Is Rawls currently the best Rookie back in the NFL?

[blazen2392]

I feel the debate narrows down between Rawls and Gurley.

Do you think he is more talented than Gurley?

 

[Cartire]

David Johnson has 10 TD's.

 

[Mick063]

Gurley is a great talent in a bad situation. I mean off the charts talent. I personally believe the best pure RB to come out since AP.

Rawls is awesome for Seattle because he cost 500K a year and his price doesn't go up until Lynch is off the books (I assume). Even then, his price tag will likely be less than Gurley's 2nd contract.


Today's NFL is all about "bang for the buck" so in summary:


Is Rawls more talented than Gurley?

No.

Is Rawls more valuable than Gurley?

Yes.


Notice the subtle difference. Great production at the position with the ability to spend money elsewhere.

 

[West TX Hawk]

I'll take Rawls any day. He's all heart when he runs.

 

[Cartire]

I'll take Rawls any day. He's all heart when he runs.

At this point, he has done everything asked of him and more. I hope he maintains.

 

[RussB]

Rawls>>>>>>>>>>Gurley

 

[sutz]

The wrinkle here is that Gurly played more games this year. Sitting the first half of the season hurts Rawls' standing when picking all-stars and MVPs and such. But he fits our system well, he plays his heart out, and he produces while doing everything asked of him. Certainly valuable to us. And his YPC numbers are pretty stellar.

 

[Smellyman]

Amari Cooper perhaps

Mariota?

Edit: As Rob12 pointed out to me, it clearly states in the title the OP is referring to backs. I apologize for wasting your time.

 

[Rob12]

Amari Cooper perhaps

Mariota?

Title clearly states the OP is talking about running backs.

 

[Rob12]

I think I would give it to Gurley, but just by a hair. What he's done with a terrible line, a terrible QB, and underwhelming receivers has been a bit more impressive. The Rams are a dumpster fire, and teams are not game planning around Nick Foles or Case Keenum. Gurley is touted as the most talented back to emerge since AP, and I think that's probably a fair assessment. The kid is scary good.

Rawls, like Beast before him, benefits from having RW. The Seahawks are leaps and bounds more talented than the Rams, especially on the offensive side of the ball. That opens things a bit more for him. But I do think he'll have a better NFL career, mainly because of the situation he is in, and he doesn't have an injury history that's as extensive as Gurley. He's plenty talented enough, and might end up surpassing Arian Foster and Priest Holmes as the best UDFA backs ever. It's pretty early to be saying that, but if he stays healthy, his ceiling is pretty damn high.

Gurley > Rawls, but the fact that we're even discussing this is a testament to what a fantastic find he was for this team.

 

[Overseasfan]

We have a very distinct style. Even though Brady is a better QB than Russ overall, I doubt he'd do better in ohr system than Russ. Same with Rawls. Gurley is overall more talented but this hard hitting style is just like a mini Beast. It fits us and I wouldn't want any rookie RB over Rawls on our team.

 

[HawKnPeppa]

... and he doesn't have an injury history that's as extensive as Gurley.

Rawls was oft-injured because of his playing style. One of his previous coaches said as much. In fact, I think an injury sidelined him in Michigan, then he never got the starting job back after he was heathy, so there is no way to determine who will be more durable in the long run. I have my fingers crossed because so many of his runs end like a train wreck. Marshawn will at least use a stiff arm whenever possible instead of ramming his shoulder into someone to finish a play. RBs take too many impacts to be seeking them every time they touch the ball, so we'll see how that pans out. Love to watch Rawls run and love the results thus far, but I worry about longevity, as in will he make it through this season/post season.

He's plenty talented enough, and might end up surpassing Arian Foster and Priest Holmes as the best UDFA backs ever. It's pretty early to be saying that, but if he stays healthy, his ceiling is pretty damn high..

If he stays healthy, yes, I agree.

Gurley > Rawls, but the fact that we're even discussing this is a testament to what a fantastic find he was for this team

I would say that the Seahawks are benefitting more from Rawls than the Rams are benefitting from Gurley right now, but I agree that Gurley is the better talent.

 

[Smellyman]

Amari Cooper perhaps

Mariota?

Title clearly states the OP is talking about running backs.

Yup. I still missed it boss. A million apologies.

 

[Rob12]

Amari Cooper perhaps

Mariota?

Title clearly states the OP is talking about running backs.

Yup. I still missed it boss. A million apologies.

I can't speak for everyone, but I forgive you brother.

Now go take a damn shower.

 

[SeaChase]

I think he's probably #2 with Gurley being #1. But he was a better pick up by the Hawks since he went undrafted.

 

[Jac]

I know scouting reports get thrown out as soon as careers begin, but NFL.com makes it sound like they're practically the same player.

Gurley Strengths: "Rare blend of speed and power. Immense power in legs and shows balance through contact. Shreds arm tackles and has speed to house it. Very hard to tackle on an angle. Professional, decisive runner. Presses line of scrimmage to set up his cut-back runs. Gets downhill with knee bend and forward lean, staying small through the hole. Uses quick, tight steps to second level. Will sink and explode into tackler or side-step and jet, causing hesitation in downhill safeties with their approach. Converts "speed to power" between tackles and around corner. Rarely looks to run out of bounds and finishes his runs. Able to factor out of the backfield with soft hands and ability to adjust to throws."

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/ ... id=2552475

Rawls Strengths: "If you don't bring it to him, he will bring it to you. Powerful beyond his size with strong legs and outstanding balance at and beyond contact. Able to absorb contact on legs with defenders bouncing off. Coils into a ball of power and explodes into tacklers with cocked hip and low pad level to finish his run with a message being sent. Competes hard on every run with jump cuts and lateral shiftiness in the hole to go with his power. Sudden runner with ability to make sharp, decisive cuts. Can plant and go with immediate burst downhill or bounce to perimeter in search of new opportunities. Has desired foot quickness and hip fluidity. Has above-average vision and feel for the changing shape of running lanes. Hands are good enough to factor in passing game."

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/ ... id=2552648

In fact, both of their weaknesses cite potential injury and being a little too cutback-happy.

 

[jdemps]

I know scouting reports get thrown out as soon as careers begin, but NFL.com makes it sound like they're practically the same player.

Gurley Strengths: "Rare blend of speed and power. Immense power in legs and shows balance through contact. Shreds arm tackles and has speed to house it. Very hard to tackle on an angle. Professional, decisive runner. Presses line of scrimmage to set up his cut-back runs. Gets downhill with knee bend and forward lean, staying small through the hole. Uses quick, tight steps to second level. Will sink and explode into tackler or side-step and jet, causing hesitation in downhill safeties with their approach. Converts "speed to power" between tackles and around corner. Rarely looks to run out of bounds and finishes his runs. Able to factor out of the backfield with soft hands and ability to adjust to throws."

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/ ... id=2552475

Rawls Strengths: "If you don't bring it to him, he will bring it to you. Powerful beyond his size with strong legs and outstanding balance at and beyond contact. Able to absorb contact on legs with defenders bouncing off. Coils into a ball of power and explodes into tacklers with cocked hip and low pad level to finish his run with a message being sent. Competes hard on every run with jump cuts and lateral shiftiness in the hole to go with his power. Sudden runner with ability to make sharp, decisive cuts. Can plant and go with immediate burst downhill or bounce to perimeter in search of new opportunities. Has desired foot quickness and hip fluidity. Has above-average vision and feel for the changing shape of running lanes. Hands are good enough to factor in passing game."

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/ ... id=2552648

In fact, both of their weaknesses cite potential injury and being a little too cutback-happy.

Both are great power backs. Gurley supposedly has the edge in home run speed but doesn't have an official 40 time to compare (doesn't look like a sub 4.4 runner IMO. Rawls ran a 4.46). Biggest difference is that Gurley's a monster. 6'1" 231. vs Rawls 5'9" 215. Gurley's just a rare physical freak. The much mass with the ability to cut like that. Just not fair.Gurley's probably a greater injury risk overall but Rawls' style (like Lynch's) puts a little more wear and tear on the body. All things considered, Gurley is probably the better back.

BUT, like the Wilson vs Luck comparison, the added value to your team of the 10th overall pick vs. undrafted free agent. Home Freaking Run.

:0190l:

 

[chris98251]

David Johnson has 10 TD's.

Doesn't make him a better back, just a different set of chances and a different philosophy on the goal line, we pass more then we run or did.

 

[Cartire]

David Johnson has 10 TD's.

Doesn't make him a better back, just a different set of chances and a different philosophy on the goal line, we pass more then we run or did.

He has 5 receiving and 5 rushing. I'm not saying hes better, but he's been overlooked by everyone here because he gets basically no media coverage.

 

[ringless]

David Johnson has 10 TD's.

Doesn't make him a better back, just a different set of chances and a different philosophy on the goal line, we pass more then we run or did.

He has 5 receiving and 5 rushing. I'm not saying hes better, but he's been overlooked by everyone here because he gets basically no media coverage.

I think a lot of that is he hasn't had a lot of playing time. He has 76 carries, and 13 receptions.
He was stuck behind Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington. He's really only had a legitimate shot out of a few plays in the last two games when he's been the starter. Getting 99, and 92 yards respectively