The Facts: After last week's draft wrapped up, HC Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider fielded questions about the team's haul, specifically the three running backs they selected. The Seahawks spent a third-round pick on C.J. Prosise, a fifth-round selection on Alex Collins and a seventh rounder on Zac Brooks. In between discussing the rookies, Carroll made sure to let everyone know where he stands on Rawls. "Thomas gives us a great element in his style of play," Carroll said. "We love the way he is physical and aggressive and tough. ... I think the message of who we are and what we're about has been Thomas."

Diehards Line: Carroll's message was clear: Assuming health, Rawls is the Seahawks' primary ball-carrier. He piled up 830 yards as a rookie, leading the NFL in yards per carry (5.65) and average yards after contact (2.68). That's key and part of what made Marshawn Lynch so special. Even if the blocking isn't great and Rawls is getting met in the backfield, he can still create positive yardage. In the six games that Rawls started and finished, he averaged 21 carries, and he showed the coaches everything they wanted to see in his first season: Vision, toughness, smarts and ball security. But health is a concern. Rawls suffered a season-ending ankle injury in December, and while the team expects him to be full-go by the time Week 1 rolls around, the Seahawks need a contingency plan. That's where Christine Michael, Prosise, Collins and Brooks could come into play.