The Seattle Seahawks initially agreed to terms with a sizable 16 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft, though they’ve already released three of those players. General manager John Schneider strung together one of the better UDFA classes around the league. Former Boise State running back George Holani is one of the undrafted rookies who has a terrific opportunity to compete for a 53-man roster spot.
Holani was among the most underrated backs in the 2004 NFL Draft. The standout Bronco departed the program with the fifth-most rushing yards (3,596) in school history. Holani also displayed an efficient nose for the end zone, scoring 26 career touchdowns.
Holani then received an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ranked third among all participating ball-carriers in the vertical (39 inches) and broad (10-foot-7) jumps. Lower-body twitch and explosion were present. Holani also ran an acceptable 4.52 40 with timely splits of 2.63 and 1.58.
George Holani is a RB prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.12 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 154 out of 1745 RB from 1987 to 2024.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 2, 2024
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/C0GXjomgh6 pic.twitter.com/pbX7D0qnDr
The Seahawks showed consistent interest in Holani's services throughout the pre-draft process. Schneider hosted the Bellflower, California native on an official in-person visit. Seattle was Holani's only pre-draft meeting that didn't occur at the combine, pro day, or virtually. Schneider then guaranteed a notable $115,000 of his undrafted salary, according to Spotrac.
That financial commitment increases Holani's chances of making the team. The Seahawks didn't draft a running back, nor did they add one via free agency.
It's worth acknowledging the Seahawks are well-stocked at the top of the position, with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in a timeshare backfield. There should be plenty of reps for Holani to impress throughout training camp though, and particularly during the preseason. The Seahawks don't need to put Walker III or Charbonnet on the field much for exhibition games. Expect Holani to lead the Seahawks in carries, which would provide an opportunity to endear himself to new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
Holani will be in direct competition with second-year player Kenny McIntosh for the RB3 role. McIntosh was a 2023 seventh-rounder who spent a large portion of his rookie campaign on IR. He didn’t play a single snap on offense, nor was he a factor on special teams, earning just 13 snaps via the third phase of the game.
The Seahawks recently released TaMerik Williams, the other undrafted running back they originally signed. They did add UFL running back Ricky Person Jr. earlier this week. Person Jr. doesn't pose a huge threat to Holani.
Holani must stay healthy through the summer. He's previously suffered issues with his MCL and hamstring and missed six games in 2023 due to a leg muscle strain. As a prospect, Holani possessed outstanding instincts as an all-around playmaker when available.
The Seahawks have a terrific, playoff-ready roster. It's going to be difficult for any member of the undrafted class to convince management they belong. Holani is a standout who possesses the skill set and pathway required to carve out a role.
Other Seahawks undrafted free agents worth monitoring throughout the summer include tight end Jack Westover, linebacker Easton Gibbs, offensive tackle Garret Greenfield, and EDGE Nelson Ceaser.
