The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in a bit of a conundrum as they search for a new running back. With the draft class not particularly deep in this area and veteran options not exactly leaping off the page, they need to get creative. Unless they pull off a miracle trade for someone like Jonathan Taylor, they’ll have to find a solution elsewhere.
The departure of Ken Walker to the Chiefs left a noticeable void in big play potential. Walker was a dynamo, ranking sixth in explosive runs last season.
His ability to break away was second only to De’Von Achane in terms of efficiency, achieving 33 explosive runs on just 221 attempts. That's a tough act to follow.
So, how does the 2025 draft class stack up in filling this gap? Let’s dive into the numbers.
Explosive Run Rates:
- Jadarian Price leads with a 21.2% rate, outshining even some of the Seahawks' past picks.
- Jeremiyah Love and Mike Washington also surpass the average rate of 16% for incoming backs.
The Seahawks under GM John Schneider have historically valued this metric. Players like Chris Carson and CJ Prosise boasted impressive rates, suggesting the team pays close attention to this aspect.
Missed Tackles Forced:
- Price again tops the list at 28.3%, closely followed by Love and Emmett Johnson.
- This aligns with the Seahawks’ history of drafting players strong in this area, like Carson and Walker.
Price’s ability to make defenders miss is a key asset, making him a standout candidate for the Seahawks.
Yards After Contact:
- Jeremiyah Love leads here, but Price isn’t far behind with 3.95 yards per attempt.
- While not at the top, Price’s numbers are competitive, especially given his limited carries at Notre Dame.
The Seahawks have consistently drafted players who excel in yards after contact, a testament to their strategy of building a resilient backfield.
Conclusion:
While there are no guarantees, Jadarian Price emerges as a compelling option for the Seahawks. His explosive play potential, ability to force missed tackles, and solid yards after contact make him an attractive prospect.
With these attributes, he fits the mold of what the Seahawks have historically valued in their running backs. If they’re looking to reignite their ground game with big plays, Price could be the answer they need.