no

[FlaStlrfan]

why a running back?

[BermudaSteel]

I kinda feel that way too...but...he was the BPA that had the MOST VALUE.

[SteelerFan448]

Clearly the BPA. He is the big running back to compliment Parker they have been looking for. With a two headed attack, teams will have to defend against the run even more, helping Ben out. And once again, easily the BPA at that point. The only other players who fit the spot would have been Merling or Jenkins. Anyone else was a reach.

[jacklambert5858]

Mendenhall is a top 10 pick. He shouldn't have even been close to being available. What a great pick. Parker just lost his job IMO.

[realsteel87]

While it certainly wasn't expected, the Steelers chose the best athlete available. No WRs have been chosen yet, so there's still a chance we could trade up in Round 2. We got a Top 10 pick at 23. Mayock had him ahead of McFadden. It's not like we have a stable of RBs. Kid definitely has the potential to add major quality at the position.

[Angry Christ]

Analysis
Positives: Has an athletic build with good muscular definition, big biceps, firm midsection and hips, thick thighs and calves...More quick than fast...Has excellent agility and balance through the rush lane...Tough, competitive athlete who has played behind some very average offensive lines, having to create a lot on his own...Instinctive runner with a good feel for the cutback lanes, doing a good job of setting up his moves in attempts to elude...Studies the game and, unlike most running backs, he has a good blue-collar work ethic...Shows good courage challenging bigger defenders and runs with a pitter-patter style...Makes good decisions and precise cuts into the hole, as he moves on the snap with no hesitation...Has good instincts, setting up and using his blocks well and has the vision to avoid and create on the move...Slides through the smallest of creases and knows how to get "skinny" and get through the spaces...Has the vision that lets him see things most backs don't...Can create if the hole is closed, but is best when taking what he can get...Does not dance in the hole, showing good body lean moving forward...Shows a good stiff-arm running with power to bounce off would-be tacklers...Not a burner, but flashes decent "scoot" to get into the second level...Has good quickness with deceptive long speed...Not really elusive, but when he sticks his foot in the ground, he has efficient plant-and-drive agility...His ball security improved in 2007, but he still needs to refine ball distribution...Plays strong, but using him as just a short-yardage back would be wasting his ability to run over second-level defenders, as he has that power to get through the hole...Has a good feel for the passing game with crisp cuts, but is not the type to split wide...Natural hands catcher -- receiver-quality -- and it is rare to see him fight with the ball...Not asked to block much, but is a team-oriented type who has the hip snap and power to block in-line and takes good angles to cut block...When he keeps his pads down (generally does), he uses his balance and leg drive to break through initial tackles...Best when utilized on screens as a receiver rather than have him attack the deep zone.



Negatives: Lacks breakaway speed, but generates good acceleration...Coaches have worked hard to get him to reduce the arm motion used when carrying the ball, as it resulted in costly fumbles in 2006...Has loose hips, but on attempts to redirect, he can be stiff in his lateral movements...Will occasionally take false steps, but he doesn't affect his timing at the point...Has a quick sidestep, but is not really the shiftiest runner you will find...Has a feel for the cutback lanes, but lacks that extra gear and speed to turn the corner consistently at the next level (needs to be a bit more patient waiting for his linemen to pull)...Not much wiggle in his running stride, showing just adequate lateral slide while running and even when at full speed, he is more of a one-cut type (linear runner).



Compares To: CEDRIC BENSON-Chicago...Bears fans might not like reading this comparison, especially since Mendenhall has attained "favorite son" status in the Windy City. Both are well-built runner with thick frames that are best served running between the tackles, as neither has that blazing speed you want in an outside runner. Mendenhall capitalized from his only season as a starter into a future NFL contract, but while he has made marked improvement in 2007, there is work to be done. He knows how to pick and slide, but there are times he will just run right at a defender rather than elude. His ball distribution needs total refinement, as he has a knack for swinging the ball wildly when he runs. Like Benson, that leads to a high amount of costly fumbles. He is a good receiver out of the backfield and relatively durable, having never missed a game due to injuries. While he should be a first-round pick, with strong post-Combine workouts, he still has a big learning curve ahead of him.


Injury Report
No injuries reported.



Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Q & A
Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why?
Tim Brown, the Madden '95 video game.
In college, what player hit you the hardest? Who was the recipient of your best hit?
Vonte Davis in practice. Conor Guillen in practice, I ran him over.
What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day?
The Boondocks on the Warner Bros.
What are the five most-played songs in your iPod? What's the one song you hope nobody ever finds out is in your iPod?
1. Olivia -- The Whispers, 2. Lucy in the sky -- The Beatles, 3. If you want me -- Sly and the Family Stone, The Cool -- Lupe Fiasco, Summer Love -- Grease, Promise -- Ciara
What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life and why?
Terry Crews, he's funny, he's my favorite actor.
What is one thing your teammates don't know about you?
I read.
What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?
Flavor of Love, He got women.
What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field?
Saving my broken play, straight down the sideline for a 30-yard gain. My writing
When you play Madden, what team do you use? Do you put yourself on the team?
The Bears or Raiders. No.
Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how?
My brother, Walter Mendenhall. He got me through when it was tough.

Heavy sigh....

[Steelerman58]

When an RB the quality of Mendenhall falls onto your lap, you have to pick him.

Thank you 22 teams who picked in front of us.

[FlaStlrfan]

best value? whatever. Give me a guy who adds value to the team. Not a back up. Even if the value comes a year from now. Not a back up to the leagues leading rusher with two weeks left in the year.

if there isn't a guy that they want at that pick, trade down.

[SteelrzGirl]

Im not upset by this pick. I didnt want a rb in the first round, but I didnt think Mendenhall would be an option. I guess I just dont know how you pass on that.

[SteelerFan448]

As TMC put it in the other thread, this guy is going to touch the ball probably 150+ times this season. Running back is the most active 'backup' on the team.

[nooneuno]

Great pick!

[FlaStlrfan]

I guess I just dont know how you pass on that.


I pass on it because we have a guy there who has had 3 straight 1200 yard seasons and 2 straight pro bowls at the same position, when only one guy can play at a time, and when we dont have anybody at T or G or C to block for him, and also need a DE OLG and CB

[Supersteeler]

Mendenhall is a top 10 pick. He shouldn't have even been close to being available. What a great pick. Parker just lost his job IMO.

If they bench a 1500 yard caliber back for a damn rookie I'm gonna go ape .

[Big Fella]

Clearly the BPA. He is the big running back to compliment Parker they have been looking for. With a two headed attack, teams will have to defend against the run even more, helping Ben out. And once again, easily the BPA at that point. The only other players who fit the spot would have been Merling or Jenkins. Anyone else was a reach.

Mendenhall is listed at 210, Parker 209...

[slashsteel]

Best value isn't a whatever. When Willie was out at the end of the year we damn sure could have used a Mendenhall. Who is a complete back he can also catch the ball as well as block. Strong year at the position and we get one that had damn good production. It was Willie then who? Now we have our thunder to go with our lightning. I also think he solves the short yardage and goal line problems. This guy will help us keep the chains moving and turn some of those field goals into TD's.. I like the pick especially seeing all of the OT's I liked taken from consideration.

I remember how we were with a 1 2 punch. We lost that when Bettis retired. A lot of your successful teams have two good backs. We went down to one. No matter how good Willie is his TD production wasn't what it needed to be.

[blitz]

[QUOTE=SteelerFan448;139378]As TMC put it in the other thread, this guy is going to touch the ball probably 150+ times this season. Running back is the most active 'backup' on the team

as long as round 2 and 3 are spent on the lines.

[BlkNGoldBlood10]

best value? whatever. Give me a guy who adds value to the team. Not a back up. Even if the value comes a year from now. Not a back up to the leagues leading rusher with two weeks left in the year.

if there isn't a guy that they want at that pick, trade down.


And who would be our backup...DAVENPORT...yea OK! GREAT PICK! He is not a backup it would be a one and two punch just like all the other teams who have a solid running game

[Blind Official]

If they bench a 1500 yard caliber back for a damn rookie I'm gonna go ape .

Tommy Maddox was a 3000 yard passer

[crimsonsteel]

I didn't have this guy on my wish list, but then again I didn't have any RBs on my wish list. This guy was by far the best player available at 23. Kudos to Colbert for not reaching for a need and picking solely on value.

[jacklambert5858]

I wonder what gift we will get in Rd #2? I sure hope we get another great player that everybody passes on. I hopin for Laws with the #2.

[Ben#7]

best value? whatever. Give me a guy who adds value to the team. Not a back up. Even if the value comes a year from now. Not a back up to the leagues leading rusher with two weeks left in the year.

if there isn't a guy that they want at that pick, trade down.

First of all. If Adrian Peterson had not gotten hurt and missed a few games Parker would not have been the Leading rusher with two weeks left in the season.

Second of all. He is NOT going to be a backup. He is going to SHARE the carries with Parker. He will probably get 10 to 15 carries per game. Not many BACKUPS get that much playing time.

Who would you have picked that would come in and make such a immediate impact?
The 10th best O Lineman?

The draft ain't over yet. We will get a DE or a OL in the 2nd and/or 3rd round.

[FlaStlrfan]

As TMC put it in the other thread, this guy is going to touch the ball probably 150+ times this season. Running back is the most active 'backup' on the team.

Why do people care what TMC thinks, he is wrong most of the time anyway.

This pick may IS a quality player, but not at all what we need with a young guy who is among the leagues elite already at the position.

Fix weaker positions with this opportunity, get a good guy to back up our stud Parker, that is the way to go.

[Supersteeler]

Tommy Maddox was a 3000 yard passer

Wow, nice comparison. Nice to see you've quickly returned to crazyville, I was starting to worry you got normal.

[realsteel87]

What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?
Flavor of Love, He got women.
:confused:

Now this could be a concern.

Seriously though, he's green. I hope someone can provide good role modeling for him.

[DrunkinIrishman]

Great pick. I know some of you guys are dissappointed, but this was the BAP on the board. This was a steal. I know it was not quite the most position of need, but you got to take him. They were already down to second rd tackles in the first round. You can never over reach. I just do not think a 3-4 end is worth a number one either. That is what causes bad drafts. As it looks now, it does not seem like there will be a lineman worth a second round pick when we pick. It might be a DL or Wr. I just do not them to overreach. They need to find players in the lower rounds who contribute.

[FlaStlrfan]

First of all. If Adrian Peterson had not gotten hurt and missed a few games Parker would not have been the Leading rusher with two weeks left in the season.

Second of all. He is NOT going to be a backup. He is going to SHARE the carries with Parker. He will probably get 10 to 15 carries per game. Not many BACKUPS get that much playing time.

Who would you have picked that would come in and make such a immediate impact?
The 10th best O Lineman?

The draft ain't over yet. We will get a DE or a OL in the 2nd and/or 3rd round.

Hey dude, if a guy is in position to win the rushing title at the end of the season, that means he is pretty good.

That is one of the dumbest statements ever made.

We don't need a guy to take half of Parker's load, only a guy to compliment him. You can get that in round 3.

If you can read, left to right form words to a sentence, get a guy that can impact the team even if its not this year and even if its not OL. I already pointed out other needs.

[jacklambert5858]

If they bench a 1500 yard caliber back for a damn rookie I'm gonna go ape .

Willie is coming back from an injury and you don't know how it will efect him. Also Willie was never that good in the red zone or short yardage. You cannot chew the clock if your RB is a runner who has homerun ability but can't get tough yards. Thats why we lost to Jacksonville. Plus this kid can catch circles around Parker. I saw this kid go through recieving drills and he dropped only one ball I think, he put on a show. He has alot more tools than Parker has and when McFadden went to Oakland I really thought the Jets were going to take him. I'll take this kid anyday of the week at #23.

[SteelerFan448]

Why do people care what TMC thinks, he is wrong most of the time anyway.

This pick may IS a quality player, but not at all what we need with a young guy who is among the leagues elite already at the position.

Fix weaker positions with this opportunity, get a good guy to back up our stud Parker, that is the way to go.

So who is your pick? Probably not a player who will get as much PT as Mendenhall is going to.

[ekeicher16]

Mendenhall is listed at 210, Parker 209...

Mendenhall is listed at 224....

[TDX27]

Parker lose his job? Are you nuts? He is a top 5 back in the league and you think he is going to be riding the pine? Put down the crack pipe.


Now, I did want an O-lineman or D-lineman as they are easily our top two weak points but I don't think any starters were left on the board. So, they should be addressing those with their next few picks. At least, I hope they address their weakest points on the team.

[TMC]

Mendenhall is listed at 210, Parker 209...

Mendenhall was 5101, 225 at the combine and ran a 4.45. He also had the fastest shuttle of ANY runningback.


And, the Vikings had Chester Taylor coming off a 1200+ yard season heading into the last draft.....they sure look stupid now wasting that pick on Peterson.

[FlaStlrfan]

Break this down. Quality player. Parker needs a compliment as a stronger, short yardage RB.

Still, first round $ to go to a complimentary need we can get out of round 3.

At this time, we still don't have a guy who can block at Guard or Tackle or Center.

Or a free saftety

Or a LB to take over for Farrior next year.

Or a CB who can cover.


okay, but we can take away a Pro Bowlers carries to get exactly what?

[Lunar7]

Mendenhall is listed at 210, Parker 209...

according to ESPN he's 225.

[SteelerFan448]

Now, I did want an O-lineman or D-lineman as they are easily our top two weak points but I don't think any starters were left on the board. So, they should be addressing those with their next few picks. At least, I hope they address their weakest points on the team.


Obviously those were our needs, but look at the tackles left, nothing good. Merling was the only player worth it on the DL and we just saw Jackson and Balmer go ahead of him. So the scouts from the NFL teams know something that we, or at least I, didn't.

[5RINGS]

We will run the ball 40 times a game. Mark it down.

[t-bone]

this rids the roster of Dumptrucks and never wasbeens.....when Willie's wheels DID fall off, there was nobody last year.....this won't be a problem this season with Parker, Mendenhall and Moore....yeah, we got needs, but it's a great value choice.

[FlaStlrfan]

So who is your pick? Probably not a player who will get as much PT as Mendenhall is going to.

explain to me with your genius why I want someone to replace Parker please.

[FlaStGrad]

Matt's Notes on Rashard Mendenhall
One of my biggest problems trying to get a feel for Rashard Mendenhall was that spread, zone-read offense that Illinois runs, however you can still see a ton of talent when watching him on film. First off all, his cutback ability is very good, especially for a 224-pound running back. He shows a good burst out of the backfield, has quick feet in the hole, is decisive and generally keeps himself north/south. Mendenhall also shows good agility for a man of his size, making the first man miss often and showing the elusiveness in the open field to put a juke on a defender to make him miss. In the open field he shows a nice burst and has the speed to go with it. He also has good hips and maintains balance. Mendenhall can also be a power runner, lowering his shoulders to break tackles and driving his legs after contact. There really aren't many chinks in the armor with this kid and I don't see him getting out of the Top 15. I don't see nearly as much drop off in talent from McFadden as a lot do with Mendenhall.



Tommy's Notes on Rashard Mendenhall
Only a Junior. Physical runner. Has surprising speed for such a tough guy. Good burst. Explodes when he gets a seam, whether in the middle on the edge. Nice gain on a shovel pass vs Wisc. Not overly elusive, but can move around a bit. Hard for one guy to tackle when he’s got a head of steam. Had several big runs on option plays to the outside during the year. Cuts well. Mostly a N-S runner. Catches the ball pretty well. Downhill runner. Makes cuts at full speed. Had a couple of good screen passes vs Wisc. Runs with good balance. Keeps his legs going and fights for yards. Makes you stop him. Has pretty good feet. He will hit the hole and run behind his pads. Can start and stop quickly. Tough to bring down. Can catch off-target pitches. Runs through arm tackles with little effort needed. Looks like he's got good vision, but playing out of the spread offense makes that tough to judge. Runs so hard that defenders really have to get good position to bring him down. Might remind you of Ahman Green in that sense. Played great in the Rose Bowl. Was clearly Illinois' best player. Heck, was the best RB on either team and one of the best players period. That is saying something when USC is the competition.

SUMMARY

Rashard could jump ahead of McFadden and be the first RB taken. He is big, fast, and physical. Think of him as a slightly less talented version of Adrian Peterson. Should go in the 10-15 range.

[SteelerFan448]

Break this down. Quality player. Parker needs a compliment as a stronger, short yardage RB.

Still, first round $ to go to a complimentary need we can get out of round 3.

At this time, we still don't have a guy who can block at Guard or Tackle or Center.

Or a free saftety

Or a LB to take over for Farrior next year.

Or a CB who can cover.


okay, but we can take away a Pro Bowlers carries to get exactly what?

We have Hartwig at center. Simmons is at guard and we'll have Colon and Kemo competing for a spot, plus a ton of value in the second/third round for the interior line. No tackles that were left were worth a first round pick. A free safety is going to sit. Kenny Phillips isn't that highly rated anyways. Jenkins wouldn't have been a bad pick for corner, but we end up with Mendenhall. He will help this year and in the future.

[jacklambert5858]

Parker lose his job? Are you nuts? He is a top 5 back in the league and you think he is going to be riding the pine? Put down the crack pipe.


Now, I did want an O-lineman or D-lineman as they are easily our top two weak points but I don't think any starters were left on the board. So, they should be addressing those with their next few picks. At least, I hope they address their weakest points on the team.

Parker is a top 5 back because of our run blocking, not because he is all that. If he was as good as you say he is he would be scoring close to 20 TDs a season and not have to rely on Ben to throw to the TEs everytime we are inside the 20. Parker doesn't scare anyone inside. Also what if he loses a step because of his leg. He loses his speed, any of it, he becomes another Amos.

[SteelerFan448]

explain to me with your genius why I want someone to replace Parker please.

With my genius I know he isn't going to replace Parker, but prevent him from having his wheels run off by midseason.

[Supersteeler]

We will run the ball 40 times a game. Mark it down.

If that's true and we end up like the Jags with Taylor and Jones-Drew, I will love the pick. However, if they are both running into a brick wall every play like last year it won't matter much.

[5RINGS]

Hey you haters of the 1st round pick. Do you not know that the best way to slow down a pass rush is to run the fucking ball. We will pound teams this year. No longet will teams be able to load up on the pass rush against us. A heavy load of running will also wear down a defense while our defense rests on the sidelines. We got a featured RB who was ranked as the best in the draft by some experts at 23. He is also a player that WILL play THIS year and contribute hugely.

[blitz]

[QUOTE=FlaStlrfan;139443]Break this down. Quality player. Parker needs a compliment as a stronger, short yardage RB.

Still, first round $ to go to a complimentary need we can get out of round 3.

At this time, we still don't have a guy who can block at Guard or Tackle or Center.

Or a free saftety

Or a LB to take over for Farrior next year.

Or a CB who can cover.


okay, but we can take away a Pro Bowlers carries to get exactly what?



who would you have picked?

[jacklambert5858]

I didn't say he was going to take his job this year. He will have it next year, if he doesn't have it at the end of the season. Whats the downside of having a guy scoring in the red zone and can hit the home run because he can run a 4.45 at 225 lbs. Mendenhall would start from day one on 80% of the team's in the league from day one, and to say Willie has nothing to worry about because of a rookie is really not being honest.

[SteelerFan448]

Mendenhall would start from day one on 80% of the team's in the league from day one, and to say Willie has nothing to worry about because of a rookie is really not being honest.

The competition is going to make Parker even better.

[realsteel87]

okay, but we can take away a Pro Bowlers carries to get exactly what?

A fresher Pro Bowler in the fourth quarter, fewer lost yardage plays, more versatility out of the backfield, possibly no drop-off in quality should said Pro Bowler get hurt again.

Willie is no Bus, and his hands are bricks in the receiving game. This guy is not only a complement to Willie, but also blocks and gets tough inside yards. By playing him with Willie, the potential exists to extend both of their careers.

... and #23 dollars for a Top 10 pick, THAT'S value the Steelers can live with.

[TMC]

You want a great reason to LOVE the Mendenhall pick? Bengal fans wanted to trade Chad to Dallas to grab Mendenhall.

LMAO, even in the offseason we twist the knife......

http://forum.go-bengals.com/index.php?showtopic=42016&st=640

This is a pick that appears to just keep giving....

[FlaStlrfan]

We will run the ball 40 times a game. Mark it down.

We aren't stuck in the 90s here with Neil O'Donnell and two Pro Bowlers per year at OL.

We have a pro bowler at RB and at QB now.

Give me other positions when we need it.

[FlaStlrfan]

A fresher Pro Bowler in the fourth quarter, fewer lost yardage plays, more versatility out of the backfield, possibly no drop-off in quality should said Pro Bowler get hurt again.

Willie is no Bus, and his hands are bricks in the receiving game. This guy is not only a complement to Willie, but also blocks and gets tough inside yards. By playing him with Willie, the potential exists to extend both of their careers.

... and #23 dollars for a Top 10 pick, THAT'S value the Steelers can live with.

We can get everything you mention out of round 3.

[Thorndike]

BAA...simple. No reaches...no first round projects. This kid is a legit top ten pick that fell to us at freaking #23!

I won't lie, I wanted Jenkins or Cason with that pick. But when Mendenhall fell, I thought we would pull the trigger on him. Sort of like KC did when they picked Larry Johnson near the end of the first a few years ago. Everyone went crazy because they had the best RB in the league at the time. Guess what...he's out of the league and Johnson is a STUD.

You people whining for a right tackle are nuts. We already have at least two of those on the team. Every single first round...even top second round...OT was taken ahead of us. Passing on possibly the best RB in this draft for a project anywhere would've been just plain stupid.

[FlaStlrfan]

You want a great reason to LOVE the Mendenhall pick? Bengal fans wanted to trade Chad to Dallas to grab Mendenhall.

LMAO, even in the offseason we twist the knife......

http://forum.go-bengals.com/index.php?showtopic=42016&st=640

This is a pick that appears to just keep giving....

Seeing as how the "great" TMC puts it....

who cares what the Bengals or their fans actually "want".

It means nothing.

[jacklambert5858]

The competition is going to make Parker even better.

We will find out because Tomlin didn't select Willie, Cowher did as a FA. So if Willie isn't scoring much; I don't think from what I have seen out of Coach Tomlin is that he is going to allow someone to rest on their laurels, especially if he didn't draft the guy himself. The best way to slow the rush down on Ben is to run effectively and consistantly and I think because of that, thats why Willie's job is in trouble. When you give the guy the ball, he has to get x amount of yards to slow up the pass rush in a given game. Willie would x amount everyonce in awhile but he could burn you if you fell asleep. Thus making him seem more effective than he really was. We were always more successful as a football team when we had a big back who could get the 4 yards everytime his number was called and could chew the clock by going 1st down after 1st down, keeping the other guys offense on the sidelines. For us to be succesful against teams that score, ie New England and the Colts. You have to run the ball down their throat to beat them.

[FlaStlrfan]

[QUOTE=FlaStlrfan;139443]Break this down. Quality player. Parker needs a compliment as a stronger, short yardage RB.

Still, first round $ to go to a complimentary need we can get out of round 3.

At this time, we still don't have a guy who can block at Guard or Tackle or Center.

Or a free saftety

Or a LB to take over for Farrior next year.

Or a CB who can cover.


okay, but we can take away a Pro Bowlers carries to get exactly what?



who would you have picked?

Dude I am not even pretending to be one of these idiots who think they understand the draft. I am simply using common sense.

We have one of the leagues elite RBs. We need other positions in a bad way.

You figure it out. I don't hate the player, I don't like the pick.

[TDX27]

Parker is a top 5 back because of our run blocking, not because he is all that. If he was as good as you say he is he would be scoring close to 20 TDs a season and not have to rely on Ben to throw to the TEs everytime we are inside the 20. Parker doesn't scare anyone inside. Also what if he loses a step because of his leg. He loses his speed, any of it, he becomes another Amos.
Our O line sucked last year and wasn't a whole lot better the year before. Willie could put up 2000 yards behind a good line. He would have led the league in rushing last year behind a well below average line if he wouldn't have broken his leg.

[blitz]

[QUOTE=blitz;139469]

Dude I am not even pretending to be one of these idiots who think they understand the draft. I am simply using common sense.

We have one of the leagues elite RBs. We need other positions in a bad way.

You figure it out. I don't hate the player, I don't like the pick.

so you dont like the pick who would have been better in your opinion? i think unless you trade down this was the only logical pick. you seem so passionate against the pick who in your eyes woul;d have been better.?

[Steelerman]

So I assume that Davenport is packing his bags as we speak?

[SteelerFan448]

We will find out because Tomlin didn't select Willie, Cowher did as a FA. So if Willie isn't scoring much; I don't think from what I have seen out of Coach Tomlin is that he is going to allow someone to rest on their laurels, especially if he didn't draft the guy himself.

What exactly show you that Tomlin isn't going to let a guy go in there and not do much on the field? Starting Mahan all season? Not playing Woodley more over Haggans? Not putting in Starks when Colon was struggling?

[FlaStlrfan]

We have Hartwig at center. Simmons is at guard and we'll have Colon and Kemo competing for a spot, plus a ton of value in the second/third round for the interior line. No tackles that were left were worth a first round pick. A free safety is going to sit. Kenny Phillips isn't that highly rated anyways. Jenkins wouldn't have been a bad pick for corner, but we end up with Mendenhall. He will help this year and in the future.

Let's break this down simple.

Willie Parker, two time Pro Bowl RB. 3 straight 1200 yard seasons.

"a free safety is going to sit"? WTF? Anthony Smith is going to keep someone on the bench more than Willie Parker?

Colon, Simmons and Kemo competing at Guard? You have more faith than I do.

There were just other needs and other options (trading)

[TMC]

Seeing as how the "great" TMC puts it....

who cares what the Bengals or their fans actually "want".

It means nothing.

http://www.nqcc.org/nqccweb/htdocs/Training%20pg%20crying1.jpg

It will be okay.......

[jacklambert5858]

Our O line sucked last year and wasn't a whole lot better the year before. Willie could put up 2000 yards behind a good line. He would have led the league in rushing last year behind a well below average line if he wouldn't have broken his leg.

There is a difference between pass blocking and run blocking. We can run block with no problem. We can't pass block to save our lives, thats why they didn't want to pay Alan all of that money because he isn't a great pass blocker. A guy who gets brought down by leg tackles and still get 1500 yards is because of the OL giving him lanes. Don't equate 47 sacks with Willie's 1500 yards as Willie being superman. Willie is a faster Amos, thats all. Don't get me wrong, I like Willie alot. I don't think he can score inside the 20 and I have a problem of having to bring a guy out on 3rd and short all of the time.

[FlaStlrfan]

[QUOTE=FlaStlrfan;139510]

so you dont like the pick who would have been better in your opinion? i think unless you trade down this was the only logical pick. you seem so passionate against the pick who in your eyes woul;d have been better.?

Dude, learn to read.

I am not saying I am an expert.

I just don't think we needed a guy to go against a 2 time Pro Bowl and young RB. Try and argue my point.

I would rather feel like I can trust our FO to make a better decision. Its not the player, its the position selection.

[Supersteeler]

Our O line sucked last year and wasn't a whole lot better the year before. Willie could put up 2000 yards behind a good line. He would have led the league in rushing last year behind a well below average line if he wouldn't have broken his leg.

yeah our offensive line are a real bunch of butt kickers alright. They weren't one of the absolute worst in the league or anything. If you watched any Steeler football at all last year, you'd know that Willie created a large portion of his yards on busted plays and second effort after the line got stuffed for the umpteenth time.

[FlaStlrfan]

There is a difference between pass blocking and run blocking. We can run block with no problem.

No, this line does not have a run block with no problem.

It doesn't block well at all. WPs 2 200 yard games came because he destroyed the Saints and Browns with his talent. Not because we dominated lines.

[Supersteeler]

There is a difference between pass blocking and run blocking. We can run block with no problem.

Wow, that must be why about 60% of all our running plays were snuffed out 2 yards in the backfield. You're sure you watched games last year?

[pete]

[QUOTE=blitz;139522]

Dude, learn to read.

I am not saying I am an expert.

I just don't think we needed a guy to go against a 2 time Pro Bowl and young RB. Try and argue my point.

I would rather feel like I can trust our FO to make a better decision. Its not the player, its the position selection.

I don't think you get it.

If you want someone to argue with you, make a point other than "I don't get it". What don't you get? Who would you have taken? Do something more than make blank statements if you want people to debate with you.

[SteelerFan448]

Let's break this down simple.

Willie Parker, two time Pro Bowl RB. 3 straight 1200 yard seasons.

"a free safety is going to sit"? WTF? Anthony Smith is going to keep someone on the bench more than Willie Parker?

Colon, Simmons and Kemo competing at Guard? You have more faith than I do.

There were just other needs and other options (trading)

Parker was clearly slowing down last season. His YPC wasn't what it had been and when he went out, we clearly struggled with Najeh.

Smith may not cause anyone to sit, but Ryan Clark will.

And you still haven't given a name who you wanted instead.

[jacklambert5858]

What exactly show you that Tomlin isn't going to let a guy go in there and not do much on the field? Starting Mahan all season? Not playing Woodley more over Haggans? Not putting in Starks when Colon was struggling?

First off, Starks sux. Max had no excuse to lose his job to a kid from Hofstra. I would rather Colon learn from a curve in having to play through it than bring lard butt in the game to play average.

Woodley didn't know the entire job. He was a rookie and knew part of the playbook where as Haggins knew it by heart. You don't remember Porter smacking Polo in the head when he first became starter when Troy was screwing up? The guy has to learn on the job.

Mahan? For the first time we had Kendall all year long, we get a new RT and Smith gets hurt. I don't know how much of it is Mahan's fault as it was the entire OL breaking down as a unit in pass protection. In run blocking, the OL is dictating where the play is going to go. In pass protection you have to rely on the guy beside of you and anticipate what jhe is going to do so nobody gets through. The problem we had was when the OL couldnt penetrate that our RB couldn't make up the difference is where we miss Bettis.

[blitz]

[QUOTE=blitz;139522]

Dude, learn to read.

I am not saying I am an expert.

I just don't think we needed a guy to go against a 2 time Pro Bowl and young RB. Try and argue my point.

I would rather feel like I can trust our FO to make a better decision. Its not the player, its the position selection.
so you are bitching about something you admittily dont know anything about.

look at all of the teams that had a 2 good running backs last year. we where not one of them. when parker went down we had nothing behind him. teams saw that. we lost alot. kinda like the defense when we lost 1 of 3 starters on the line. it was a weakness. teams saw it. we lost. so while we dont think running back was a need, our front office obviosly did. and we got one of the best ones in the draft at the 23rd pick.

i think you need to make a point before anyone is going to care to argue it.

[Ben#7]

Hey dude, if a guy is in position to win the rushing title at the end of the season, that means he is pretty good.

That is one of the dumbest statements ever made.

We don't need a guy to take half of Parker's load, only a guy to compliment him. You can get that in round 3.

If you can read, left to right form words to a sentence, get a guy that can impact the team even if its not this year and even if its not OL. I already pointed out other needs.

If you could read between the lines.

Tough, competitive athlete who has played behind some very average offensive lines, having to create a lot on his own

Why are you getting so personal calling people Dumb and saying that I can't read right to left? You don't even know me DUDE.

What an ass.

[jacklambert5858]

Wow, that must be why about 60% of all our running plays were snuffed out 2 yards in the backfield. You're sure you watched games last year?

How many times did you see Willie go down when someone grabbed him below the knee. Alot. If a RB can't help in getting the tough yards, then what good is he? We had the same blocking with Bettis, but Jerome was near 300 lbs and could carry three guys on his back and still make yardage. Willie can't do what Jerome could, and thats why we have dropped in offensive effenciency. We went to the SB and won. What postion did we lose? Center and R; and you can't tell me Hartings makes that much of a difference to where Ben gets sacked 47 times. Its because they knew we were going to throw more and they didn't have to worry about a 300 lb monster carrying half the defense with him to a first down.

[FlaStlrfan]

http://www.nqcc.org/nqccweb/htdocs/Training%20pg%20crying1.jpg

It will be okay.......

Thats the best you can do?

Go back to your dream GM role sitting at home getting paid for none of it and try me again when you got something.

[FlaStlrfan]

If you could read between the lines.

Tough, competitive athlete who has played behind some very average offensive lines, having to create a lot on his own

Why are you getting so personal calling people Dumb and saying that I can't read right to left? You don't even know me DUDE.

What an ass.


Hey idiot, we can get a tough competitive athelete---pay him less-- to do the same role out of round 3 when we have a legit superstar who is getting paid what--$4 mill at the position right now.

And I am calling you dumb because you said that Willie Parker wouldn't have won the leagues rushing title if Peterson didn't get hurt, with my response being essentially so what, the fact we had a guy in the position to win it matters.

Get a brain. You need one.

[Ben#7]

Hey idiot, we can get a tough competitive athelete---pay him less-- to do the same role out of round 3 when we have a legit superstar who is getting paid what--$4 mill at the position right now.

And I am calling you dumb because you said that Willie Parker wouldn't have won the leagues rushing title if Peterson didn't get hurt, with my response being essentially so what, the fact we had a guy in the position to win it matters.

Get a brain. You need one.



Oh I get it now.
You must want kicked off the board.
Apparently you could not have a football conversation with out trying to insault the people that may disagree with you.

If you are going to make a post. You have to be able to take constructive criticism. If you can't take it,Do not post. Simple as that Jack.

I do not need to say anymore. Anybody who reads this thread will see how you act and will just ignore you and not respond to your posts.


Have A nice rest of the draft Fellow Steelers Fan.:rolleyes:

[realsteel87]

Hey idiot, we can get a tough competitive athelete---pay him less-- to do the same role out of round 3 when we have a legit superstar who is getting paid what--$4 mill at the position right now.


So, enlighten us ... who in the hell is this 3rd round sleeper that will be all and do all as well as some experts' #1 RB?

[FlaStlrfan]

Oh I get it now.
You must want kicked off the board.
Apparently you could not have a football conversation with out trying to insault the people that may disagree with you.

If you are going to make a post. You have to be able to take constructive criticism. If you can't take it,Do not post. Simple as that Jack.

I do not need to say anymore. Anybody who reads this thread will see how you act and will just ignore you and not respond to your posts.


Have A nice rest of the draft Fellow Steelers Fan.:rolleyes:


You are the one who called me an ass.

debate my point with logic if you can.

[kurtistb]

IMO Mendenhall is like Holmes was a couple years ago. A guy that I didn't even list as a want since I thought there was no chance at getting him.

[FlaStlrfan]

So, enlighten us ... who in the hell is this 3rd round sleeper that will be all and do all as well as some experts' #1 RB?


Quality RBs can come at any time, especially if you are drafting them to be specialists.

What part of the fact that we have a Pro Bowl RB with 3 consecutive 1200 yard seasons doesn't anybody understand? Should we have taken a QB too?

Somebody explain to me why we need to take the ball more out of Parker's hands except for goal line and short yardage situations?

Did we need to put a first round pick into that too?

[blitz]

Quality RBs can come at any time, especially if you are drafting them to be specialists.

What part of the fact that we have a Pro Bowl RB with 3 consecutive 1200 yard seasons doesn't anybody understand? Should we have taken a QB too?

Somebody explain to me why we need to take the ball more out of Parker's hands except for goal line and short yardage situations?

Did we need to put a first round pick into that too?

and what happened when parker went down last year? how many games did we win? so in answewr to your question i guess our front office who does this for a living thought yes we needed to draft a running back no.1.

[mesaSteeler]

best value? whatever. Give me a guy who adds value to the team. Not a back up. Even if the value comes a year from now. Not a back up to the leagues leading rusher with two weeks left in the year.

if there isn't a guy that they want at that pick, trade down.

You are making the assumption that a trade down for equal value was possible. It may not have been there.

[scrapdog]

I guess this is another positive notable...

Tough, competitive athlete who has played behind some very average offensive lines, having to create a lot on his own.


...he's already well groomed playing behind "very average" lines and making something out of nothing.

[Miller]

We're a couple picks away from a "very average" line. How good is he at dodging 2 guys behind the line of scrimmage or after the center or right guard has been rammed back right into him? These are the things we need to know.

[Thorndike]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Miller needs his pampers changed.

You're a genius, Miller...who would you have picked?

*this should be good*

[Miller]

As if I didn't already post it ten times: Merling first and foremost/one of the corners we brought in/either of the top safties/or any of the WR's we brought in. You know, the positions where we had a need. Sorry if that's too logical for you. We needed to address backup running back first, you're right. You're such a genius.

[thesteelcity]

Miller would have traded our 2nd and 3rd just to fill that OL need. If not, who would you have taken? Even the "experts" are impressed with our picks. Giving us high marks for value. Sour grapes all day.

[SteelerAl]

As if I didn't already post it ten times: Merling first and foremost/one of the corners we brought in/either of the top safties/or any of the WR's we brought in. You know, the positions where we had a need. Sorry if that's too logical for you. We needed to address backup running back first, you're right. You're such a genius.

As has been pointed out several times already --- you are bitching about drafting for need, and that we NEED offensive linemen, and apparently we should never draft anyone who will only be a backup...THEN you say you would have drafted not an O-lineman but a DE or CB who would be a BACKUP! WTF?

[swanny88]

I think the pick is a great pick. Willie isnt the type of RB to go all season. He is too small and his body cant take the pounding. He would still get pounded even if we take an Ol at that spot. Why not go out and get a RB that will save Willies legs down the stretch.When he went down last year we had nobody....Najeh wasnt gonna do it. Apparently the FO knows something that we dont or they would have drafted an OL or whatever other need we needed. This is why we are here typing on a keyboard and they are making the money. Obvioulsy they know something. You say we could have gotten a great backup RB in the 3rd round, cant we do the same with an OL? Or will they all be gone by then?

[SteelerScott]

My initial reaction was disapointment, but that was more about all the OLineman that were already picked over.

I had a feeling they'd go get the BPA, and that's way much better than a "reach".

[FAB802]

Mendenhall is a top 10 pick. He shouldn't have even been close to being available. What a great pick. Parker just lost his job IMO.

You are out of your fucking mind............IMO.

[markymarc]

Medenhall was a great first round pick. He should have been a top ten pick and fell into our laps at 1.23. Funny how the Dallas fans were all over Jerry Jones for passing on Medenhall and taking Felix Jones instead.