The Seahawks are in a bit of a bind when it comes to their running back situation. With a draft class that's not exactly overflowing with standout talent and veteran options that don't exactly leap off the page, they're in search of a solution. Unless something unexpected happens, like a trade for Jonathan Taylor, they'll need to dig deep.
The departure of Ken Walker to the Chiefs has left a noticeable void in explosive plays. Walker was a dynamo, ranking sixth in the 2025 regular season for explosive runs, defined as those over 10 yards. His 33 explosive runs on just 221 attempts put him in elite company, second only to De’Von Achane in terms of big play rate.
So, how can the 2025 draft help the Seahawks fill this gap? Let's dive into the numbers.
Looking at the explosive run rates for 2025, Jadarian Price leads the pack with a 21.2% rate, followed by Jeremiyah Love at 19.6% and Mike Washington at 18%. These numbers are significant, especially when you consider that the average rate over the past decade for incoming running backs is 16%. Price, in particular, stands out, comparing favorably to past Seahawks picks like Rashaad Penny and Zach Charbonnet.
The Seahawks have a history of valuing these metrics. Under GM John Schneider, they've consistently picked running backs with strong explosive run rates. Chris Carson, for instance, boasted a 26.5% rate, while Ken Walker had a 17.6% rate.
Now, let's talk about missed tackles forced. Price again tops the list with a 28.3% rate, showing he's not just about speed but also about elusiveness. This is a trait the Seahawks have valued, as seen in their past selections like Chris Carson, who had a 37.3% missed tackle rate.
When it comes to yards after contact, Jeremiyah Love leads with 4.50 yards, but Price isn't far behind at 3.95. While not as high as the likes of Rashaad Penny or Ken Walker, it's still a respectable figure, showing that Price can hold his own in tough situations.
While nothing is guaranteed, these stats paint a promising picture for Price as a potential solution for the Seahawks' need for big plays. His combination of explosive runs, ability to force missed tackles, and solid yards after contact make him an intriguing prospect.
As for other potential options, Jonah Coleman has caught some attention despite a less impressive 2025 season due to a PCL injury. His 2024 stats tell a different story, with a 19.8% explosive run rate and a 34.9% missed tackle rate, which could make him a viable alternative if the Seahawks view his past performance as a better indicator of his potential.
In summary, if the Seahawks are looking to reignite their running game with explosive plays, Jadarian Price appears to be the standout candidate from the 2025 draft class.