By Liz Mathews

The Seahawks have a specific role in mind for running back Robert Turbin, and expect their fourth-round pick to complement a strong running game.

"He had an excellent camp," head coach Pete Carroll said Sunday. "He has terrific speed. He has excellent feet. We were a little bit unsure of how well he would flow with the zone running game because he ran out of the gun all the time. He did it like he's been doing it all along. So he showed natural instincts for the flow of the line of scrimmage.

"So I don't think there's any question that he can fill the role that we're asking for once he learns what's going on, if he can do his pass protection stuff -- there's a long process here to teach him -- but physically he looked very good."

General manager John Schneider said after the draft that the team had been looking for a physical running back to keep the rhythm going when starter Marshawn Lynch comes off the field.

When asked specifically whether or not Turbin will be the team's third-down running back, Carroll said Sunday that it is still too early to tell.

"That's stuff that has to be determined," Carroll said. "He has not had to block a lot in pass protection, but I'll be shocked if he doesn't. He's perfectly suited to do that and he didn't look far off technique-wise, so he's just got to get guys roaring downhill at you and we'll see."

Turbin, at 5-feet-10 and 222 pounds, has a style similar to Lynch and brings impressive speed. He also appears to have a nice set of hands and was targeted numerous times by the quarterbacks throughout weekend.

Turbin describes himself as a balanced back.

"I can bring the physical tools," Turbin said Saturday. "I can get downhill and do my best to break tackles and things like that. But I think I have enough agility and quickness to make people miss in space. I have a good enough knowledge of the game to be able to run routes and fast enough to be able to run routes from the slot position and catch balls out of the backfield on a consistent basis and be able to play all four downs of the game."

With Lynch certain to start this season, adjusting to a more limited role is not keeping Turbin from competing.

"The greatest thing about it in my opinion is that I think Marshawn is going to make me a better player," Turbin said. "Not just from a competitive standpoint but just learning how to do it. He's been a pro for about five or six years now. He knows how to do it.

"I think he'll be the perfect guy to be able to look up to as a rookie running back for me."

Note: The Seahawks announced on Sunday that both Turbin and fellow fourth-round pick Jaye Howard have signed their contracts, completing the draft class.