With Davenport cut....

[ace man 21]

When it came across the wire that the Pittsburgh Steelers had released Najeh Davenport, I told NFL.com Associate Editor Jason Feller, "Don't use the headline, 'Steelers dump Davenport!'" (If you didn't already know, Davenport is infamous for his, well, use of a closet for something other than hanging clothes).

With Davenport out of the mix, rookie Rashard Mendenhall has no real competition for the second spot on the Steelers depth chart. And if he can outshine veteran Mewelde Moore in training camp, there's even a chance he could be used as the third-down back.

Mendenhall, who caught a career-best 34 passes in his final collegiate season at Illinois, should secure the role if he can pass protect well in preseason action. He might also be in the lead in the competition for those ever-important goal-line carries, which starter Willie Parker lost to Davenport last season.

Parker is a lock to remain atop the depth chart, but there's been talk of a split backfield with Mendenhall in what's known as a pony formation. Old school Steeler fans will remember that from the days when Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier shared the workload under former head coach Chuck Noll.

Fast Willie is still the first Steelers back to target in seasonal drafts, but with Davenport now out of the mix, it looks like Mendenhall's role (and draft value) is destined to increase.

[Steeldude]

mendenhall was the #2 RB the moment he was drafted. it had nothing to do with davenport. IMO, russell should be given a shot at the #2, but that won't happen because mendehall was a 1st rounder.

[Glace]

Easily Parker and Mendenhall at 1 and 2 respectively.

Moore won't see time as a RB unless there's an injury or he's spelling someone. He's experienced depth...that's it...and maybe he'll be returning some kicks this year.

Personally I don't think we need him at all.

[Preacher]

tell you this much... I'd love to see Moore give 'em both a run for their money (no pun intended)...

Last year proved you can never be deep enough at the RB position.

[The Duke]

Originally Posted by Glace

Moore won't see time as a RB unless there's an injury or he's spelling someone. He's experienced depth...that's it...and maybe he'll be returning some kicks this year.

Personally I don't think we need him at all.

no way man, moore is the only experienced 3rd down back on the roster. just watch what he did in minnesota, he's amazing, and is on the steelers for more than just depth

Originally Posted by Preacher

Last year proved you can never be deep enough at the RB position.

exactly

[Glace]

Moore might be proven in the pro's, but Mendenhall is more than capable of being a 3rd down back. Mendenhall has some great hands to go along with his running game.

I don't think they cut Moore...but like I said, I don't see him on the field much this year unless somebody gets hurt.

[9-5]

I cant wait for the Browns to sign him, then watch him run for 200 yards in week 2 in CBS.

/sarcasm

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by 9-5

I cant wait for the Browns to sign him, then watch him run for 200 yards in week 2 in CBS.

/sarcasm

Hmmm...

That two hundred yards would be the approximate distance of the Steelers bus from the Browns stadium....

... and it would be followed by him begging us to take him back.

[Black@Gold Forever32]

Most useless question ever....Mendenhall was number 2 when he was drafted and would still be number 2 if Davenport wasn't cut...Plus its only a matter of time before Mendenhall is number 1...I'm a big Parker fan and I'm fine with him as the starter....But you don't spend a first round pick on a RB to keep him number 2.....Sure Mendenhall has to learn the NFL game first and many first round RBs have been busts...But in my opinion Rashard is a stud and I wouldn't be shocked if Mendenhall is starting by mid/late season.....But I don't think that happens and I look for Mendenhall to start in 2009....Fast Willie will still have a role on this team...You need two RBs anymore...

As for the 3rd down back this year...I don't think they send a rookie out there on 3rd down especially on passing downs......Blitz pickup is an important role and Moore is very good in that area as well and can catch the ball out of the backfield....Mendenhall can do those things to....But I don't see a rookie being trusted in that role right away....So Moore will still have a role on this team...He will be the punt returner and the Keven Faulk on 3rd down passing situations for this team....

[Galax Steeler]

Originally Posted by Black@Gold Forever32

Most useless question ever....Mendenhall was number 2 when he was drafted and would still be number 2 if Davenport wasn't cut...Plus its only a matter of time before Mendenhall is number 1...I'm a big Parker fan and I'm fine with him as the starter....But you don't spend a first round pick on a RB to keep him number 2.....Sure Mendenhall has to learn the NFL game first and many first round RBs have been busts...But in my opinion Rashard is a stud and I wouldn't be shocked if Mendenhall is starting by mid/late season.....But I don't think that happens and I look for Mendenhall to start in 2009....Fast Willie will still have a role on this team...You need two RBs anymore...

I agree with you 100% Mendenhall will be the man next year if not late this year willie is a good back but I don't think he can hold off Mendehall.