Alex Collins vs Troymaine Pope: Who Makes The Cut?

The Seattle Seahawks are in a tricky position. They have five quality running backs and only four spots. All have valid claims to a roster spot. Who do they choose, Alex Collins or Troymaine Pope?

After Seattle cut 7th round pick Zac Brooks and converted CB George Farmer, it narrowed down the options for the 4th running back spot. Both Troymaine Pope and Alex Collins excelled during the 4th preseason game. So, the winner of the roster spot is anyone’s guess.

Alex Collins was a highly touted draft prospect who came to Seattle with incredibly high fan expectations. Troymaine Pope was a roster filler who ended up stealing the spotlight. Each back has his advantages and disadvantages. Both have the potential to be special players in Seattle.

The Case For Alex Collins:

Alex Collins has reportedly impressed during training camp, but his performance has yet to transfer into the games. He slid down to the 5th round in the draft after a poor combine showing.

The Seahawks, despite being notorious for valuing athleticism, saw something in Collins. Whether it was his powerful running style or his fancy footwork, the consensus was that Collins would step in right away and be the perfect complement to incumbent Thomas Rawls. However, he is on thin ice in Seattle after failing to assert himself firmly on the depth chart.

Better late than never! Alex Collins finally showing that burst. #Seahawks

— Aaron Levine (@AaronQ13Fox) September 2, 2016

His remaining advantages in this race are his college pedigree and potential role. Despite sharing carries with Jonathan Williams, Collins still ran for 1,000 yards all three seasons at Arkansas. In the event that Collins makes the team, he will most likely be a short yardage back.

After losing Marshawn Lynch this offseason, Seattle could use another big, powerful running back who will “run through a motherf****rs face” when necessary. Add in his footwork and vision, and Alex Collins could be a special back. Will Seattle give him the time?

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The Case For Troymaine Pope:

After the Jacksonville State product’s 86-yard performance against Minnesota, Seahawks RB Troymaine Pope became the darling of Seahawks camp.

If performance late in preseason games count like Pete Carroll says they do, Troymaine Pope is going to make #Seahawks. At whose expense?

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 2, 2016

Some people even called for the 5’10 Pope to make the 53 man roster. His quickness, elusiveness and burst separate Pope from Collins, who is more of a bruising back. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll had encouraging words to say about Pope and positive performance:

“I’m not surprised, “I really thought we saw some stuff in practice that showed us the special quickness that he has. He’s very elusive. He has a good burst and a good sense. I went right back after watching him, and the kind of yards he made in high school — he had some huge years in high school, and he had a really big year his senior year in college. He’s made a lot of touchdowns and scored a lot of points. It was exciting to see a young guy come through like that.”

Initially, Kansas City signed Pope as an undrafted free agent out of FCS powerhouse Jacksonville State. After injuries to RB’s CJ Prosise and Zac Brooks, Seattle signed Pope purely to provide insurance and depth at the position.

Pope did much more than that, leading Seattle in rushing this preseason, despite his limited carries. However, Pope did run for 1,788 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Gamecocks last season, helping them reach the FCS title games last season.

As an UDFA with a daughter to support, Pope’s heart, perseverance and desire could be valuable to the roster. His main role would be to provide an electric spark in the run game. While this may be similar to Prosise and his skills, Pope’s preseason performance has been good enough to earn him a roster spot. In addition, Pope’s speed can be utilized as a backup returner, or maybe even as a gunner.