Dynasty Rookie Profile: Kenneth Walker III

Kenneth Walker is a dynamic running back coming out of Michigan State. Perhaps the best example of his work came in his matchup against Michigan in 2021. In that game, Walker accounted for all five of Michigan State’s touchdowns, playing a significant role in giving them the win against their state rivals.

While that stat alone is enough to catch my attention, the way in which he did it was what really struck me. Michigan’s front seven was pretty dominant early in that game, allowing few big plays against the run. Despite that, Walker was able to consistently chip away with three-yard plays, and every now and then break some tackles to get to five or six yards. That’s the type of brunt work that NFL coaches are looking for and that will serve teams well in establishing the run game.

As the game progressed, Walker’s physicality provided opportunities for him to demonstrate his speed, as he was able to get around defenders and break loose as the game progressed. Several skills caught my attention over the course of this game.

First, there’s his pure strength. Early in the game on a goal-line situation, Michigan State handed the ball off to Walker who was first touched at the two-yard line. He kept drilling his feet and was able to push over a defensive lineman to score the touchdown.

Then, there’s his speed. When the offensive line makes a hole, Walker is going to get at least five or six yards out of the play. That’s how quick he is. Not only that, but he can get creative when things break down and also has the ability to squeeze himself through holes that seemingly aren’t there.

Finally, he’s pretty good in pass blocking, which will help keep his role on passing down situations. I would like to see him provide more chip help when running routes, but that’s something that can be taught and added to his game.

To me, Walker is clearly a future NFL lead back, with the potential to take on a three-down role. Even if he ends up in a committee, his explosiveness is enough to warrant RB2/RB3 consideration. In my mind, he is definitively in the top three of this fantasy running back class and has the potential to end up as the number one running back out of this group.

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