Rashaad Penny Projected to Receive Massive Workload
Rashaad Penny has been a complete mystery in his first four seasons as a Seattle Seahawk. Battling injuries and lots of competition in the backfield, Penny was never really able to break out. That is, until the second half of last season when he finally was able to stay healthy and showcase his incredible talent as the workhorse running back. Now with Chris Carson still recovering from his neck injury and no timetable for a return, the starting job is Penny’s to lose.
In fact, the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta has gone so far as to say that Penny is looking at around 20 carries a game as the clear showcase back. Meanwhile rookie Kenneth Walker III will likely get most of the other carries and receiving work, with a sprinkle of DeeJay Dallas or Travis Homer as well.
If this ends up the case, Penny could truly be a great fantasy pick in drafts this year. Although the Seahawks aren’t as potent of an offense as they were last year with Russell Wilson, a workload like that will still result in production for Penny. Walker being drafted in the second round was also a concern, but it seems like Penny is clearly going to be the man this year.
More so than anything, you can get him at a relatively cheap price and all he has to do is produce RB2 numbers in order to outperform his ADP. I’d say that’s pretty likely with his talent and the opportunity he should have this year.
Now all of this hypothetical thinking is solely based on if Penny can stay healthy and that’s the issue that’s haunted him his entire career. There’s never been a question about his talent, but the man simply hasn’t been able to stay on the field consistently and that’s the biggest reason fantasy owners seem scared to draft him.
Although you have to be smart in fantasy, my mantra is that you can’t draft scared. You cannot predict injuries and if doctors have no concerns about Rashaad Penny’s health, there’s no reason you should either. If you want to win leagues, you have to take risks and, in this case, drafting Penny isn’t even that large of a risk. Grab him later in your draft. I promise you won’t be able to find a stud workhorse running back anywhere near where Penny’s going in drafts right now. And hey, maybe I just like drafting guys with his name too.
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