REPORT: Chris Carson to open camp as Seahawks lead RB
According to Seahawks beat writer Bob Condotta (Seattle Times), Chris Carson is expected to begin training camp as the Seahawks lead running back. This comes as a surprise to many, as the widespread belief was that 2018 first round draft pick Rashaad Penny would be the #1 RB to start camp.
In 2017, Carson emerged from a crowded backfield to be the lead runner to start the season, running for 208 yards (4.2 YPC) before suffering a season-ending leg injury in week 4. Prior to injury, he received 76% of carries in the offense, proving he can be a bellcow back.
Carson should definitely be drafted at his current price (RB48, 11th round), as his upside far exceeds the other RBs in this range (Duke Johnson, Doug Martin, Latavius Murray). Even if the report doesn’t end up being true, investing a 11th round pick in a potential starting RB in a high-powered offense is completely worth it.
This report should temper the quickly rising ADP of Penny, who was being drafted in the 6th round in June but is now coming off boards in the 3rd round (RB20). While our experts still believe Penny will be the Seahawks week 1 starting RB, this serves as a reminder that Penny isn’t a lock to be the full time RB in Seattle. Even if Penny does start, Carson and pass catching backs JD McKissic and CJ Prosise are bound to contribute to the offense weekly.
As discussed on Episode 3 of the FFLive podcast, opportunity means everything for rookie RBs, so fantasy owners should monitor this situation closely throughout training camp.