2016 Fantasy Breakout Candidate: Thomas Rawls

RB Thomas Rawls | Seattle Seahawks | 2nd Year

2015 Stats: 147 attempts 830 yards 4 TDs 9 rec 76 yards 1td

Despite coming into the league as an undrafted free agent, Rawls is set to become the lead back for the Seahawks.  He started out as 5th on the chart, but when Christine Michael was traded and Turbin waived due to an injury, he climbed the depth chart.  When Marshawn Lynch got injured early last year, there was plenty of doubt in the run game.  Rawls soon put those doubts to rest when he was put in as the starter.  In week 3 he saw his first meaningful game time, posting over 100 yards.  This was the first time any RB since Lynch had done so since 2012.  He also was the first player in NFL history to record 250 yards, a rushing and a receiving touchdown in the same game.

Upon Lynch’s return, Rawls went back to the backup role, until Lynch was re-injured later in the season.  Rawls resumed the top spot and made a name for himself as the next beast mode.  Using his speed and vision, he was able to find holes and extend plays, even recording a 69-yard touchdown.  Rawls numbers last year were strong, even more so, since he didn’t start in every game, and had his season cut short by an injury.   He suffered a severely fractured ankle on December 13 against the Ravens on the opening drive.

Head coach Pete Carrol has been very coy with Rawls progress.  We likely will see very minimal time from him during the preseason.  There are strong exceptions that he will be ready to go week one as the starter.  The Seahawks resigned Michaels, and have plenty of depth at the position, but Rawls when healthy is the best choice for Seattle.  Even with QB Russell Wilson becoming pass happy over the last stretch last season, I still firmly expect to see the running game, and Rawls, very much involved going forward.

2016 Projection

240 carries 1,050 yards 8 TDs | 25 rec 300 yards 3 TDs

Potential Breakout Percentage

90%