Seahawks 2020 position preview: Running back

Seahawks on the roster bubble

Travis Homer

While he did not get much of a chance in the running game last season, Travis Homer had some sparks on special teams. 3 Tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and one absolutely beautifully executed fake punt against the Minnesota Vikings were the main contributions of his rookie year last season.

That was until Carson and Penny both were sidelined for the remainder of the season, and until Marshawn Lynch got into his 33-year-old groove. Travis got opportunities starting week 15, all the way through the playoffs. He did not produce much, but he did help me produce this tweet that was inspired by his early 2000’s-esque fighting for extra yards style of play (to put it lightly).

While his style of play was certainly exciting, his lack of production will keep him on the sidelines for offensive possessions. However, he certainly has the chance to fight for special teams snaps again this year.

DeeJay Dallas

DeeJay joins Travis Homer as another representative of “The U” in the Seahawks backfield. Dallas was Seattle’s only fourth-round pick of the 2020 draft, and he offers a variety of different skills for the Seahawks. He has experience returning kicks and punts, including one that he took to the house against my alma mater Pitt in 2018.

Because of his speed, he could be used as a gunner on special teams as well. As the lead back for Miami his final year, he did not see any action on special teams except for one return, but he made his presence known on offense with some impressive stats rushing and receiving. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah also called him “The best pass protecting back in the draft class” which was certainly something that would be on a list of reasons for why Pete Carroll would love Dallas.

Anthony Jones

Jones has an incredible story, as he was shot in the back midseason in 2018 during a drive-by shooting in a Miami suburb. This kept him out for most of 2018, and he had minimal production For Florida International after he returned that year but I am certainly not holding it against him.

In 2019 he had a great bounceback year for the F.I.U. Panthers and got on the map because of his big game against Miami at Marlins Park on national TV. Jones’s running style is similar to Le’Veon Bell, with a great hesitation side step move. He doesn’t break many tackles but at the same time, he always seems to gain extra yards as he’s being taken down.

His tough yet clinical run style definitely is the reason that Pete Carroll and the front office wanted to sign him, and we will see if it translates to the NFL and into a spot on the Seahawks roster or practice squad.

Patrick Carr

The former Houston Cougars half back had some exciting moments during his junior season where he rushed for 868 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, injuries kept him out for half of his senior year. That, plus his age (turning 25 this September) gave him little hope to be drafted, but he was able to earn a contract with the Seahawks to fight for a roster or practice squad spot.

Carr is a little guy at 5′ 8″, but he runs like any big and fast running back would. He has impressive explosiveness and a mean stiff arm. He has the tools to become an NFL running back, it just comes down to if he can produce enough before week one for the Seahawks to give him a chance.

In honor of fellow 12 Pilot Pete let me phrase the predictions this way: Seven enter but only four will leave with a rose. And Pete (Carroll) will give one lucky man the almighty starter rose.