At least one running back has been selected in the first round of the past seven consecutive NFL drafts, including the Seahawks notably investing the 27th overall selection in Rashaad Penny in 2018. With Penny currently an unrestricted free agent and fellow bell-cow Chris Carson’s availability in question due to a neck injury, the Seahawks may be in the market for a back this spring. Fortunately, this class is loaded with them. The depth is so good, in fact, that teams may opt to wait on the position and allow talented runners to fall into the second round, as was the case with recent NFL rushing leaders Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans, 2016) and Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts, 2020), among others.
1. Breece Hall, Iowa State, 5-11, 217, 4.39, First/Second Round
At a time in which virtually everything in our society seems topsy-turvy, Hall has proven the epitome of consistency, scoring at least one touchdown in every game the past two seasons for the Iowa State Cyclones – a remarkable stretch of 24 consecutive contests, ultimately leaving with an eye-popping 3,941 yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in just three seasons of college football. Built like a freight-train and just as fast, Hall is a proven workhorse who should be challenging for Pro Bowl honors early in his career.
2. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State, 5-09, 211, 4.38, First/Second Round
Walker was already on scouts’ radar at Wake Forest but when he exploded for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns after transferring to the Spartans prior to the 2021 season, he vaulted up the board with many scouts ranking Walker as the top back in this class. Cat-quick laterally, as well as vertically, Walker can leave his own shadow guessing at his next move and his stumpy frame gives him great balance off contact.
3. Zamir White, Georgia, 6-0, 214, 4.40, Second/Third Round
White was often asked to play the bruiser role in Georgia’s Thunder and Lightning running game, but he showed in precisely 4.40 seconds at the Combine…