While the Seattle Seahawks made several changes to the team's roster during the 2024 NFL draft, but they did not pick any running backs.
Nevertheless, Seattle acted fast to recruit George Holani, an undrafted running back from Boise State. ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that Seattle offered Holani a $100,000 base salary guarantee with a $15,000 signing bonus.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler predicted that Holani, who had 221 carries for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, in addition to 24 receptions for 151 yards and 3 scores, could be chosen in the seventh round.
“Holani had multiple injuries over the last four years, but he was consistently productive when he played and finished his career as the fifth leading rusher at Boise State (just behind Jay Ajayi),” Brugler wrote. “Given his rugby background, Holani runs with strength, patience, and a good sense for running angles to avoid tacklers and consistently maximize his opportunities.
“NFL scouts say he might be too tough for his own good… He’ll need to be protected from himself to avoid being injured. Overall, Holani isn’t extremely quick, and his history of injuries might be a problem, but he has exceptional reactive instincts and a versatile skill set that NFL coaches will have confidence in. He can be a backup player on an NFL team.”
Seahawks RB George Holani Is Expected to Be on the Final Roster
While the Seahawks are in a rebuilding phase under new head coach Mike Macdonald, the offense will be very similar to last season. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet are the main starters with Kenny McIntosh as RB3. Holani is the top contender to become the fourth running back on the team.
The Athletic’s Mike Dugar wrote about Holani, “It’s not surprising that he went undrafted considering his history of injuries. He has had problems with his MCL and hamstring, and missed six games last season due to a leg muscle strain.
“Holani is also relatively old for a rookie, turning 25 in December. He has decent speed (4.52) and average size but delivered some strong performances in college, and maybe if that transfers to the preseason, he can secure a spot on Seattle’s 53-man roster.” In eight games last season, the 5-foot-10, 208-pounder had 134 rushes for 748 yards and 7 touchdowns, as well as 17 receptions for 199 yards.
The Seahawks also signed running back TaMerik Williams, an undrafted player from North Dakota State. The 6-foot, 218-pounder led the Bisons with 125 rushes for 768 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.
Dugar mentioned about Williams, “He has decent size but didn’t perform well in tests, running 4.63 in the 40 with poor agility and explosion numbers. He is expected to be a potential backup on early downs in the next level.”
Seahawks RB George Holani Is Prepared to Have an Immediate Impact in Seattle
Holani told the Idaho Statesman that he met with nearly all 32 teams before the NFL draft and visited Seattle as one of the top 30 picks. He realized that his history of injuries affected his draft position, but assured that he would make a difference wherever he ended up.
“I feel good, and I’m just excited about what’s next,” Holani said. “I’m ready to go to work for whatever team is willing to take a chance on me.”
Holani told The Draft Network, “I am a game changer on the field. I consistently make big plays. Every time I'm called to perform, I will shine in that role, no matter what's required of me.
“I can go out there and make big plays. I aim to earn the trust and respect of my teammates and coaches. Whether it's offense or special teams, I'm determined to excel in whatever role is assigned to me. My goal is to have the greatest impact in any way possible.”
According to OvertheCap.com, the Seahawks are $1.39 million over the salary cap, so they will not be able to sign any high-profile running backs in free agency. This increases Holani’s chances of joining the team in 2024.
