One of best value picks of 2020 NFL Draft was… a running back?

Running back DeeJay Dallas was a steal in the 2020 NFL Draft

In quite the deep crop of running backs in the 2020 NFL Draft, Miami running back DeeJay Dallas slipped under the radar. Despite seeming like a reach early in day-three, the Seattle Seahawks pulled the trigger on him; Dallas could turn out to be one of the best value picks of the draft.

Even with a crowded running back room in Seattle, it would not be a surprise to see Dallas rise to the top of the depth chart within an 18 month span. Carrying over Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and Travis Homer, the Seahawks then took another day-three flyer on Dallas, one of the more underrated backs of the draft.

Making Dallas’ life harder already, however, the Seahawks then went on to sign veteran running back Carlos Hyde to a one-year deal. One thing is certain, however, Seattle will not carry five running backs into the regular season; given that Dallas is a new draft pick of this year, it would be shocking to see him get the axe barring an abysmal preseason and training camp.

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During all three years with the Miami Hurricanes, Dallas never managed to rush for 1,000 yards, but that should not drive eyes away from his tape. Never given an ample amount of carries, Dallas made the most out of his opportunities, averaging nearly six yards per carry over his career.

Rushing, however, is just the surface of Dallas’ game. Rushing for a total of over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns during his career with the Hurricanes, Dallas was recruited as an athlete out of high school, making it apparent he is comfortable as a receiver out of the backfield as well.

Catching 14 passes for an additional 140 yards and two scores in 2019, he will be an excellent addition to an offense that asks its running backs to be a reliable target in the pass game. Over the past two seasons, Carson has caught nearly 60 passes from Russell Wilson; change of pace runner Penny has added an additional 17 catches out of the backfield.

Where Dallas flashes most on tape, however, is when he is neither running or catching the ball. Instead, when he is asked to stay in and block in pass protection, Dallas can absolutely get after it and is one of the best backs in the class in picking up his assignments.

To take him in the fourth round with a deep group of backs already on the roster, the Seahawks must have seen something in DeeJay Dallas they found irresistible. With Carson and Hyde on the last years of their contract, do not be shocked if Dallas takes over the reigns in Seattle’s backfield before long as they attempt to stay in title contention.