Seattle’s running back depth chart saw a number of changes this offseason with former former first-rounder Rashaad Penny and special teamer Travis Homer each departing in free agency. Their absences will be filled in large part by a pair of rookies.
Despite having 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year runner up Kenneth Walker in the fold, Seattle elected to use a pair of selections on backs in April. That included taking Zach Charbonnet in the second round, a move which has led to an expectation of immediate playing time. The latter does indeed appear poised to have a defined role as a rookie.
Walker is the undisputed early-down back, but Charbonnet could see considerable usage as a pass-catcher. As the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta notes, the 22-year-old is in line to work on third downs given his skillset. Head coach Pete Carroll suggested that Charbonnet could handle all passing-down work, something which would give the team a young tandem at the RB spot and limit seventh-round rookie Kenny McIntosh and returnee DeeJay Dallas to special teams duty.
Charbonnet’s strengths in the passing game were named by Carroll as part of the reason he was targeted by the Seahawks in the draft. Only top-12 picks Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs heard their names called before Charbonnet amongst running backs, after he was named an All-American in 2022 for his production at UCLA. His two-year stint with the Bruins came after one at Michigan of the same length, but it was much more noticeable on the stat sheet.
The 6-1, 220-pounder recorded 2,496 yards (at an average of 6.3 per carry) and 27 touchdowns on the ground at UCLA. He added 61 catches for 581 yards during his time there, which helped cement his status as one of the top backs in the 2023 class. If he can replicate his success through the air in particular at the NFL level, he will no doubt see the field early and often during his time with the Seahawks.
More must-reads: