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Some people scratched their heads when the Seattle Seahawks took a running back with their second-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft. After watching Christine Michael run during the preseason, more people are wondering if the Seahawks didn’t come away with a steal.
Obviously one has to be careful about the accomplishments of a preseason game. A 97-yard rushing performance that included a number of plays in the second half does not mean that a Hall of Fame career is about to begin. Teams will often grind down the clock in the second half of preseason games by handing off to the backup running back.
Still, Michael displayed the talent against the Green Bay Packers that made him a second-round pick. His 43-yard touchdown run was impressive, and he has shown to have a solid combination of speed and power. Michael also ran for 89 yards on 16 carries against the San Diego Chargers in the first preseason game.
How Michael will be used is yet to be determined. Certainly there is the argument that depth is always a good thing in the NFL, but there are certain positions where depth can only help you so much. You have Marshawn Lynch in the prime of his career, and you have a capable backup in Robert Turbin, who can also catch ball out of the backfield.
Do you suddenly go to running back by committee? Doubtful. It isn’t like you can just throw Michael out there to help with certain packages. We aren’t talking about a nickel corner.
With Michael’s talent, you’d hate to see him relegated to the occasional carry when Beast Mode needs a breather, or when the team calls for a running play on third-and-20 in the hope that the defense is caught unaware. And yet, there is only one ball.
Yes, Michael could do very well in the NFL. The question is, will he get a chance to prove his worth?
Todd Pheifer covers the Seattle Seahawks for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @tpheifer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.
