Chris Carson News

In many ways, Carson is the perfect running back for the Seahawks. Seattle’s much-maligned offensive line improved at run blocking last year with the additions of guard D.J. Fluker and new position coach Mike Solari, but it was still convenient to have a lead back who prefers running through people rather than waiting for holes to develop. The Oklahoma State product actually led the NFL in broken tackles on rushes in 2018 (39 put him one ahead of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry) and while that running style makes Carson more susceptible to injury, the results last year were impressive once he seized the No. 1 job for good in Week 3. He finished with Seattle’s first 1,000-yard season since Marshawn Lynch in 2014, reviving a moribund rushing attack with the help of new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Carson doesn’t have any other standout traits besides power, however, and a lack of pass-catching skill limits his overall upside. Rashaad Penny, the 27th overall pick in last year’s draft, will push hard for more touches this season, but the duo have a lot in common in terms of their skill sets, so a traditional runner/receiver timeshare won’t necessarily develop. More likely, coach Pete Carroll will let his running backs battle for carries, which could lead to solid season totals for both in the league’s most run-heavy offense but frustration for fantasy owners when it comes to guessing which player will come out on top any given week.

Carson, a seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma State last year, won the starting job in the Seahawks’ backfield in training camp and put together a solid four-week run before breaking his leg and ending his season. It’s easy to see what the coaching staff liked about the rookie, as he runs with tackle-breaking power behind a 5-11, 218-pound frame and seems to welcome contact without hesitation. The downside is that he doesn’t make many defenders miss, and an injury history that dates back to his junior year in college suggests he might not be able to withstand the pounding his running style attracts. Carson also doesn’t offer much in passing situations, limiting his role primarily to early downs and short-yardage spots. The selection of Rashaad Penny in the first round leaves Carson in a tricky spot, though the second-year pro did open training camp with the starting offense. With Penny now uncertain for Week 1 while recovering from a broken finger, Carson is on track to open the season as Seattle’s starting running back. Of course, the battle for carries may just be getting started.

It appears as if the Seahawks will opt to have a running back by committee in 2017 with Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise all capable of leading the charge. Beyond that, Seattle has a handful of young backs competing for limited roster spots, and Carson, a seventh-round selection, will have to separate himself from the crowd if he hopes to remain on the roster come September. While he failed to record major stats at Oklahoma State, the 22-year-old performed admirably during the combine, running a 4.58-second 40 while posting a 37-inch vertical and 130-inch broad jump, but don’t expect him to see major reps in 2017.