Huard’s draft profile on new Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny
May 1, 2018, 10:57 AM | Updated: 11:57 am
New Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny led the nation in rushing yards in 2017. (AP)
(AP)
What do we know about San Diego state running back Rashaad Penny? He was the Seahawks’ first-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, and today 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock Huard takes a look at what Penny brings to the table in Seattle.
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Snapshot: At 5-feet-11 and 220 pounds, Penny has the ideal build for an NFL running back. He’s also got great speed; he scored twice on kickoff returns for the Aztecs and recorded a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in February.
Penny was the nation’s leading rusher in 2017, recording 2,027 yards on the ground for 19 touchdowns. He had another 142 receiving yards for two touchdowns.
Brock’s take: Brock Huard praised Penny’s production with SDSU, his work ethic and overall demeanor. But he also highlighted an issue from Penny’s combine performance.
“Just looking at those combine numbers now, there are a couple things that jump out on the other side of the column, and that’s just 13 reps of 225,” Huard said. “That’s not good enough. I have long arms, I have no pecs, and yes I was high on creatine, but I was still rep out 12 times of 225. As powerful and as strong as he is, that number’s got to go north. There’s got to be more committment to that. Because if you’re going to be a good pass blocker in this league, you’ve gotta jack fools up, and it takes some punch to do that. It’s not just a willingness. It’s why they measure the bench press, it’s why it matters. What’s your punch? What’s the stopping power of that punch when that linebacker’s coming?
“The other thing that was curious is that 32-inch vert. You would think for 4.46 speed that there would be a little bit more explosion in that way.”
Ultimately though, Huard said what matters more than a combine perofrmance is Penny’s work on the field. And with that, he was particularly impressed.
“I’m nitpicking, because the game tape speaks for itself,” Huard said. “I really liked what John Schneider had to say post-draft, and that is, ‘Here’s a young guy that’s played 54 games at the collegiate level. And when you play that much and you’re that durable, you do know what your strengths and what your weaknesses are.’ This is one humble dude. This was not a guy that was highly thought of coming out of high school. Hardly recruited, played in a really small school, a really remedial system, had to learn a lot of ball at San Diego State, and is unbelievably humble. But is there enough juice there? I think that will be the continued question.”
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