12th Man Rising
FanSided

Kenneth Walker III is an absolute steal for the Seahawks at pick 41

By Geoff Shull

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 13: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans runs up the field against the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 13, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 13: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans runs up the field against the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 13, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Seattle Seahawks want to run the ball, right? It sure seems like it. They grabbed one of the top 2 running backs in this draft. A player I had a late first-round grade on.

Kenneth Walker is a dynamic athlete. He plays with phenomenal agility. He breaks tackles like your grandma makes cookies. He possesses elite speed, including a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine.

The Seahawks by all appearances seem to be shifting to a wide-zone scheme. Outside the lines, speed is incredibly important with this style of play.

What to know about the Seahawks pick at 41: RB Kenneth Walker

However, don’t get me wrong. Walker can play up the gut with the best of them. He has an incredibly compact frame. His field vision is superb. It reminds me of how Le’Veon Bell read the field.

Honestly, this is a home run selection. He quite literally carried Michigan State last year to the tune of 18 touchdowns.

Senior Year Stats

Age: 21

Size: 5’10” 210lbs

Rushing attempt: 263

Rushing yards: 1,636

Yards per attempt: 6.2!!

Rushing touchdowns: 18

Some of the biggest pros:

  • Won the DOAK award: Nations Best Running Back in 2021.
  • Compact frame.
  • Very good at reading the field.
  • Straight-line speed is elite.
  • Change of direction ability is superb. His cutback is a thing of art.
  • Runs mad, creating consistent yards after contact.
  • Doesn’t turn the ball over.

Some of his biggest cons:

  • Not the most disciplined runner.
  • Not a great pass blocker.
  • Needs to build speed instead of instant acceleration.

This pick says three things to me. Chris Carson’s career is likely over. The team is going to run and do so very often. Finally, the Seahawks don’t think Penny is worth a long-term look. Otherwise, they would have selected a complementary running back later in this draft.

Overall, this is a great pick. I was hoping the Seahawks would do three of five things with their picks over rounds two and three: add another offensive lineman, edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, and running back.

Next. 5 best draft classes in the Carroll-Schneider era. dark

So far, they have accomplished two of the five. There should still be really good value for a linebacker, interior offensive line, and cornerback in round three. Fans should be ecstatic.

Grade: A-

Home/Seattle Seahawks Draft