Here at Footballguys.com, we have Spotlights and Faceoffs. Those features are fairly comprehensive, but they are limited to viewpoints from either one or two writers. Well some players need a little more commentary. We have decided open up the dialog and asked our staff to leave their thoughts on these players and what is expected from them in 2010. Here, discussion centers around RB Rashard Mendenhall.
Sigmund Bloom: I'm afraid Rashard Mendenhall doesn't have the track record or souped-up situation to merit the late first- or early second-round pick you'll have to spend to land him. He was benched the game before he became the starter last year, and he suffered a season-ending injury during his first game as the starter in 2008. In Jonathan Dwyer, the Steelers drafted a running back who can be a true partner in crime, a la the Williams-Stewart combo Carolina, and they will be without their starting QB for the first 4-6 games. On top of that, the offensive line has lost its best drive blocker for the season in Willie Colon. Too much risk and not enough upside to build your team around.
Jeff Pasquino: The offensive line woes are a big, big concern here for me. Mendenhall doesn't seem like a runner that can create many opportunities on his own, and with Colon out and rookie Chris Scott also going under the knife, there are plenty of reasons to label Pittsburgh's line as a question mark entering this season. Add to that the suspension for Ben Roethlisberger for 4-6 games and I would not be surprised if the Steelers face eight-in-the-box defenses for the month of September. Defensive coordinators would be smart to take away the run and make either Dennis Dixon or Byron Leftwich beat them through the air.
Another reason to shy away from Mendenhall is the concern that he may not be the goal-line back for the Steelers. Do not let Dwyer's sixth-round NFL draft slot fool you - the guy can play, and he might be more valuable than Mendenhall in TD-only leagues.
Andy Hicks: Once he took over the lead role in week four last season, Mendenhall demonstrated that he can be a solid fantasy RB1 in the right situation. That is an important qualifier, however: Will Roethlisberger's suspension handicap Mendenhall's performance? Even if it does, it will be temporary. Mendenhall should be strong down the stretch and in the fantasy playoffs.
The addition of Jonathan Dwyer gives the Steelers a solid complement to Mendenhall, but it may take Dwyer a year before he is ready for prime time. Until then, Mewelde Moore is no threat to Mendenhall, and if the Steelers do truly revert back to Steeler football, doubts about Mendenhall's fantasy prospects this season will look foolish.
On the whole, I think the floor for Mendenhall's performance this year is as a high RB2, which makes him a low-risk prospect based on his average draft position. If the Steeler running game hits its stride, Mendenhall could be a 300+ carry back who'll rake in the touchdowns, giving him top-five potential at his position. If I'm in the late first round, I take him.
Maurile Tremblay: I like Mendenhall's talent, but I share Sigmund's and Jeff's concerns about the Steelers' offensive line. The offense may struggle in September without Roethlisberger; and once Roethlisberger returns, the offense may emphasize the pass more than the run. I see Mendenhall as having decent upside potential, but too much risk to warrant his current average draft position.