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NFL Draft 2018: Five worst picks of the first round

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Rashaad Penny — Seattle Seahawaks

Rashaad Penny seemed like he was going to give an NFL team terrific value where he was selected. Of course, that rests on the expectation that he’d most likely be a third-round pick. By taking him with the 27th pick, the Seahawks have completely ruined the value he could provide

The Seahawks will expect Penny to come in and carry a heavy load right away. It wouldn’t surprise at all to see him lead them in carries next season. The problem is that he just isn’t an overly dynamic runner. He’ll accrue plenty of yards with his tough running style, but he’s just not a home run hitter.

That’s why selecting him ahead of players like Sony Michel and Ronald Jones II is just indefensible. Passing on them just doesn’t make any sense for Pete Carroll and company.

This might be a classic example of a team falling in love with a player and losing all sense of reason. It’s possible Carroll zeroed in on Penny early in the Draft process and told his War Room to make sure they acquired him at all costs. They followed Carroll’s instructions but it’s caused them to massively overpay for the least valuable position in the NFL.