Rashaad Penny Could Finally Live Up to His First-Round Billing: Why the Eagles Offense Is a Massive Upgrade

Corbin Young
March 15, 2023

After re-signing with the Seahawks on a one-year deal last year worth $5.75 million, Rashaad Penny has moved on from the team that drafted him in the first round and signed with the Eagles. Penny finished the 2021 season strong, averaging 17 carries, 117.7 rushing yards, and one touchdown per game during Weeks 13-18. Unfortunately, injuries hampered Penny again last year, though he remained efficient as a rusher in limited action.

Last season, the Seahawks drafted Kenneth Walker 41st overall as the second rookie running back behind Breece Hall. Since Walker flashed elite athleticism and college production, Penny’s redraft stock fell. Though Walker dealt with an abdominal injury in the summer and beginning of the season, we guessed he would take over the Seahawks backfield eventually.

How does Penny fit into the Eagles’ offense? And how should we value Penny for fantasy purposes before the 2023 NFL Draft?

How Does Penny Fit Into the Eagles’ Offense?

Penny had a broken fibula and high-ankle sprain that ended his season early in October. Injuries aside, he flashed efficiency with the Seahawks. Penny ranked fourth in FPOE/G in 2021 and sixth in 2022. Amongst qualified backs, Penny averaged the third-most FPOE/G behind Austin Ekeler and Nick Chubb from 2021 through Week 5 of 2022. We like efficient players, especially since Penny expects to share the backfield with Kenneth Gainwell.

While the team context could change, Penny makes a lateral move from a run-blocking perspective. Last season, the Eagles ranked sixth (1.98) and the Seahawks ranked seventh (1.90) in yards before contact. Throughout the season, the Eagles often rated as an above-average run-blocking matchup each week. Penny and the Eagles’ running backs often showed the ability to create yards before contact, aligning with the theory of it being a lateral move.

Amongst backs with 50 carries, Penny ranked 11th in YBC with Miles Sanders at fifth. Gainwell barely missed the carry threshold, though he averaged 2.2 YBC on 46 attempts. Unfortunately, Penny only played in five games, but smashed in the advanced metrics. Penny ranked first in yards after contact and tied for 11th in evasion rate. In 2021, Penny boasted similar juicy metrics with 2.5 YBC (No. 8), 3.7 YAC (No. 1), and a 20% evasion rate (No. 7).

Assuming Health, Penny Could Crush In Philly

We mentioned it’s a lateral move from an offensive standpoint, but

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