Hawks Swooping Down on Lynch

Published on June 15, 2010 by     

The last time we heard about the possibility of Bills’ running back, Marshawn Lynch, joining the Seahawks was around the time of the 2010 NFL Draft. The talks between the Bills and the Seahawks ended when the Bills wanted nothing less than a 3rd round draft pick, something the Seahawks were unwilling to give.

However, after the release of newly acquired running back, LenDale White, the Seahawks were back in the market to find a power-back that could really bust some heads. In recent news, Marshawn Lynch is unhappy with his role in Buffalo and Seattle’s interest in the disgruntled back has come back to life. According to NFL Network’s Jason La Confora, Seattle is “very interested.” Now, there is a lot of talk in the Seattle area (among fans) that Lynch and Seattle would not be an ‘ideal’ fit. My question to that is, why not?

The current running backs on the Seahawks’ depth chart are Julius Jones, Justin Forsett, Leon Washington, Quinton Ganther, and Louis Rankin. Realistically – Jones, Forsett, and Washington will be competing for the majority of the carries while Ganther and Rankin will compete for a spot on the team. We all know how unproductive Jones can be, and I’m sure a lot of us are wondering why he’s still on the roster. Forsett lacks ideal size at the position, standing at only 5’8″, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in his quickness. Nevertheless, Forsett isn’t an every down back. And Leon Washington, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2008 as a kick returner, is recovering from a compound leg fracture and may be out into training camp. When he does return, the leg may still be fragile.

Then there is Marshawn Lynch. In his first two NFL seasons, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and averaged nearly 4 yards per carry – along with 7 TDs his rookie season and 8 TDs the following season. Conversely, his numbers dropped drastically in his previous season – rushing for only 450 yards while averaging 3.8 yards per carry with only 2 TDs. Lynch now sits third on the Bills’ depth chart, which is the reason he wants out of Buffalo.

So, why would Lynch be an ideal fit in Seattle? Well, while Seattle currently sits three running backs on the depth chart – who lack the build and size to carry a heavy-duty load – Lynch is the guy who runs through defenders, not around them. He would bring versatility to the ‘Hawks backfield, along with a change of pace. Not to mention, Lynch and Forsett were former teammates at the University of California, Berkley. And with the possibility of only shedding a 4th round pick to nab a Pro Bowl back, I say, why not?

Tags: Draft Pick, Hawks, Julius Jones, Justin Forsett, Kick Returner, Last Time, Leg Fracture, Leon Washington, Marshawn Lynch, nfl draft, nfl network, Nfl Seasons, pro bowl, Quickness, Quinton Ganther, Rankin, Recent News, Rookie Season, Running Backs, Seahawks Depth Chart, Seattle Area, training camp