Through two weeks of NFL action, Kenneth Walker III is already making his presence felt.
The former Michigan State star and Doak Walker Award winner came to Seattle as a rookie, knowing he was buried on the depth chart and he had to make a name for himself. It didn't take him long to steal the starting job from veterans, although he did get some injury help. He hasn't looked back since.
Although he's in the middle of a backfield share with former Michigan and UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet, Walker is looking like one of the best rushers in the NFL.
Earlier, I wrote about how Walker III is second in the league in explosive run rate, which is the percentage of 15-plus yard runs. He trails only Derrick Henry in that category.
I just discovered another key statistical category that favors Walker III: missed tackles.
According to Underdog NFL, Walker III is tied for the league lead in missed tackles.
Kenneth Walker III is tied for forcing the most missed tackles (14) among RBs this seasonpic.twitter.com/E8DrMV9sbv
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 17, 2025
According to the numbers, Walker is tied with Jonathan Taylor of the Colts and Bucky Irving of the Buccaneers. Yes, two other running backs whose colleges reside in the Big Ten. Is it safe to say that the three most elusive running backs in the NFL represent the Big Ten? Bucky Irving never played in the Big Ten, but we're going to count it for the narrative.
Walker is playing some really good football after a slow start to the season, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown against a solid Steelers defense in Week 2.
He'll be facing a bottom-15 run defense in the league in the New Orleans Saints.