Every article from now until the season starts could be about Kenneth Walker III and I’d be fine with that. He was the first of our drafted players whose name I knew, and it began because I watched Michigan vs Michigan State. Even #9 overall pick Charles Cross I only knew through reading and watching pre draft stuff. But Walker was the one I saw looking like a man among boys in a real football game and I was (and remain) so hyped that we drafted him. And I won’t let the naysayers and running backs don’t matter crowd ruin that.
Here’s to good health for Kenneth. Because I don’t see anything else potentially derailing a special career in the NFL. And after Penny and Procise, hopefully we’re due.
Some times it all comes down to who you believe- the talking heads or your lying eyes My eyes tell me this kid is a bigger Barry Sanders and a faster Marshawn Lynch ! He could have 8 great years like Shawn Alexander or break his leg his 1st game. News flash, there are no guarantees in life or football, but you can't make decisions based on worst case scenarios or you wouldn't get out of bed in the morning. Walker was ,by far , the best back in this draft and if the offense is based on RPO you need a good R. Why not the best?
I've read and considered the draft analytics writings about why a running back shouldn't be drafted high. My sense is Saquon Barkley went a long way toward augmenting their notions. Man, when he first emerged on the scene he looked like the second coming of Jim Brown. Then injuries made him look more bust than phenom. I wouldn't be shocked if he came back strong and proved the naysayers wrong. The Giants picked up his fifth year option. Remains to be seen whether they'll give him a big contract beyond.
If Walker begins his NFL career the way he began his college career (and his post-transfer career), it still won't be enough to prove the Seahawks right in drafting him at 41. Obviously that's a lot lower than Barkely's #2, but it's still a valuable pick. The second question is going to be how much Seattle benefits from his rookie scale contract and first shot at getting him inked on his first post-rookie contract. (Seattle fans know this as well as anyone, particularly after we used a number one on Penny.)
Smart or dumb pick? We won't know the answer for some time, though our natural off-season optimism has most of us feeling fat and happy for now. I love the glow of the off season. Even with holes on our roster large enough to drive a truck through, fans are predicting as many as 12 wins. I'd be shocked if we won more than 7 and not surprised if we went 2-15. Despite a draft that left me mostly happy (including the Walker pick). I think Seattle made smart gambles. But I recognize the uncertainty of the draft and the dearth of talent on our roster other than at WR, safety and punter.
Can hardly wait to see how he does! Probably what is going to make the Hawks interesting this year. Run/Pass option using Walker, Metcalf, Lockett will win us some games/upsets? This year!!
When people bang on about Peteball or Neanderball, they seem to be envisioning that Carroll’s plan is just to run it up the gut down after down. Clearly, that is not the case. I for one am excited for an offensive scheme that focuses on getting backs into space and turning on the jets - not just from one, but two RBs able to take it to the house. It will give DCs kittens because they are scheming to stop the pass. Obviously a huge amount depends on Lock/Smith’s ability to open up the defense when they over-commit to the run (sorry, had to do that) which is at best an intangible. But I saw enough from Smith last year to feel that, given the chance to take all the snaps under centre in camp, one of these two will be able to pass muster (no pun intended or made, in fact).
I really like this kid. My question is, at Wake, he didn't feel the offense was right for him so he transferred to MSU where his talents were on full display. How does the Seahawks offense fit with what MSU was doing schematically? Will Walker be comfortable with what we run? It seems like he should thrive here if he takes advantage.
Every article from now until the season starts could be about Kenneth Walker III and I’d be fine with that. He was the first of our drafted players whose name I knew, and it began because I watched Michigan vs Michigan State. Even #9 overall pick Charles Cross I only knew through reading and watching pre draft stuff. But Walker was the one I saw looking like a man among boys in a real football game and I was (and remain) so hyped that we drafted him. And I won’t let the naysayers and running backs don’t matter crowd ruin that.
Here’s to good health for Kenneth. Because I don’t see anything else potentially derailing a special career in the NFL. And after Penny and Procise, hopefully we’re due.
Some times it all comes down to who you believe- the talking heads or your lying eyes My eyes tell me this kid is a bigger Barry Sanders and a faster Marshawn Lynch ! He could have 8 great years like Shawn Alexander or break his leg his 1st game. News flash, there are no guarantees in life or football, but you can't make decisions based on worst case scenarios or you wouldn't get out of bed in the morning. Walker was ,by far , the best back in this draft and if the offense is based on RPO you need a good R. Why not the best?
I've read and considered the draft analytics writings about why a running back shouldn't be drafted high. My sense is Saquon Barkley went a long way toward augmenting their notions. Man, when he first emerged on the scene he looked like the second coming of Jim Brown. Then injuries made him look more bust than phenom. I wouldn't be shocked if he came back strong and proved the naysayers wrong. The Giants picked up his fifth year option. Remains to be seen whether they'll give him a big contract beyond.
If Walker begins his NFL career the way he began his college career (and his post-transfer career), it still won't be enough to prove the Seahawks right in drafting him at 41. Obviously that's a lot lower than Barkely's #2, but it's still a valuable pick. The second question is going to be how much Seattle benefits from his rookie scale contract and first shot at getting him inked on his first post-rookie contract. (Seattle fans know this as well as anyone, particularly after we used a number one on Penny.)
Smart or dumb pick? We won't know the answer for some time, though our natural off-season optimism has most of us feeling fat and happy for now. I love the glow of the off season. Even with holes on our roster large enough to drive a truck through, fans are predicting as many as 12 wins. I'd be shocked if we won more than 7 and not surprised if we went 2-15. Despite a draft that left me mostly happy (including the Walker pick). I think Seattle made smart gambles. But I recognize the uncertainty of the draft and the dearth of talent on our roster other than at WR, safety and punter.
Great write up, thanks!
Can hardly wait to see how he does! Probably what is going to make the Hawks interesting this year. Run/Pass option using Walker, Metcalf, Lockett will win us some games/upsets? This year!!
For the Hawks it could be the second coming of Curt Warner.
When people bang on about Peteball or Neanderball, they seem to be envisioning that Carroll’s plan is just to run it up the gut down after down. Clearly, that is not the case. I for one am excited for an offensive scheme that focuses on getting backs into space and turning on the jets - not just from one, but two RBs able to take it to the house. It will give DCs kittens because they are scheming to stop the pass. Obviously a huge amount depends on Lock/Smith’s ability to open up the defense when they over-commit to the run (sorry, had to do that) which is at best an intangible. But I saw enough from Smith last year to feel that, given the chance to take all the snaps under centre in camp, one of these two will be able to pass muster (no pun intended or made, in fact).
I can’t wait to see Walker run!
I wonder what KenIII would have to accomplish to have a career on par, or better than Russell Wilson's?
Stupid question? Who's the greatest Chi Bear QB of all time? Who's their greatest RB?
I really like this kid. My question is, at Wake, he didn't feel the offense was right for him so he transferred to MSU where his talents were on full display. How does the Seahawks offense fit with what MSU was doing schematically? Will Walker be comfortable with what we run? It seems like he should thrive here if he takes advantage.