The Seattle Seahawks and their first-round draft pick Rashaad Penny have come to terms on a four-year rookie deal with a fifth-year option. The team announced the signing on Wednesday.
Per Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com, Seattle spent its No. 27 overall selection on the San Diego State running back, who, as the second tailback off the board, was considered a surprising choice at the time. But the Seahawks thought very highly of Penny, so much so that they would have selected him at No. 18 if they hadn’t traded out of that spot, NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz reported during rookie minicamp.
Rashaad Penny was considered one of the better running backs in this year’s NFL Draft was still slotted to be selected in the second round. Rashaad Penny does fit the Seahawks offensive style and could also become a solid pass catcher out of the backfield.
Penny joins a backfield already populated by 2017 draft pick Chris Carson, 2016 selection C.J. Prosise, Mike Davis and J.D. McKissic. But none of those runners led the Seahawks in rushing last season. That honor belongs to quarterback Russell Wilson (586 yards).
The Seahawks missed the playoffs in 2017 and look to restock their roster with young talent on offense and make changes to the former Legion of Boom defense that was one of the best in the NFL over the past six seasons. Penny adds another element of speed and agility to compliment quarterback Russell Wilson.
“I feel like how they run the same offense, it’s gonna be the same thing as San Diego State. Stretch plays, the inside zones,” Penny told Ruiz. “I know the other running backs, we all got to compete to do our job. It’s an amazing feeling. I love being here because I feel the same tradition as San Diego State of running the ball. They’re a run-oriented team. You got to stop the run, and if you stop the run, we’re got to throw the play action over you.”
Rashaad Penny was productive in college at San Diego State. He led the nation with 2,248 rushing yards and scored 23 touchdowns on 289 carries, finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting and garnering first-team All-American and All-Mountain West honors. Penny also caught 19 passes for 135 yards and two scores and scored twice on kickoff returns, averaging 30.6 yards on 17 attempts (ranked fifth in the FBS). He also scored a 70-yard touchdown on one of his two punt returns for the year.