Rookie Seahawks may potentially influence the roles of four seasoned players

Straight-up talk about the Seattle Seahawks and their veteran starters:

Bob Condotta: Chris Newton's famous saying, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" doesn't always apply to politics or football, but it fits the NFL draft like a glove. The addition of a player can alter the fate of another already on the roster—and that's true with the Seahawks' running game.

With the 2025 draft complete and rookie minicamp unfolding, four veteran starters' grip on their jobs might be a tad less firm. Let's dive into it!

Running back Kenneth Walker III

Kenny Walk's prowess during his rookie season in 2022 earned him a second-round pick from the Seahawks. With 1,050 rushing yards and an average of 4.6 yards per carry, he sure did impress. But his numbers have dwindled since then, with just 905 yards in 2023 and 573 yards in 2024, combined with decreasing yards-per-carry averages.

Injuries and a trendy option for the home-run play have been criticized as reasons behind his struggles. The team's new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, plans to introduce an outside zone running-game scheme. To help make that a reality, they drafted two potential key players—fullback Robbie Ouzts in the fifth round and running back Damien Martinez in the seventh.

Kubiak believes these guys will fit their strategy and enhance their ground game. The big question is, will Kenneth Walker III fit what they have in mind? Even his rookie season showed a perceived inclination to chase big plays instead of snatching what's there.

The Seahawks' best running game last season came from Zach Charbonnet, who showcased a one-cut-and-go style, nearing 4.2 yards per carry—half a yard better than Walker. Now, Damien Martinez joins the mix to bring tough, straight-ahead running, and the addition of Ouzts to the committal of more two-back, power running.

Walker is on the final year of his rookie contract, with a non-guaranteed $1.85 million due to him this season. Will the Seahawks extend his contract, or will they let him test the free-agent waters next March? Some even whisper they may trade Walker, knowing they have Charbonnet, Martinez, and Kenny McIntosh at their disposal, and possibly wanting to keep just three running backs on the 53-man roster.

One way or another, Kenneth Walker III's Seahawks career rests on this pivotal season.

Guard Anthony Bradford

First-round pick Grey Zabel stepped in at left guard during rookie minicamp, filling the hole created by retired Laken Tomlinson. Sixth-round pick Bryce Cabeldue played right guard, marking a highly competitive scuffle for that spot. In 2024, the Seahawks utilized three players at that position: Bradford, who started 11 games until an ankle injury befell him; 2024 sixth-round pick Sataoa Laumea, who took over for the final six games; and 2024 third-rounder Christian Haynes, who received 167 snaps in a few games.

The team appears keen on Laumea and Haynes, which may leave Anthony Bradford to battle for his spot. The Seahawks, after all, sometimes prefer youth over experience.

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Bottom Line

The 2025 season could bring significant change for veterans Kenneth Walker III and Anthony Bradford on the Seahawks' roster. As the team unveils a new offensive strategy and delves into the NFL draft and free agency, their roles could shift dramatically. Tune in to find out how it all shakes out!

Although Chris Newton's saying might not apply to politics or traditional football, it perfectly fits the NFL draft, as the addition of a player can impact another's role on a team, as seen with the Seattle Seahawks and their running game.
Kenneth Walker III, a running back for the Seahawks, had a strong rookie season in 2022 but has since struggled, leading to doubts about his future with the team.
The Seahawks' new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, has introduced an outside zone running-game scheme, which they further strengthened by drafting two potential key players, Robbie Ouzts and Damien Martinez.
Walker's decision-making on the field, often to pursue big plays instead of taking what's available, has been a point of criticism, and his style may not align with the Seahawks' new strategy.
Zach Charbonnet, who displayed a one-cut-and-go style, performed better than Walker in the Seahawks' best running games last season, while Damien Martinez and the addition of fullback Robbie Ouzts may further challenge Walker's position on the team.
Walker is currently in the final year of his rookie contract and faces the possibility of being let go if the Seahawks decide not to extend his contract or trade him, considering the team's other running backs, like Charbonnet, Martinez, and Kenny McIntosh.
Anthony Bradford, a guard for the Seahawks, may also struggle to maintain his spot on the team, as the Seahawks seem to favor younger players and have been impressed by the performances of Grey Zabel, Bryce Cabeldue, Sataoa Laumea, and Christian Haynes.