy foe in that competition due to his outstanding receiving capabilities, underrated pass protection skills, and hard-nosed running style. Both players should be key cogs on special teams, including being in the mix to return kicks and punts.

Wild Card: McIntosh

From a value standpoint, landing McIntosh in the seventh round could turn out to be one of the biggest heists from this year's draft. Though he never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season at Georgia, he eclipsed 800 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry while helping the Bulldogs capture a second straight national title last season. But where he truly stood out was in the passing game, as he finished second in the nation among running backs in receiving yards and seventh in receptions, performing like a capable full-time receiver while running routes from the backfield and from the slot.

With Walker and Charbonnet in front of him, McIntosh isn't destined to be a starter as a rookie and will have to beat out Dallas to earn regular snaps on offense. But his unique skill set and polished receiving game give him an excellent chance to secure a third down role early with the Seahawks.

What's Next?

As has been demonstrated the past several seasons, the Seahawks have been snake bit by injuries in the backfield and there's no such thing as too much depth at the position. Keeping that in mind, after recently signing Koback along with two undrafted rookies, nobody should be surprised if the team continues to play musical chairs at the position seeking extra backfield insurance for offseason activities and training camp.

For now, however, Seattle should feel pretty good about its stable of backs with two high draft picks in Walker and Charbonnet as the headliners and capable change of pace backs in Dallas and McIntosh behind them.

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