The Seattle Seahawks liked San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny enough to make him the second running back taken in the 2018 NFL Draft behind Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, who went No. 2 overall to the New York Giants.

Other teams liked him enough for there to have been a trade involving him discussed. Around the time of the 2018 NFL Draft, there was some scuttlebutt that some teams graded Penny similarly to Barkley. He was hurt by playing for a smaller school on the west coast. The lack of hype surrounding the 22 year old seems to be setting him back early in his professional career as well.

EA Sports has released their initial rankings for the Madden NFL 19 video game. Barkley had the top rating of 82 and rightfully so. However, the disrespect would start there.

Penny should have been the second most highly rated running back because he was second off the board. Former LSU and current Washington Redskins running back Derrius Guice was second instead of Penny with a 78 rating. Guice was taken in the second round, No. 59 overall, because of some issues off-the-field including a story that he fabricated. Guice had suggested that he was asked an inappropriate question at the NFL Combine and later refuted that statement.

Penny was not the third, fourth or fifth running back in the ratings either.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones II (77 Overall), New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (77 Overall) and Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (76 Overall) rounded out the top five. Michel, Chubb and Jones were all among the first five running backs drafted so their inclusion is not unexpected. It was just not expected at the expense of Penny, who, again, was the second running back taken.

Seattle has been searching for a running back since Marshawn Lynch abruptly retired. Penny has been brought in to compete with CJ Prosise, Chad Carson, Mike Davis and JD McKissic to become starting running back. Last season with the Aztecs, he recorded 289 carries for 2,248 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 19 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns.

The Seahawks have not selected a running back in the first round since Alabama's Shaun Alexander was taken No. 19 overall in the 2000 NFL Draft.

EA Sports' Madden franchise began with former NFL head coach and announcer John Madden. The game is available across all platforms on Aug. 10. It allows football fans to get inside the game and control their favorite players, teams on the field.

"Madden NFL 19 transforms the way you play Madden delivering gameplay control and precision on the field. Coupled with more ways to strategize and progress your team in your favorite manager modes, Franchise and Ultimate Team."