Watching preseason football is one exciting way to prepare for the regular season. Production during the preseason doesn’t always lead to success in the regular season but it often gives us an idea of where players are on the depth chart and how they’re performing. There were a lot of interesting takeaways from last night’s game.
Dalvin Cook
Last night was our second look at Dalvin Cook in a Vikings uniform. Cook was expected to be a first round pick but slid to the second round after a poor combine. With Latavius Murray out, Cook has been soaking up the first team reps and he looked really good last night. Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself:
Dalvin runs through a DL arm tackle at the LOS. He looks great. pic.twitter.com/bQMPoRgsDR
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 19, 2017
Dalvin again picks up yards after first contact. pic.twitter.com/QeWGAup3Bd
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 19, 2017
While he looks great, it’s important to remember that his price tag is rising. Likely to be drafted around the end of the third round, Cook will come with a hefty price tag but could easily finish as the top rookie running back.
Seahawks Running Backs
It was assumed early in the offseason that this was Eddie Lacy’s backfield. Well, Thomas Rawls started the first game of the preseason and Lacy now has just 30 yards on 10 preseason carries. Last night Lacy started and played 13-of-22 first team snaps, while Chris Carson played the other nine. Carson outperformed Lacy and has impressed the entire offseason.
Chris Carson runs balls out every single time he has the football in his hands. #Seahawks #SEAvsMIN pic.twitter.com/4foC1Ayk4a
— Samuel Gold (@SamuelRGold) August 19, 2017
While it’s hard to imagine Carson playing a big role behind Rawls, Lacy, and C.J. Prosise, it looks like he’ll steal some touches. It’ll be hard to know who will see the most touches in the Seattle backfield until the regular season begins.
Kasen Williams
Another off the radar player to keep an eye on is Kasen Williams. Williams has torn up the preseason with six catches for 147 yards in two games. Last night he played exclusively with the first team and made some impressive plays.
Karen Williams produces an outstanding catch pic.twitter.com/8cfkXQtDU2
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 19, 2017
Kasen Williams is showing off his pre-injury form. TD. pic.twitter.com/HcnwPFzild
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 19, 2017
Williams is unlikely to have an impact behind Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, and Paul Richardson, but injuries could create an opportunity.