RB Kenneth Walker III - SEA (5 Viewers)

[Schmeabs]

Going to start him in the two leagues I own him.

 

[candian fantasy guy]

Going to start him in the two leagues I own him.

2 out of 3 for me

 

[LionOfGosforth]

Flip flopping between him and Lockett, already have Cmac going tonight and the idea of starting even 2, let alone 3, players on Thursday is making me ill

 

[ratbast]

I have to start him with BRob and Stephenson Q.

 

[BoltNlava]

Looks ok but 49ers Look much better stuffing him.

 

[Dizzy]

Not sure his top gear is 100% right now, but I'll take it. TD would have made it really nice.

 

[Faust]

Ken Walker rushed 12 times for 47 yards in the Seahawks' Week 15 loss to the 49ers, adding four receptions for 32 additional yards.​

Back after a one-game absence with an ankle issue, Walker appeared no worse for the wear after missing Week 13. The off-night was due in part to the fact that Geno Smith was under constant pressure from the 49ers' imposing pass rush, making it difficult for the Seahawks to sustain drives. Walker's 33-yard reception in the fourth quarter was the Seahawks' longest play of the night. He took a dump-off and found the seam. It says a lot about how the Seahawks' night went that Walker's other three receptions actually brought his receiving total below the mark of his long gain. Now with nine days to heal up for Christmas Eve against the Chiefs, Walker will be back in the low-end RB1 mix after re-proving his health this evening.
Dec 15, 2022, 11:39 PM ET

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

I had low expectations going in (and no better options, since JCook is my only other RB) but I'm relatively happy to escape with 77 YFS in a non-PPR league. Not sure how much was him still being hurt and how much was the Niners D, but he never seemed to really get going. The screen pass definitely salvaged his night.

Have to hope it was enough for me to move on. Schedule gets better going forward.

 

[Dizzy]

I had low expectations going in (and no better options, since JCook is my only other RB) but I'm relatively happy to escape with 77 YFS in a non-PPR league. Not sure how much was him still being hurt and how much was the Niners D, but he never seemed to really get going. The screen pass definitely salvaged his night.

Have to hope it was enough for me to move on. Schedule gets better going forward.

I have to think that if he was 100% SEA would have pounded the rock more. They need to get more creative with their screen game... get that dude in space (like they did to set up the TD).

 

[creepythinman]

2 straight DNPs. Anyone else nervous?

 

[menobrown]

2 straight DNPs. Anyone else nervous?

I for sure am working on notion he's not available. If he is available great but he had a setback and what really got me was two days ago Carroll saying they were going to give him every day to get back which is an obvious indicator this is not a maintenance issue.

And I am not afraid to go back to the Homer well if he's out, especially if Deejay does not make it back as well but even if he does he sounds iffy. I get Homer was not much the last time he had the reigns but he played most of the game, was coming off an injury of his own, the matchup this week is good and with no Lockett and possibly trailing it only gets better.

 

[need2know]

Also scared of him making it worse in game and ending up with like 3 carries. That's happened already once this year

 

[Dizzy]

Seahawks only chance to win this game is K9 getting 25+ carries. Here's hoping that the extra rest is knowing that they will lean on him heavily.

 

[creepythinman]

Wayne Gallman being re-signed to the PS is fairly telling.

 

[Stat Correction]

Per Roto:

Walker (ankle/back) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Kansas City, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Analysis: Seattle held Walker out of practice Tuesday and Wednesday, and he likely went down as a non-participant at the final session of Week 16 prep Thursday, per Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. With game statuses now known for this weekend, Walker not only has the lingering ankle issue attached to his name, but a back injury as well. The rookie second-round pick's upcoming availability thus is up in the air.

Pete Carroll stated that he expects Walker to be active, along with Dallas. We already know that he can play on the ankle, as he proved last week. Carroll said that the "back issue" was just occasional spasms. Have no choice....KW3 is playing for me this week. Need a TD!

 

[Faust]

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said that Ken Walker (ankle) is expected to play in Week 17's game against the Jets.​

Carroll lauded that he'd have "fresh legs" for this game after the Seahawks managed him all week. Walker will be a high-end RB2 against a tough Jets defense, but has played through this ankle ailment for each of the last two weeks and provided plenty of volume. The Seahawks offense has kept him out of the end zone since his return, but he's still producing in spite of that.
SOURCE: John Boyle on Twitter
Dec 30, 2022, 5:10 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Ken Walker rushed 23 times for 133 yards in the Seahawks' Week 17 victory over the Jets, adding a nine-yard reception.​

Walker's 100-yard day on the ground was his second straight, while the 133 yards rushing were the second most of his excellent rookie campaign. He set the tone with a 60-yard rumble on the Seahawks' first play from scrimmage. He's now just 64 yards shy of 1,000 on the year, something that will be quite attainable in Week 18 against the Rams. The Seahawks need to win to have a chance at sneaking into the postseason. Walker went down early with an ankle injury in Seattle's first Rams matchup in Week 13.
Jan 1, 2023, 7:33 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Ken Walker had 15 rushes for 63 yards and a touchdown in the Seahawks' Wild Card loss to the 49ers, adding one catch for three yards.​

Seattle tried desperately to establish the run and shorten the game against a much better Niners team. It didn't work. Walker plugged away on his 15 carries, with a long rush of just nine yards against the elite San Francisco run defense. He bullied his way into the end zone for the Seahawks' first touchdown, but was barely seen in the second half thanks to massive negative game script for Pete Carroll's team. The 22-year-old looks every bit a 4-5 year foundational back for an offense that has always sought balance. Though he was hardly involved at all in the team's passing offense, Walker can be treated as a fantasy RB1 heading into offseason drafts.
Jan 14, 2023, 8:36 PM ET

 

[Aznflyer14]

This kid gonna be stud this year and beyond once Seahawks add new pieces to their offensive team.

 

[dkp993]

With the signings of Penny and Homer else where this has to be a massive win for KW3’s outlook for next year right? In redraft where does he rank within the RB’s now?

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

They are going to add someone else. Could be a draft pick.

 

[Payne]

With the signings of Penny and Homer else where this has to be a massive win for KW3’s outlook for next year right? In redraft where does he rank within the RB’s now?

Yes

They will bring in a vet though. But KW3 should be a top 10 RB in 2023.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

With the signings of Penny and Homer else where this has to be a massive win for KW3’s outlook for next year right? In redraft where does he rank within the RB’s now?

Top 12 possibly. I’m waiting to see if they draft a receiving/3rd down specialist.

For PPR rankings that could change a lot for his projections.

 

[Faust]

The First Read: Winners and losers from Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft

Excerpt:

5) Kenneth Walker, RB, Seattle Seahawks: Walker was one of the star rookies of 2022, gaining 1,050 yards before becoming a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year. After doing all that, Walker enters his second season with another youngster, UCLA's Zach Charbonnet, joining the Seahawks' backfield. Seattle took Charbonnet with the 52nd overall pick, which seems high for a franchise that already had a lead back. However, head coach Pete Carroll loves him some running game, and Walker did have to battle through an ankle injury in the second half of 2022. This feels more like a situation where Walker is the definitive starter and Charbonnet is a capable second option (after all, last season, Walker was also paired with Rashaad Penny, who signed with the Eagles this offseason). Still, it's going to mean less touches for Walker in the long run. And that won't be good when he starts talking about his next contract.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

This has to be worst case scenario for both Walker and Charbonnet.

Pete Carrol hates you all.

Shocking pick. I’m shook.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

This has to be worst case scenario for both Walker and Charbonnet.

Pete Carrol hates you all.

Shocking pick. I’m shook.

Come on. How is it shocking? It's just Adrian Peterson/Toby Gerhart all over again. And remember, Minn even traded up for Gerhart. This is just a backup just in case Walker goes Slaton in 2023. I don't want any of my leaguemates to see this, but Z Charbonet is trash.

Having watched a lot of charbonnet I completely disagree with everything you just said, especially the last part.

This is going to be at best (for Walker) a 60/40 committee, and IMO Charbonnet gets the coveted receptions.

Just last year the plan was to pair Walker with Penny. Penny got hurt, Walker got a larger role.

To say they drafted a RB at 52. You don’t take a 2nd round RB and sit him.

And to suggest that Charbonet is “trash” just comes off as ignorant of his abilities.

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

Nightmarish.

Don't think there could have been a worse thing happen for my fantasy team in fact. Charbonnet was earmarked as my Rb2, rather than add value he's basically cut what I was meant to have in half.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Seattle didn't spend a mid second for a backup. Will be some sort of split......50/50, 60/40, 40/60.

 

[Ack88]

There was no way Seattle could stand pat in this draft at RB. The data is crystal clear: you need multiple RBs because the level of attrition is demonstrably high. Walker's style is physical and punishing. He seeks contact and delivers contact. The question of what was never an issue- it was always a question of when the Hawks would take an RB.

Given Charbonnet's skill set, and second round draft capital, I think we are looking at something like a 65/35 timeshare.

I still think Walker is an RB1, but perhaps no longer a top 5-7 player at the position.

 

[Faust]

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet will "battle" for the team's lead back role this summer. ​

Carroll complimented Charbonnet's receiving prowess after taking the UCLA back in the second round of the 2023 draft. “He’s so versatile. He just will fit in and be a great addition," Carroll said. "And really, we’re gonna find out how far he can take it in terms of the receiving part of it. We know he’s really good at it. But so is Kenneth, so those guys will be battling." Walker, who entered the league with a questionable pass-catching profile, struggled mightily as a pass catcher in 2022, notching the tenth lowest yards per route run among qualifying running backs. The Seahawks also drafted Georgia RB Kenny McIntosh in the seventh round. Denny Carter, Patrick Daugherty, and Connor Rogers discussed the jumbled Seattle backfield on the latest Rotoworld Football Show.
RELATED:

• Zach Charbonnet

SOURCE: ProFootballTalk.com
May 2, 2023 at 10:44 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Does Kenneth Walker’s fantasy value take a hit after the NFL Draft? | Yahoo Fantasy Football Forecast

 

[Payne]

You guys are underestimating Walker. Charbonnet would have to be a top 5 RB in the NFL to overtake Walker. Maybe he is, but I'll take my chances with K9.

 

[Blick]

You guys are underestimating Walker. Charbonnet would have to be a top 5 RB in the NFL to overtake Walker. Maybe he is, but I'll take my chances with K9.

But he'd only have to be serviceable to take a large role, particularly in the passing game.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Charbonnet would have to be a top 5 RB in the NFL to overtake Walker.

It's not about "overtaking", it's more about division of the workload.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Walker Owners.. where you drafting?

 

[Payne]

You guys are underestimating Walker. Charbonnet would have to be a top 5 RB in the NFL to overtake Walker. Maybe he is, but I'll take my chances with K9.

But he'd only have to be serviceable to take a large role, particularly in the passing game.

That has become common in the NFL. It's become a 2 back league. I still trust K9 to earn enough of the work to be an RB1 this year. Probably not top 5 as was before the draft.

 

[Payne]

Charbonnet would have to be a top 5 RB in the NFL to overtake Walker.

It's not about "overtaking", it's more about division of the workload.

Understood.

Games when he had over 20 carries last year they were 5-1. Only loss was to KC. Can't see him getting less than 15-18 carries a game with a handful of targets.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Charbonnet would have to be a top 5 RB in the NFL to overtake Walker.

It's not about "overtaking", it's more about division of the workload.

Understood.

Games when he had over 20 carries last year they were 5-1. Only loss was to KC. Can't see him getting less than 15-18 carries a game with a handful of targets.

I'm not sure that using a second round pick on another RB is completely meaningless, but sure there's no reason to panic or anything and this may create a cheaper buying opportunity for Walker if you're a true believer.

 

[Payne]

Walker is still being drafted as a top 12 RB in FPPC. So a little bit of a downgrade, but not huge.

• 
  
• ADP -- the current ADP on FFPC

RANK	POS	PLAYER	TEAM	ADP
1	WR	Justin Jefferson	MIN	1.27
2	WR	Ja'Marr Chase	CIN	2.9
3	RB	Christian McCaffrey	SF	3.03
4	TE	Travis Kelce	KC	3.9
5	WR	Tyreek Hill	MIA	5.4
6	WR	Cooper Kupp	LAR	7.03
7	RB	Austin Ekeler	LAC	8.17
8	RB	Bijan Robinson	ATL	8.17
9	WR	Stefon Diggs	BUF	9.3
10	RB	Jonathan Taylor	IND	9.93
11	WR	CeeDee Lamb	DAL	10.53
12	WR	A.J. Brown	PHI	11.77
13	RB	Saquon Barkley	NYG	12.77
14	WR	Davante Adams	LV	14.07
15	WR	Garrett Wilson	NYJ	14.77
16	WR	Amon-Ra St. Brown	DET	15.03
17	WR	Jaylen Waddle	MIA	19.17
18	RB	Josh Jacobs	LV	19.17
19	WR	DeVonta Smith	PHI	21.07
20	RB	Nick Chubb	CLE	21.5
21	TE	Mark Andrews	BAL	22.37
22	RB	Breece Hall	NYJ	22.77
23	RB	Tony Pollard	DAL	23.07
24	WR	Chris Olave	NO	26.5
25	TE	T.J. Hockenson	MIN	26.87
26	WR	Tee Higgins	CIN	27.57
27	RB	Derrick Henry	TEN	27.97
28	WR	DK Metcalf	SEA	28.23
29	QB	Jalen Hurts	PHI	29.77
30	RB	Najee Harris	PIT	29.97
31	RB	Kenneth Walker	SEA	30.3

 

[Payne]

Now 8th RB being taken in Best Ball. Ahead of some good RB's.

RANK	POS	PLAYER	TEAM	ADP
1	WR	Justin Jefferson	MIN	1.36
2	RB	Christian McCaffrey	SF	2.42
3	WR	Ja'Marr Chase	CIN	3.63
4	RB	Austin Ekeler	LAC	5.68
5	TE	Travis Kelce	KC	5.76
6	WR	Cooper Kupp	LA	7.5
7	WR	Tyreek Hill	MIA	8.31
8	RB	Jonathan Taylor	IND	9.79
9	RB	Saquon Barkley	NYG	9.83
10	WR	Davante Adams	LV	11.51
11	WR	Stefon Diggs	BUF	11.76
12	WR	CeeDee Lamb	DAL	13.34
13	WR	A.J. Brown	PHI	14.82
14	RB	Derrick Henry	TEN	15.9
15	RB	Bijan Robinson	ATL	16.48
16	WR	Amon-Ra St. Brown	DET	19.2
17	RB	Nick Chubb	CLE	19.42
18	QB	Josh Allen	BUF	19.45
19	QB	Patrick Mahomes	KC	20.78
20	WR	Jaylen Waddle	MIA	22.35
21	RB	Kenneth Walker	SEA	22.83
22	RB	Josh Jacobs	LV	23.92
23	QB	Jalen Hurts	PHI	25.75
24	WR	Tee Higgins	CIN	27.46
25	WR	Garrett Wilson	NYJ	27.92
26	RB	Travis Etienne	JAX	28.16
27	RB	Najee Harris	PIT	29.55
28	WR	Deebo Samuel	SF	29.91
29	RB	Breece Hall	NYJ	30.58
30	WR	DeVonta Smith	PHI	32.11
31	WR	DK Metcalf	SEA	33.19
32	RB	Rhamondre Stevenson	NE	34.24
33	RB	Tony Pollard	DAL	34.97

 

[Faust]

Kenneth Walker III: Full Speed Ahead In Year 2

 

[menobrown]

Now 8th RB being taken in Best Ball. Ahead of some good RB's.

He's down to RB15-16 right now in FFPC.

Sometimes people have a hard time quickly adjusting to new realities.

 

[TripItUp]

Now 8th RB being taken in Best Ball. Ahead of some good RB's.

He's down to RB15-16 right now in FFPC.

Sometimes people have a hard time quickly adjusting to new realities.

The reality that Charbonnet is a Pac12 RB, and the vast majority of them underwhelm?

Buy low on Walker.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The reality that Charbonnet is a Pac12 RB, and the vast majority of them underwhelm?

it doesn’t work that way. Whether Charbonnet is a success or not will not be determined by what college conference he played in.

If you see any actual logic in the statement you made, please further explain - because I’m missing the actual analysis there.

 

[travdogg]

The best RB in the NFL was a PAC-12 RB.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

The best RB in the NFL was a PAC-12 RB.

Only 5'11 and 205. Too small also.

 

[TripItUp]

The best RB in the NFL was a PAC-12 RB.

hence the words "vast majority"

 

[osubuckeyeman]

The main take I see is most teams have a committee approach now. Take your guy and pray it works out in that backfield. Both are talented backs. KWIII is a very good running back and that is what I see. It can not be a bad thing to have a talented back on the roster.

 

[travdogg]

The best RB in the NFL was a PAC-12 RB.

hence the words "vast majority"

So, just for the sake of curiosity, I looked up PAC-12 RBs taken in the 1st 2 rounds of drafts in the last decade, the list is 3 players long:
Ronald Jones
Christian McCaffrey
Bishop Sankey

So, 2 busts, and the best RB in the NFL.

Going back another decade adds more names, and its a mixed bag of:
LaMichael James
Jahvid Best
Toby Gerhart
Jonathan Stewart
Marshawn Lynch
Chris Henry
Reggie Bush
LenDale White
Maurice Jones-Drew
JJ Arrington
Steven Jackson

Some big busts in there, but also some quality starters, high-end starters, and maybe a hall of famer.

Ultimately, I don't think there is anything learned from this about PAC-12 RBs. Just a trip down memory lane, I guess.

 

[TripItUp]

The best RB in the NFL was a PAC-12 RB.

hence the words "vast majority"

So, just for the sake of curiosity, I looked up PAC-12 RBs taken in the 1st 2 rounds of drafts in the last decade, the list is 3 players long:
Ronald Jones
Christian McCaffrey
Bishop Sankey

So, 2 busts, and the best RB in the NFL.

Going back another decade adds more names, and its a mixed bag of:
LaMichael James
Jahvid Best
Toby Gerhart
Jonathan Stewart
Marshawn Lynch
Chris Henry
Reggie Bush
LenDale White
Maurice Jones-Drew
JJ Arrington
Steven Jackson

Some big busts in there, but also some quality starters, high-end starters, and maybe a hall of famer.

Ultimately, I don't think there is anything learned from this about PAC-12 RBs. Just a trip down memory lane, I guess.

Personally I’d limit it to 2nd rounders