The Seattle Seahawks' quest for a reliable running back continues, and with a tryout for former Oregon State star Anthony Hankerson, it seems they're casting a wide net. Hankerson, who had a standout career at Oregon State, is now looking to make a splash in the NFL, and the Seahawks are taking notice.
Personally, I think this move is an interesting one, especially given the Seahawks' current running back situation. With injuries plaguing the position, the Seahawks are in a bit of a bind. The team's depth chart is looking a bit thin, and Hankerson could be a potential solution. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Hankerson has a connection to the Seahawks through his replacement at Oregon State, Damien Martinez, who was a draft pick for the team.
From my perspective, Hankerson's tryout is a strategic move by the Seahawks. With injuries to key players like Jadarian Price and Emanuel Wilson, the team needs to find a reliable backup option. Hankerson's experience and talent could be just what the team needs to get through the preseason and into the regular season.
One thing that immediately stands out is Hankerson's impressive career at Oregon State. As the first Beavers running back since Jacquizz Rodgers to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, Hankerson has proven his ability to perform at a high level. What many people don't realize is that Hankerson's transfer to Oregon State in 2024 was a strategic move, as he was looking to replace Martinez, who was a draft pick for the Seahawks.
If you take a step back and think about it, Hankerson's tryout is a testament to the Seahawks' commitment to finding the best talent available. With a banged-up running back room, the team is willing to take a chance on a player who has the potential to make an impact. This raises a deeper question: Are the Seahawks willing to take a chance on a player who has been released by another team, or is this just a strategic move to fill a gap in their roster?
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that Hankerson did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine. This could be a red flag for some teams, but for the Seahawks, it might be a sign that they are looking for a player who is willing to take a chance on them. What this really suggests is that the Seahawks are looking for a player who is not afraid to take on a challenge and who is willing to work hard to prove themselves.
In my opinion, Hankerson's tryout is a smart move by the Seahawks. With injuries to key players, the team needs to find a reliable backup option, and Hankerson has the potential to fill that role. However, it remains to be seen if the Seahawks will sign him ahead of Monday's practice. We'll have to wait and see if Hankerson will impress enough to make the practice squad.
In the meantime, the Seahawks' quest for a reliable running back continues. With a banged-up roster and a need for depth, the team is willing to take a chance on players like Hankerson. It will be interesting to see if Hankerson can make the most of this opportunity and prove himself as a valuable addition to the Seahawks' roster.
