RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks need bodies in their backfield, and they added a ball carrier in the third round (90th overall), selecting Notre Dame's C.J. Prosise.
My take: Thomas Rawls was fantastic last year, leading the NFL in average yards per carry and average yards after contact, but he suffered a season-ending fractured ankle. The Seahawks expect Rawls to be ready for the regular season, and he's the leading candidate to replace Marshawn Lynch. But with Prosise, they now have another option, along with Christine Michael. Prosise started his college career as a wide receiver before moving to running back last season. He carried 157 times for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015. Most likely, Prosise will give the Seahawks a third-down back next season, taking over the role that Fred Jackson occupied in 2015. And he should give the Seahawks more than Jackson as a ball carrier.
Matt Forte comparison: Asked who he models his game after, Prosise said veteran running back Matt Forte.
"A guy who can make big plays in the running game and be consistent," Prosise said. "Then also go through a lot of routes out of the backfield and do a good job there, too."
The one area that Prosise will have to prove he's equipped to handle is pass protection. If he can't be reliable in blitz pickup, he'll have a tough time getting on the field.
Versatility matters: Backup running backs have to be able to do more than just carry the football. In 2014, as a receiver, Prosise caught 29 balls for 516 yards, averaging 17.8 yards per reception. He also was Notre Dame's Special Teams Player of the Year, leading the Fighting Irish in tackles on punt and kickoff coverage. Prosise is a plus athlete, and his versatility gives him a great shot at making the roster and having an impact, even if he's not getting a lot of touches as a ball carrier.
