Fantasy Upside
With the retirement of Marshawn Lynch, Thomas Rawls is the clear No. 1 running back in Seattle. Rawls started seven games last season and averaged 108 yards per start and one of those starts was shortened by a broken ankle. The injury didn't require surgey and the 'Hawks expect him to be ready for training camp. Rawls doesn't have a lot of mileage on the tires. He had only 286 carries in college and 147 last season as a rookie. With his impressive work in 2015, Rawls is poised to put up some good overall numbers as the starter this season.
Fantasy Downside
For a running back, there is always some concern when there is a lower body injury. Will they be the same running back we saw before the injury? So, although Rawls is expected to be ready to go Week 1, will he be as good as he was in 2015? Another factor is the offensive line which the Seahawks had to redo with four new starters.They are not expected to be one of the better units in the league. Also, don't expect Rawls to see many balls in the passing game which also could mean he could come out of games on third down.
2016 Bottom Line
Rawls is good candidate for a breakout 2016. Yes, we got a taste of that last year, but he now has a chance to become one of the top 10 overall running backs in the league. Rawls has an ADP of 38 which has him going in the fourth round in both PPR and Standard leagues. Rawls actually should go earlier so don't be afraid to grab him in the 3rd round. We have confidence the injury will not negatively affect him.