In short, Kenneth Walker III possesses all the abilities of a great running back(power, speed, vision and quick-feet) and will have an excellent opportunity to showcase his skills with the new Seattle Seahawks offense.
Kenneth Walker III, or commonly referred to as "K9" by the Michigan State fans, is the newest addition to the Seahawks roster after an exciting draft in 2022. Drafted 41st overall, Kenneth Walker will have a lot on his plate as a rookie. After Chris Carson retired earlier this week, someone has to fill Carson's explosiveness to help out Rashaad Penny. After watching K9 at Michigan State, I have no doubts that he has the potential to be an elite running back in the NFL. Kenneth Walker displayed, on multiple occasions, his tremendous vision, IQ, and top-notch ball carrier skills, such as low center of gravity, quick feet, and elite acceleration. The reason why I believe that Walker will have a standout rookie season, much like Saquon Barkely, is because of what the Seattle Seahawks are going through right now. Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, and Chris Carson is no longer on the team. The absence of Wilson implies that the Seahawks will be more of a run-heavy team until either Geno Smith or Drew Lock get comfortable enough trying to fill the shoes of Wilson. It was no surprise to see the Seahawks offensive production fall without Wilson for 3 games last season. Something has to change if the Seahawks want to compete this year, and I believe an increased focus on the ground attack will help them a bunch. If we think about how Rashaad Penny ended last season, 4 TDs on 495 yards rushing, and the addition of a fast, power back in Walker, and a new left tackle Charles Cross, I would say that the Seahawks are ready to switch to that offense style already.
As for filling in for Carson, Walker has the abilities needed to be an elite rusher and eventually an RB1 for the Seahawks. During K9’s season at Michigan State, he led the team to a 10-2 record and made the Peach Bowl. During the regular season, Walker rushed for 18 TDs on 1636 yards, and 5 of those TDs and 197 yards came against the Michigan football team, with number 2 overall pick Aiden Hutchinson. K9 is an all-around rusher with exceptional qualities that he has shown time and time again. He has quick feet that allow him to reach top speed, break down and juke, then accelerate once again in just a few steps which result in breaking tackles and ankles all in one rush. The low center of gravity helps out when there is nowhere else to go but through someone, as he can lower the shoulder and gain the additional yards needed. And finally, his stamina is something to be marveled at. Multiple times he has had 75 yard carries or longer, including a 94, and 96 yard TD runs. All three of these feats together culminate into turning any play into a touchdown, and doing it time after time after time.
I believe that Kenneth Walker III will be the best rookie running back this year, and even go on to win the Offensive Rookie of The Year title.