Rawls got little work in his first 3 years with the Wolverines of Michigan, the winningest program in college football history (I told you I went there). 73 total carries in those three years. Transferring to Central Michigan for his senior season he racked up over 1,100 yards on 210 attempts. The reason I bring up these college numbers, other than to drop Michigan references, is that his workload in college was minimal compared to most running backs starting for NFL teams. In comparison, Adrian Peterson had 748 college attempts, Marshawn Lynch had 490 and Le'Veon Bell toted the ball 671 times in his college career. Rawls coming in at 283 carries is good news for those still worried about his injury risk. Rawls may very well be a first round pick this year if not for that ugly ankle injury in week 14 against the Raven last year. A game where he was averaging 7 yards per carry and it wasn't the only time he did that last year, in fact he did it in three of his seven games started. Most people realize this Marshawn Lynch style running back had some good games last year, but let's look at what Seattle does as a running team and how good Rawls actually performed in 2015. And yes, we will get to his ankle injury.
The Seattle Seahawks have been in the top 3 of rushing attempts the past three years. Having Marshawn Lynch is a very big part of this equation, but its hard to argue that their running game didn't improve last year with Rawls in his seven games started. Here is what Rawls did in his starts last year (we'll only use six games since he got hurt in week 14 after only 6 carries) and then the 16 game pace from those starts:
G
|
Att
|
Tar
|
Rec
|
Yards
|
TD
|
yds/touch
|
FPTS
|
6
|
126
|
9
|
7
|
779
|
5
|
5.8
|
*
|
16
|
336
|
24
|
18
|
2,077
|
13
|
5.8
|
303
|
In comparison to the usage Lynch had in his tenure with Seattle this is very similar. It's just what Seattle does with running backs. Lynch's TD totals from 2011-2014 were 13,12,14,17. He never had less than 280 carries and went over 300 twice. CJ Prosise out of Notre Dame is the trendy name people are throwing around to have an impact in the Seattle backfield, but he is a converted wide receiver. His talents are not to carry the load like Seattle has done in the past. He is gadget player that I can see lining up in the slot as often as he does in the backfield. The opportunity is there for Rawls and it will be up to you whether you believe he will be healthy. This past week Pete Carrol said he expects Rawls ready for week 1. In fact, he's been saying that for months. Sure there will be risk in taking Rawls, but I look at it as one injury that was more circumstantial than anything. He didn't have nagging issues or soft tissue problems. A 300lb guy fell on his ankle and he is recovering from that with a time table that puts him on the field for the entire 2016 football season. He is a 1st round fantasy talent getting taken in the middle of the 4th round. These are the kinds of picks that win you championships. And by the way, who isn't at risk nowadays. Le'Veon Bell, Dez Bryant, Jordy Nelson, Jamaal Charles, Alshon Jeffery, Julian Edelman and Mark Ingram are all being drafted ahead of Rawls. Every one of these players are older and have dealt with similar or worse injuries this past season. I understand these guys have a little more of a track record, but I'll put my money on a 22 year old RB with a chip on his shoulder in one of the most proficient running offenses this decade. Take the chance!!