Why the Seahawks and Russell Wilson finally split. Hint, it’s the drafts.

2018 and the Seahawks go running back first (and not cornerback)

In 2018, the Seahawks shocked the football world with their first-round draft selection after missing the playoffs (in 2017) for the first time in the Russell Wilson era and seeing the break up of the ultra-popular L.O.B. (Legion of Boom).

The pressure was on as the fans began believing the Super Bowl window for the Seahawks was beginning to close especially after the release of fan-favorite and out-spoken cornerback Richard Sherman.

In 2017, Russell Wilson accounted for 82 percent of the total offense and he was also Seattle’s leading rusher with 586 yards.  The need for a quality running back was high, especially for a “run first” head coach.  The 2018 draft was filled with running backs. While the Seahawks had a talented running back on their roster, he hadn’t yet shown he could stay healthy for a full season. Chris Carson had injury issues in high school, college and as a rookie in 2017.

So, the team traded the 18th overall pick to the Green Bay Packers moved back to the 27th overall pick and elected to select Rashaad Penny. Prior to the draft, I ranked Penny as the third-best running back coming out of this draft. I also had a late 2nd round grade on him and at no point did I see that he was worth a first-round snag.

This particular draft was deep at running back and I was convinced you could find talent in the fourth round.  Penny wasn’t expecting to be drafted in the first round and based on his interviews. Strictly speaking from my own opinion, it appeared to me that he didn’t want the limelight that comes along with being a first-round pick. Something that should’ve been uncovered through the interview process.