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Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III: Even Better in Year Two?

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker had a superb rookie season, but what are the expectations heading into his second year?

Adam Schultz

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Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Kenneth Walker had a promising rookie campaign that saw him rise to prominence as the juice that made the offense go.

With Geno Smith playing some of the best football of his career and receivers Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf both surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, Walker did his bit, rushing for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns in his 15 games. He caught 27 passes for 165 receiving yards as well.

Those stats make for good reading, and when we look at Walker's stats compared to other rookie running backs, the second-round pick more than justified his selection.

Walker was second in rushing yards (1050), first in attempts (228), ninth in yards per carry (4.6), second in yards per game (70.0), and first in rushing touchdowns with nine. 

That'll work for Seattle.

It is a decent season for a rookie by anyone's estimation, so what can we expect next season?

Going by his tape, there is nothing to suggest that Walker can't be the same threat on the ground for the Seahawks as last season.

His pace, power and ability to slice through the second level of a defense saw Walker rip off long runs. Five times the running back rattled off 30-plus yard runs, with his best coming against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7 as he took it to the house on a 74-yard sprint.

With Smith having another year in the offensive scheme and other weapons in Metcalf and Lockett doing their thing, Walker could easily surpass his efforts from last season.

After a surprising year that saw Seattle make it to the postseason, many are expecting better things from coach Pete Carroll's team. And with Walker, they have a bonafide back who looks destined to improve on what was a great rookie campaign. 

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Adam Schultz
ADAM SCHULTZ

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