Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker could become Beast Mode 2.0 for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks drafted UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Head coach Pete Carroll said, via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, that Charbonnet is "going to be right in there" with second-year RB Kenneth Walker III and "it's going to take both guys to get the workload."

The tandem of Charbonnet and Walker could wind up being one of the most powerful backfields in the NFL. Both players have the ability to make people miss, but they also don't shy away from utilizing brute force and racking up yards after contact. 

“Definitely as a runner, just a physical running style,” Charbonnet said about his running chops. “Downhill, one-cut is the type of game I play, but also have the ability to make someone miss and catch out of the backfield."

Charbonnet can have an every-down role if necessary on Seattle's offense — he has plenty of weapons in his arsenal. 

"He can block, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, he’s good in the screen game, he makes big plays, he’s been the workhorse," Carroll said. "So I think he will be a great complement to Kenny.”

Charbonnet rushed for 1,359 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, ranked fourth in the FBS with 6.97 yards per carry, and per PFF, had the third-best rushing grade (96.4) since 2021. 

The addition of Charbonnet isn't a reflection of anything Walker's done wrong. In fact, Walker had an impressive rookie season in 2022, rushing for 1,050 yards and nine rushing scores along with 27 receptions for 165 receiving yards. 

The bottom line is it's imperative for a playoff contending team like Seattle to have more than one solid option at running back. 

The addition of Charbonnet could be a major help to quarterback Geno Smith, who might not have to be relied upon as heavily next year. Smith ranked No. 8 in pass attempts in 2022 with 572. 

Even when Russell Wilson was in his prime with the Seahawks they relied heavily on the run and Marshawn Lynch. Maybe Charbonnet and Walker will be Beast Mode 2.0.