Kenneth Walker III has, in many ways, been regressing since his rookie season with the Seattle Seahawks. That year, he had three 60-plus yard runs and averaged 4.6 yards per rush. All that promise has mostly gone for naught, however.
Injuries have been a problem. He missed two games in each of his first two seasons, and that isn't awful for a running back. To be fair, availability is a skill, too. But last season, Walker missed six games. He needs to stay healthier in 2025.
But he is already struggling with a sore foot. He has missed a bunch of practice, but partly because the team is holding him out as a precaution. They are afraid of the running back aggravating his injury or having a new one, and this is no real way to approach who is starting at running back.
Zach Charbonnet should overtake Kenneth Walker for the Seattle Seahawks RB1 spot
Being afraid that an oft-injured back will get hurt easily again is no way to run a team. This is especially true as Seattle already has a player on the roster likely as able to produce as Walker. Zach Charbonnet was, like Walker, a second-round draft pick. He has also been most available when asked and has been more consistent.
Walker's average yards per rush has gone down by nearly half a yard in each of his three seasons. He began at 4.6, went down to 4.1, and then last year was 3.7. His running style is to hesitate a bit at the line of scrimmage, waiting for a hole to open, and potentially create an explosive play. This might be splash plays, but it often means he is stuffed near the line of scrimmage.
Charbonnet is a more direct runner. He might get stuffed, too, but he is more likely to pick up three yards when Walker would have picked up nothing. New Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's scheme thrives off the style of backs like Charbonnet, and not Walker. Yet, Seattle seems bent on giving Walker every chance to be RB1.
This might be because of his athleticism, but Charbonnet also has skills. His consistency is the key. He averaged 4.3 yards as a rookie in 2023 and 4.2 last year. He also scored eight touchdowns. As far as explosive ability, he scored on a 51-yard touchdown jaunt last season. He can do that.
More telling, while Walker, entering his fourth season in the NFL, has had to be held out of practice, Charbonnet, entering his third season, has been available every day. That matters.
Kenneth Walker III might very well be the Seattle Seahawks' RB1 in Week 1 of the regular season, but if one were placing a bet, they might feel secure in thinking the good money lies on Zach Charbonnet playing more games in 2025 and being more productive. Charbonnet should be the real starter, not Walker.