NFL 2018: Rookie RB Rankings

#5. Rashad Penny - Round 1, Pick 27 – Seattle Seahawks

Reese's Senior Bowl

Probably the most shocking pick from day 1 of the draft was the Seahawks taking Penny with the 27th pick.

That’s no knock on Penny, as he has great ability, but Seattle had greater needs elsewhere on their team. Penny is likely to come in as the early-down back, with CJ Prosise taking over on third downs.

Seattle have failed to get anything going on the ground since Marshawn Lynch left the team after the 2015 season. Last year, Thomas Rawls, Mike Davis, Eddie Lacy and Chris Carson struggled behind a woeful offensive line.

Russell Wilson was the only player in the team to gain more than 500 yards on the ground. I expect the Seahawks to feature the run more this season, to try and take some of the pressure off of Wilson, who lost two of his favourite targets in Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson this offseason.

Penny has surprising speed for a bigger back, as well as great balance, soft hands and good route running. He will be a fantasy option if Seattle can fix their issues in their offensive line.