32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season
![May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1fcc609217495ab1fc49fb3de1e6cde58e31b04e211eea8daef21ed6a31d3a07.jpg)
Seattle Seahawks – RB C.J. Prosise
The Seahawks’ backfield will look considerably different — and younger — in 2016 than it has in recent years. Gone are the retired Marshawn Lynch and aging Fred Jackson, replaced by Prosise and Alex Collins, two of Seattle’s 10 picks in this year’s draft.
Thomas Rawls, a 2015 undrafted free agent who burst onto the scene when Lynch went down, figures to again carry the main workload. But the Seahawks like Prosise’s skill set out of the backfield.
Prosise, a former wide receiver, had 1,340 yards and 12 touchdowns from scrimmage for Notre Dame last season. He should immediately slot in as Seattle’s third-down back on passing downs.
There’s always a chance for a heavier workload as well. If Rawls is slowed in his return from a fractured ankle, Prosise could assume more of the ball-carrying duties. Jackson occupied the third-down role last season, catching 32 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. The younger and more dynamic Prosise should exceed that production, at the very least.
For now, Prosise is best viewed as a handcuff to Rawls or a late-round flyer, but there is room for his role to expand as the season moves forward. This will be a situation to monitor throughout the preseason.
Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers