The Seahawks’ running back room is shaping up for 2024, and Kenneth Walker III is a key piece. Heading into his third season with the Seahawks, Kenneth Walker III has consistently displayed exceptional downhill running and explosive speed that defenses struggle to contain. While injuries limited him to 13 games last season, he still showcased his impressive vision and ability to make defenders miss. Walker’s career stats to date include 1,995 rushing yards on 447 attempts, along with 56 receptions.
Someone who has developed a nice pair of hands out of the backfield, his 29 receptions were a career-high while running for 905 yards. Looking to continue his success as Seattle’s lead back, Walker is going to try improving his footwork leading to added production. As quarterback Geno Smith and Seattle are trying to make the playoffs again, Kenneth’s ability to create something out of nothing will be a huge factor.
Kenneth Walker III 2023 Stats
With Walker having come off a tremendous rookie season, his 2nd year got off to a start with mixed feelings. There would be games where he would run for 5.1 yards per carry, but other times defenses would keep him in check for averages like 1.8 or 2.5. He did finish the year off with 1,164 all-purpose yards and 9 total touchdowns which really came into form over past weeks, especially.
Averaging 8.9 yards per reception last year, he is starting to develop the modern NFL abilities of being a dual threat back. Finishing with 199.4 fantasy points, Walker III 19th amongst running backs in PPR leagues and 79th overall. He ended higher than the likes of Gus Edwards, Austin Ekler, and D’Andre Swift with those dynamic numbers.
Kenneth Walker III Fantasy Outlook 2024
In 2024, Kenneth Walker III should have a really strong bounce back year after conditioning and working on his durability during the offseason. If fully healthy for this season, he should break 1,000 yards rushing and 250 receiving in addition to 10 combined touchdowns. As Geno Smith will be there as a pure passer, they will have to rely on Walker to mix it up with the run and really get high-average, intense runs.
With the Seahawks landing former Pro Bowler Lanken Tomlinson after the Jets ruined another offensive tackle, he was soon to be a pure power blocker in camp. Someone that can provide holes for Walker to run through along with Charles Cross, could be a key piece to why he could overachieve expectations this year. As this is what he was lacking last season, Walker will now have stability to do all his jump cuts and hurdles into the open field for several 10+ yard gains this year.
For his fantasy outlook, his projected points value is currently around 210 points in PPR leagues as RB 14. As this ranking makes him a projected 3rd to 4th round pick in 12-man leagues, he is ahead of various backs like Rhamondre Stevenson and Aaron Jones. At an average of around 14 fantasy points an outing, many experts believe his worth taking as a RB 1/ RB 2.
Our Final Say
Going into a year where Walker III could potentially sign a long-term deal, it could be a make or break season for an extension. With this in mind, hiring coach Mike McDonald was a very smart decision for a running backs development as he follows the ground and pound philosophy with tough defense. Getting Ryan Grubb from Alabama at offensive coordinator will make them utilize play action passing more than 3-step drops, giving Walker more touches.
A huge chunk of the offense this season will be HB Slam or Triple Option plays that the former Michigan State running back dominated in his rookie year. With more time on the field as the other side continues to get stronger, there could potentially be 20 to 30 touches a game for him. With wide receivers DK Metcalf and Jaxson Smith-Njiba being great run blocking receivers, there should be hope for a higher probability to bounce it outside.
Previous coach Pete Caroll’s offense was built on roll-out plays, but in this new system Walker can use the advantage of getting more HB Screens and designed plays for him. With Zach Charbonnet running behind him, Kenneth Walker III should be a potential 4th round pick who has a 2nd round ceiling, but could also have a massive floor if he doesn’t get yards per carry up.
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