Marshawn Lynch opitomized what it is to be a Seahawk. That is why when he went down last season you got the feeling the team would struggle to compete.

That was until undrafted free agent Thomas Rawls burst onto the scene...it then looked like Marshawn's days were numbered. Apparently they were, as the team now has to find the next Lynch following his iconic post SuperBowl retirement. 

Apparently Rawls production was not enough to say he is the next back to get the torch passed to him. The team was unwilling to say the position was his shortly after the season. They have resigned Christine Michael, and some experts even believe they will take one of the best backs in the draft. Some even believe they will do so in the first round with their 26th pick.

The bottom line comes down to the Rawls injury and the Seahawks needing some insurance. In a recent interview Rawls insisted he will be ready to start the season and even camp. He is still recovering from a broken ankke sufferred in a December game against the Ravens.

Seattle brass should have felt comfortable adding Michael and moving past the position. Michael adds the insurance, and even averaged nearly 5 yards a carry for the team when he was forced into the lineup after Lynch and Rawls both went down. 

The team could use a third down back, but the could also try and turn Rawls into that guy. Improving his blocking and pass catching ability is not out of the realm of possibility by any stretch. The undrafted guy sure would love the challenge as well. 

The team could then focus their energy in more glaring spots needing assistance from the draft...like both lines and the defensive linebacker spots.

To me Rawls is not the next Lynch...but who is. Ezeziel Elliot ? Derrick Henry..? 

Rawls is there and Rawls is ready. He has proven that not being drafted will not stop him, and filled in for Lynch with the team's back against the wall. He will prove this injury will not slow him down either, and will prove he can be a Seahawk's backfield staple for years to come. 

Maybe the team is just testing his mind and emotional ability to not be crowned Beastmode's replacement just yet. Perhaps they know more than the public...and the injury is quite significant. It may just be another pre draft tactic to not show the Seahawks hand going into the April draft.

Whatever the case, Rawls has my backing and hopefully the team gives him a vote of confidence in the near future. Opting against a running back...especially in rounds 1-3 would help that confidence. 

Then again, not all good backs are picked in those rounds. In fact, some good backs do not get picked in the draft at all.

Picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/meanderingwa/12333917383/in/photolist-jMUx...