Seahawks quick reaction NFL Draft grades: DeeJay Dallas

The Seahawks needed a running back in the 2020 NFL Draft. And they picked DeeJay Dallas out of Miami. A versatile back who can fill many roles.

So, clearly the Seahawks like University of Miami running backs. In 2019, Seattle chose Travis Homer from Miami. And in the 2020 NFL Draft, Seattle took DeeJay Dallas from Miami too. In fact, Dallas and Homer have a lot of the same attributes. Both can run fairly well, but also play special teams and catch.

Dallas fits the mold of a Pete Carroll running back. He has a low center of gravity and still weighs 220 pounds. Plus, Seattle wants to use their running backs to catch the ball out of the backfield, especially on third down.

The Seahawks don’t need a starter from this draft. Seattle has Chris Carter already, and, if healthy, Rashaad Penny to backup Carson. But with Dallas (and Homer, for that matter), Seattle has running backs they can bring in and use to catch or run. Dallas can also play special teams. Again, like Homer. Dallas can be used in coverage or to take the occasional fake punt.

Dallas left a year early from college. All three seasons at Miami, Dallas averaged over 5.3 yards per carry. In 2019, Dallas ran the ball 115 times for 693 yards for an average of 6 yards-per-attempt. He also scored 8 touchdowns which means every 14 attempts he scored. That is pretty good. Dallas also had 2 more touchdowns receiving.

In 2018, Dallas also had 17 kickoff returns and averaged 21.6 per return to go along with 11 punt returns. His 11 punt returns averaged 17.4 yards a return, including a touchdown.

Dallas is not going to start in Seattle. But he will learn from fellow-Hurricane Homer what it is like to be with the Seahawks and offers the versatility that Seattle likes in its running backs. Getting Dallas in the fourth round is a solid, if not spectacular choice.

Grade: B-