Seattle Seahawks RB Kenny McIntosh has the skill set to be an instant contributor
The Day 3 selection has the skill set to be an instant-impact player within the Seattle Seahawks offense.
Kenny McIntosh comes from a winning pedigree.
After spending his college career playing for the Georgia Bulldogs, McIntosh was a Day 3 draft selection by the Seattle Seahawks. He joins an already crowded running back room with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, another 2023 NFL Draft selection of the Seahawks.
But one person believes McIntosh could be an instant contributor, Seahawks senior director of player personnel Matt Berry. In an exclusive interview with "Locked On Seahawks," Berry explained that McIntosh has a unique skill set that could set him apart from the other running backs on the roster.
"There's a belief and a chip on his shoulder, and I think he's ready to come in and contribute right away," Berry said on the podcast. "He's gonna find a way to impact our team, and we were excited to get him when we did."
For McIntosh, production shouldn't be a concern. In the 2022 college football season, McIntosh led Georgia with 829 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. What set him apart, however, was his pass-catching abilities. Somehow, while leading the team on the ground, McIntosh finished third on the team in receiving yards with 504.
What also helps his case is that Georgia went on to win the National Championship, with McIntosh serving as one of the primary offensive weapons. That is what made it so shocking when he was still available for Seattle to select at pick No. 237. Realistically, he could have fallen out of the draft.
Berry explained that McIntosh may have slipped to Seattle because he didn't "work out" well during the combine phase and pre-draft process. But workouts don't explain the totality of a player's skill set. And McIntosh may have the perfect blend of offensive versatility that will make him an instant contributor alongside Geno Smith, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, D.K. Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett.
"You're sitting there looking at your board late in the draft, and you're looking for guys that can capture the most talent," Berry said. "I think he's got a unique skill set that's a little bit different from Ken and Zach. He's really good on third down. He's really good in the passing game. He's good in pass protection. And he can play on special teams."
Throughout the summer and training camp, expect McIntosh to battle with the other running backs on Seattle's roster. It is apparent the Seahawks already like what he brings to the table, and now it comes down to him living up to what was seen with his production at Georgia.
