5 Rookies Who Should Impact Fantasy Football in 2016

C.J. Prosise, RB, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks drafted C.J. Prosise in the third round in April, and head coach Pete Carroll was quick to point out that Prosise was one of the team’s targets heading into the draft.

“I think this is a very, very unique player and I love talking about him,” Carroll said, according to the Seattle Times. “We were hoping we could get him because we have a very special role that we can put him in and then we can go from there.”

That role Carroll is referring to is the Seahawks pass-catching back, a spot occupied by 34-year-old Fred Jackson in 2015.

Jackson led Seahawks running backs in receptions with 32 for 257 yards and 2 touchdowns. Thomas Rawls, who emerged after Marshawn Lynch was sidelined after undergoing sports hernia surgery, wasn't a threat out of the backfield last year catching only 9 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

In addition to Prosise’s expected playing time as the Seahawks pass-catching back, Carroll has also floated the idea of Prosise seeing an expanded role on early downs as well.

“There’s no reason he can’t be a first-down back too. We know what we’re going to attempt to do with him on third down. We’re going to give him a great shot to show us he can fit in,” Carroll said, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Prosise appears to be a big part of the Seahawks offensive plans for 2016, and further enhancing his stock is that Rawls is still recovering from a broken ankle suffered in Week 14. Recently, it was suggested that Rawls would not play in the preseason, but could be ready for Week 1.

That leaves Prosise to battle with Christine Michael and Alex Collins for playing time early. Regardless of whether or not he assumes lead back duties, Prosise appears to have a significant role etched into the Seahawks offense in 2016.

Matt Franciscovich, for those interested, has written a more in-depth look that explores the potential of Prosise for this season.