Why the Seahawks Will Benefit From The Rookie RB If Signed

admin | November 29, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

To guarantee their berth in the postseason, the Seattle Seahawks might require just one more playmaker.

According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, the Seahawks “should target” free agent running back JD McKissic. According to Fowler, McKissic might provide the Seahawks with a useful third-down weapon. In his debut season with the organization, McKissic caught 34 passes for 266 receiving yards and two touchdowns while only playing 34% of the offensive snaps.

Check out what Jerick McKinnon has been up to in Kansas City during the past few postseasons, writes Fowler. “JD McKissic, a similar change of pace talent, could add some spark to an offense that needs a backfield piece on third down.”

Why the Seahawks Could Benefit From JD McKissic

Over the course of his career, McKissic has primarily served as a specialized back. In his seven seasons in the NFL, he has only started 14 of his 70 career games and has only been involved in more than 45% of his team’s offensive snaps in one season.

McKissic may be the “final” addition to the Seahawks’ potent offensive arsenal, according to Fowler.

“Winning games is still crucially important. Additionally, Fowler notes that in the playoffs, scoring on third downs typically opens the door to success. “Among the remaining free agents, he may not have the most glamorous name, but his skill set is well suited for the modern game and could be the missing element in an offensive arsenal.”

As recently as three years ago, McKissic actually caught 80 passes on 110 targets. Not only are those stellar numbers for a running back, they would be good numbers for a wide receiver. McKissic actually ranked second in receptions and led all running backs in targets during the 2020 season.

Seahawks’ Current Running Backs Struggle in the Passing Game

While the Seahawks have one of the best running back duos in the league in Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, they’re complete non-factors in the receiving department. Walker has caught 17 passes for just 173 receiving yards and one touchdown a year after posting just 27 receptions for 165 receiving yards as the featured back. Meanwhile, Charbonnet is even worse with 23 receptions for 103 receiving yards (4.5 yards per reception).

Adding McKissic could give Seattle an added dimension to their passing game and help out Geno Smith considering his struggles during his second season as a starter. Smith is among the middle-of-the-pack in major passing categories, ranking 15th in passing yards and 19th in touchdowns. The Seahawks have actually gone 20 straight quarters without an offensive touchdown and rank 18th in the league in points per game (20.8).

Furthermore, one of the Seahawks’ biggest weaknesses is none other than their failure to convert on third downs. Despite featuring a talented offensive supporting cast — DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba — Seattle ranks 29th in third-down percentage at 31.34%.

As Fowler mentions, people aren’t going to get overly excited about a possible McKissic signing. However, he’s the best receiving weapon when it comes to running backs on the market. And considering the team’s well-documented struggles on third down — a key to winning games — the Seahawks could greatly benefit from signing the 30-year-old back for their playoff run.