Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2012 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. This year, we plan to publish more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters.

As always we will post a list of players to be discussed each week. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discuss expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Player Page Link: Isaac Redman Player Page

Each article will include:

[*]Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member

[*]Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads

[*]FBG Projections

[*]Consensus Member Projections

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[*]Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"

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While not a requirement, we strongly encourage you to provide your own projections for the player (players):

Projections should include:

[*]For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Attempts, Rush Yards, Rush TDs

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Now let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

*Steeler homer.

** Redman fan.

Redman is going to be large. Willie Parkers breakout season-type of large.

The same team that saw Mendehall rushing sub 3.99 yards a carry the past two seasons combined... saw Redman average 4.82 for almost 900 yards including a boatload of short yardage carries. Now lets add in David DeCastro and Kansas Citys Todd Haley.

He runs with a ton of heart and determination. He is the anti Rashard Spinthenfall, as he almost always makes quick forward running decisions that see him fight hard for the extra yard, deliver blows to the defenders and fall forward. At the same time he doesnt contain breakaway speed.

He is limited in his athleticism, as marked by his long run of 32 yards.

He wont be a big time receiving back, even though he matched Rashards 18 catches in limited use, but may get some extra pass offense time if he handles the blocking duties.

What Parker did initially in fantasy with speed, Redman will deliver with power. Including the goal line looks.

The biggest issue, will Rashard come back in 2012?

If so a ton of question surround him. Already not known as physical runner by any stretch (despite his size) the ACL surgery could make him gunshy, at least early on and he is expected to spend 6 weeks on the PUP. Rashard is in the last year of his contract and with Pittsburgh's foreseeable cap situation this could be his last year in black and gold. While the team may have some dedication to Mendenhall, Redman should make that subject moot.

The secondary issue is Redman having 3 fumbles in 215 career touches. The only two lost fumbles came in the season finale last year vs Cleveland. Training camp and preseason should clarify this one-way-or-another early on, so keep an eye on it.

He is 27, so long term speculation has to be contained to 2-3 seasons. Though his usage has been very light over the past 7 years.

The Steelers were 14th in rushing yards last year. Redman and Mendenhall combined for 338 carries.

2012 Isaac Redman:

255 carries (4.39)

1,120 yards (1,255 total)

27 catches

135 yards

13 TDs (12 rush 1 rec)

 

[ldizzle]

*Steeler homer.

** Redman fan.

Redman is going to be large. Willie Parkers breakout season-type of large.

The same team that saw Mendehall rushing sub 3.99 yards a carry the past two season... saw Redman average 4.82 for almost 900 yards including a boatload of short yardage carries. Now lets add in David DeCastro and Kansas Citys Todd Haley.

He runs with a ton of heart and determination. He is the anti Rashard Spinthenfall, as he almost always makes quick forward running decisions that see him fight hard for the extra yard, deliver blows to the defenders and fall forward. At the same time he doesnt contain breakaway speed.

He is limited in his athleticism, as marked by his long run of 32 yards.

He wont be a big time receiving back, even though he matched Rashards 18 catches in limited use, but may get some extra pass offense time if he handles the blocking duties.

What Parker did initially in fantasy with speed, Redman will deliver with power. Including the goal line looks.

The biggest issue, will Rashard come back in 2012?

If so a ton of question surround him. Already not known as physical runner by any stretch (despite his size) the ACL surgery could make him gunshy, at least early on and he is expected to spend 6 weeks on the PUP. Rashard is in the last year of his contract and with Pittsburgh's foreseeable cap situation this could be his last year in black and gold. While the team may have some dedication to Mendenhall, Redman should make that subject moot.

The secondary issue is Redman having 3 fumbles in 215 career touches. The only two lost fumbles came in the season finale last year vs Cleveland. Training camp and preseason should clarify this one-way-or-another early on, so keep an eye on it.

He is 27, so long term speculation has to be contained to 2-3 seasons. Though his usage has been very light over the past 7 years.

The Steelers were 14th in rushing yards last year. Redman and Mendenhall combined for 338 carries.

2012 Isaac Redman:

255 carries (4.39)

1,120 yards (1,255 total)

27 catches

135 yards

13 TDs (12 rush 1 rec)

I feel that he is going to be a great value at his current ADP. It has been said that mendenhall likely would miss up to 6 games and/or could be put on the pup list. I dont know how much of an impact mendy will have coming back from an acl. i predict that redman will be the starter the whole year.

That said, people are familiar with Todd Haley getting the most out of his wr's, but in his first year as offensive coach with the cards he ran edgerin james 324 times. i know edge was a different player, but Haley likes to have primary back. as shown with edge, thomas jones, and hightower when edge went down in 2009.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Nice piece on him: Redman

 

[Zackattack]

Glad to read this info. I wasn't gonna touch him. I thought the Steelers RB would suck this year based on Mendy last year. Now I am looking into snagging him in drafts this year.

 

[PhantomJB]

I'm pretty bullish on Redman individually but hesitant to draft him too early due to RBBC risk. This is driven by two primary concerns:

1) Last year, in week 5 when Redman started in place of Mendenhall (against TEN), he split carries with Dwyer almost equally and Dwyer got the big 80yard run. The split in carries was 15/49 (Redman) and 11/107/1 (Dwyer). Obviously it was only one game and there's been a change in OC but still it was the only game Redman started IIRC...

2) Speaking of change in OC, I also recall Haley's recent RB shenanigans in KC with T.Jones and J.Charles. It seems that once he locks onto an RBBC strategy he stubbornly sticks to it regardless of talent level.

All comments are welcome on the RBBC risk since if Redman becomes a bell cow like Mendenhall then there's a pretty high ceiling for this guy.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

but still it was the only game Redman started IIRC...

Playoff game vs Denver. 19 touches 142 yards.

 

[mcintyre1]

People are WAAAAY more down on Mendenhall than they should be. He's a much better overall runner than Redman, and it isn't even for sure that he won't be available at the start of the season. People who draft Redman without also taking Mendenhall are going to be sorely disappointed.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

People are WAAAAY more down on Mendenhall than they should be. He's a much better overall runner than Redman, and it isn't even for sure that he won't be available at the start of the season. People who draft Redman without also taking Mendenhall are going to be sorely disappointed.

That's exactly why people have Redman going so late... only a few picks ahead of Mendenhall.#31 RB vs #37 RB.People seem to be fully aware of the implications. And a handcuff is typically prudent in such scenarios.

 

[King of the Jungle]

People are WAAAAY more down on Mendenhall than they should be. He's a much better overall runner than Redman, and it isn't even for sure that he won't be available at the start of the season. People who draft Redman without also taking Mendenhall are going to be sorely disappointed.

I disagree. Although if Mendenhall is healthy he will get a big chunk of carries. But a 3.9 ypc and multiple spin moves does not equate to a bell cow. Redman is the better runner IMO and I think he proves that the first 6 weeks. This is a contract season for Mendellhall and I don't see him getting resigned unless at a major discount. I don't believe Redman is elite by any means but do think he will prove to be the more productive runner this year.

 

[Sabertooth]

Nice little stop-gap for dynasty teams like mine. Looking forward to taking him in the second round this year. There is always the chance that Redman just plays better than he practices and puts Mendenhall in the rear view mirror.

 

[mphtrilogy]

950 yards

7 tds

33 receptions

240 yards

 

[FF Ninja]

The same team that saw Mendehall rushing sub 3.99 yards a carry the past two seasons combined...

Haha, I don't have much to say about Redman right now, but I like this statistical manipulation. "Sub 3.99". Why not just say "sub 4.0"? 1274+928 = 3.9891

324+228

 

[BigSteelThrill]

The same team that saw Mendehall rushing sub 3.99 yards a carry the past two seasons combined...

Haha, I don't have much to say about Redman right now, but I like this statistical manipulation. "Sub 3.99". Why not just say "sub 4.0"? 1274+928 = 3.9891

324+228

For people who skim through quickly. *I include playoff games as well. 3.96

 

[PhantomJB]

but still it was the only game Redman started IIRC...

Playoff game vs Denver. 19 touches 142 yards.

That is true. But weren't both Dwyer and Mendenhall were on IR by then so Redman was effectively the only decent RB PIT had for the playoffs?So it looks like Redman became the primary RB through attrition vs. winning it outright. Not saying he can't be the bell cow but it appears the jury is still out on whether there will be an RBBC or have there been other signs/statements pointing otherwise?

 

[FF Ninja]

The same team that saw Mendehall rushing sub 3.99 yards a carry the past two seasons combined...

Haha, I don't have much to say about Redman right now, but I like this statistical manipulation. "Sub 3.99". Why not just say "sub 4.0"? 1274+928 = 3.9891

324+228

For people who skim through quickly. *I include playoff games as well. 3.96

I like the Rashard Spinthenfall nickname. Quality stuff. Due to Spindy's uncertain return timetable, I can't draft Redman with confidence, but I do like his chances to outperform his ADP. He just won't have a lot of value to anyone if he's splitting carries during our fantasy playoffs.

 

[Benchwarmers]

250 carries

1000 yards

7 tds

40 catches

280 yards

2 tds

 

[finito]

I'm on board for the reasons mentioned in the second post. He's just a reliable runner who will get the tough yards and doesn't dance/spin the way Mendy frustratingly does. I agree Mendenhall has more natural talent, but he's a liability at times. I think Redman sees the most touches this year and puts up low end #3 numbers with a ceiling of Michael Turner type numbers.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Redman has never impressed me as anything other than a short yardage runner(he's very good at that). He's being given the starting job here by default. He may well be in a committee even before Mendenhall returns, since Dwyer/Batch/Rainey will likely receive work as well, we don't really know yet. He'll get almost zero work as a receiver either. He's been apt to put the ball on the ground at times. When healthy Mendenhall is absolutely a more dangerous runner and receiver and is probably a better blocker too. So, in the long term everything isn't coming up roses for Redman from where I sit.

He'll certainly get the goal line work in Mendenhall's absence and will certainly have value, but anyone taking him as someone to rely on for the entire season is potentially whistling past the graveyard. He is a guy that I would be hoping starts quick so I could trade him around week 4 or 5 before that Steeler running back situation potentially turns into a giant cluster eff when Mendenhall is eligible to come off he PUP.

I can't see Ike topping 1,000 yards or getting double digit touchdowns unless Mendenhall misses the entire season. Redman's ultimate value for '12 is completely tied to the health of another player so it makes it almost impossible to give a meaningful projection. If he gets 250 touches can he get 1,000-1,100 total yards with 7-8 TDs? I could see it I guess, but I'd be inclined to let some other guy take the risk that he sees that volume of touches.

 

[mcintyre1]

People are WAAAAY more down on Mendenhall than they should be. He's a much better overall runner than Redman, and it isn't even for sure that he won't be available at the start of the season. People who draft Redman without also taking Mendenhall are going to be sorely disappointed.

I disagree. Although if Mendenhall is healthy he will get a big chunk of carries. But a 3.9 ypc and multiple spin moves does not equate to a bell cow. Redman is the better runner IMO and I think he proves that the first 6 weeks. This is a contract season for Mendellhall and I don't see him getting resigned unless at a major discount. I don't believe Redman is elite by any means but do think he will prove to be the more productive runner this year.

Let's talk about that "3.9 ypc" number that everyone loves to throw around as the death knell of Mendenhall. You know who else was a "3.9 ypc" or worse RB until right around 2012? Marshawn Lynch. That's FBG #19 overall player Marshawn Lynch. And you know what made Lynch-owners finally glad to have him on their roster? An improved offensive line, very much like the one the Steelers have built in the last few years ( Pouncey C 1st, Gilbert T 2nd, DeCastro G 1st, Adams T 2nd ).I'm not saying Mendenhall is a solid gold lock to perform, but I like the trends I'm seeing enough to not write him off for an undrafted power back that runs really hard up the middle (God love him).

 

[King of the Jungle]

People are WAAAAY more down on Mendenhall than they should be. He's a much better overall runner than Redman, and it isn't even for sure that he won't be available at the start of the season. People who draft Redman without also taking Mendenhall are going to be sorely disappointed.

I disagree. Although if Mendenhall is healthy he will get a big chunk of carries. But a 3.9 ypc and multiple spin moves does not equate to a bell cow. Redman is the better runner IMO and I think he proves that the first 6 weeks. This is a contract season for Mendellhall and I don't see him getting resigned unless at a major discount. I don't believe Redman is elite by any means but do think he will prove to be the more productive runner this year.

Let's talk about that "3.9 ypc" number that everyone loves to throw around as the death knell of Mendenhall. You know who else was a "3.9 ypc" or worse RB until right around 2012? Marshawn Lynch. That's FBG #19 overall player Marshawn Lynch. And you know what made Lynch-owners finally glad to have him on their roster? An improved offensive line, very much like the one the Steelers have built in the last few years ( Pouncey C 1st, Gilbert T 2nd, DeCastro G 1st, Adams T 2nd ).I'm not saying Mendenhall is a solid gold lock to perform, but I like the trends I'm seeing enough to not write him off for an undrafted power back that runs really hard up the middle (God love him).

Arian Foster was also an undrafted power back. I don't think either Mendenhall or Redman are elite running backs. I do believe Redman will surprise people and perform more adequately than his counterpart.

 

[treat88]

One thing to keep in mind in this situation is that Mendenhall's contract is up post 2012. Personally, I think it is a near lock the Steelers let Mendenhall walk versus hook him up with C2.

If Ike performs capably in his 6-8 game audition to open the season I can absolutely see the Steelers committing to him as their lead back regardless of Mendenhall's health. If Redman is healthy and performing even reasonably well, the extent to which Mendenhall gets worked back into the mix may very well be determined by the Steelers W-L record as much as Mendenhall's actual recovery. If they are winning, I doubt there will be any impetus to make a switch.

Redman is not nearly the athlete that Mendenhall is, but his vision at the LOS and his ability to generate yards after contact is unequivocally superior to Mendenhall. His "propensity" to fumble as mentioned above is limited to 1 fumble in 2010 and 2 in the final game of the season in 2011 where he went 19 for 92 and a touch. I don't see a sample size large enough to label him one way or the other in respect to fumbling to date. Additionally, I think he has proven a reasonably capable receiver out of the backfield. He caught an equal number of balls to Mendenhall despite being on the field far less in 2011.

If he is given a full complement of carries, I absolutely believe he will perform enough to grab the lead back role for 2012 and likely keep the job going into 2013. I don't see any likelihood that Dwyer/Rainey/Batch/Clay represent any type of deterrent to Redman's touches short or long term.

225ish carries (Mendenhall's 2011 total)at 4.3ish ypc for 1000 yards. 25 recetions for 125 yards. 10 total TDs.

 

[Tau837]

Redman has never impressed me as anything other than a short yardage runner(he's very good at that).

Yes, Redman is good at short yardage, but he's not bad at other things. Last season on 89 carries with 4+ yards to go, he averaged 4.58 ypc; compare that to Mendenhall, who averaged 4.37 ypc on 191 such carries.

He'll get almost zero work as a receiver either.

This might be a bit overstated. Last year, Mendenhall missed week 5, most of week 17, and the playoff game. During those games, Redman had 10 targets and caught 8 passes for 51 yards. If Redman is the lead RB, he could easily have 40/250 receiving. That's not setting the world on fire, but it's quite a bit better than zero.

He's been apt to put the ball on the ground at times.

Redman had 2 fumbles last year in 147 touches. For his career, he has 3 fumbles in 215 touches. Doesn't really seem like an issue IMO.

 

[RoboQB]

Okay, let's throw this out there... Does Jonathan Clay get a look at starting, or at least playing enough for, say, 10-15 carries?

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Dwyer runs wild in preseason, forcing a committee.

If healthy, he's the best runner in Pittsburgh.

Redman finishes year with RB4-type #'s.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Yes, Redman is good at short yardage, but he's not bad at other things. Last season on 89 carries with 4+ yards to go, he averaged 4.58 ypc; compare that to Mendenhall, who averaged 4.37 ypc on 191 such carries.

It doesn't mean that he's great at other things either though. The fact he averaged 2 tenths of a yard more than a guy who had over double the carries in the same types of situations isn't exactly a ringing endorsement in my book.

Redman had 2 fumbles last year in 147 touches. For his career, he has 3 fumbles in 215 touches. Doesn't really seem like an issue IMO.

PFR shows Ike as having 4 fumbles lost in 190 career regular season touches. If he maintains that "per touch" fumble rate over the 250 touches some are projecting him for that's over 5 fumbles lost on the year. That's too many.

I don't see any likelihood that Dwyer/Rainey/Batch/Clay represent any type of deterrent to Redman's touches short or long term.

Maybe not, but we really have no gauge to determine this yet. That was my only point. The one time that Redman was inserted into the lineup as a starter, prior to be anointed the de facto #1 this offseason, three of those 4 guys weren't even available to be considered for touches. It was also a totally different offensive coordinator at the time. Maybe Haley feeds Redman the ball 20 times a game, maybe he uses all 5 guys(I didn't even include Clay in my post because I doubt he makes the team), maybe Dwyer performs better than expected and gets more carries, maybe Rainey is used a lot more as a runner than we think he will be, etc. etc. There's no way we can know yet.Look, I'm obviously not going to change anyone's mind who've already decided that Redman is going to be the Steelers starting RB in 2014, and I'm really not even trying to as far as that goes, but I'm just saying.....this is a guy who has never been a lead runner, is sort of a plodder, and is only being inserted into the starting lineup now because of an injury to another player, not necessarily due to anything he's done himself. From where I sit, it looks like Ike's been Fonzie-ized by many Steeler fans for a couple years in the same manner that many Steeler fans did to just about every backup QB they ever had from 1972-2004.Could Redman go nuts and get a stranglehold on the starting job and not relinquish when Mendenhall returns? Yeah, he could. Will he? Remains to be seen, but I say unlikely. Mendenhall's contract is up come '13 and the Steelers will almost certainly want to see what, if anything, he's got left before they hit the playoffs/offseason so they can determine whether or not they wish to re-sign him. I'm not really much of a Mendenhall fan, and I don't think they'll re-up his deal unless he signs cheap, but I also don't think that they are simply going to cast him off without giving him a legit shot to prove his health/worth again.As a Steeler fan, I hope you are all right about Ike and I wind up looking like an a@#$. I'm just not holding my breath.

 

[finito]

Yes, Redman is good at short yardage, but he's not bad at other things. Last season on 89 carries with 4+ yards to go, he averaged 4.58 ypc; compare that to Mendenhall, who averaged 4.37 ypc on 191 such carries.

It doesn't mean that he's great at other things either though. The fact he averaged 2 tenths of a yard more than a guy who had over double the carries in the same types of situations isn't exactly a ringing endorsement in my book.

Redman had 2 fumbles last year in 147 touches. For his career, he has 3 fumbles in 215 touches. Doesn't really seem like an issue IMO.

PFR shows Ike as having 4 fumbles lost in 190 career regular season touches. If he maintains that "per touch" fumble rate over the 250 touches some are projecting him for that's over 5 fumbles lost on the year. That's too many.

I don't see any likelihood that Dwyer/Rainey/Batch/Clay represent any type of deterrent to Redman's touches short or long term.

Look, I'm obviously not going to change anyone's mind who've already decided that Redman is going to be the Steelers starting RB in 2014, and I'm really not even trying to as far as that goes, but I'm just saying.....this is a guy who has never been a lead runner, is sort of a plodder, and is only being inserted into the starting lineup now because of an injury to another player, not necessarily due to anything he's done himself.

I thought he performed pretty darn well last season when given the chance, so I disagree that he's done "nothing" to be inserted in the starting lineup. He played enough to see that he's a decent, unspectacular runnner who won't lose yardage like Mendy has a tendency to do, but probably won't break huge gains. But you're certainly right in that we don't know what's going to happen, it's just that I think Redman proved enough that they feel pretty good about their running situation this year.

 

[Kenny Powers]

2) Speaking of change in OC, I also recall Haley's recent RB shenanigans in KC with T.Jones and J.Charles. It seems that once he locks onto an RBBC strategy he stubbornly sticks to it regardless of talent level.

This is a good point that no one has really reiterated, at least related to Haley. It seemed like he even went RBBC with Battle and Jones after Jamaal went down last year. I think at the moment, Redman is an upside risk pick based on where he's going, but I wouldn't be surprised if the backfield situation gets even murkier as the season nears.

 

[Kenny Powers]

People are WAAAAY more down on Mendenhall than they should be. He's a much better overall runner than Redman, and it isn't even for sure that he won't be available at the start of the season. People who draft Redman without also taking Mendenhall are going to be sorely disappointed.

I disagree. Although if Mendenhall is healthy he will get a big chunk of carries. But a 3.9 ypc and multiple spin moves does not equate to a bell cow. Redman is the better runner IMO and I think he proves that the first 6 weeks. This is a contract season for Mendellhall and I don't see him getting resigned unless at a major discount. I don't believe Redman is elite by any means but do think he will prove to be the more productive runner this year.

Let's talk about that "3.9 ypc" number that everyone loves to throw around as the death knell of Mendenhall. You know who else was a "3.9 ypc" or worse RB until right around 2012? Marshawn Lynch. That's FBG #19 overall player Marshawn Lynch. And you know what made Lynch-owners finally glad to have him on their roster? An improved offensive line, very much like the one the Steelers have built in the last few years ( Pouncey C 1st, Gilbert T 2nd, DeCastro G 1st, Adams T 2nd ).I'm not saying Mendenhall is a solid gold lock to perform, but I like the trends I'm seeing enough to not write him off for an undrafted power back that runs really hard up the middle (God love him).

Arian Foster was also an undrafted power back. I don't think either Mendenhall or Redman are elite running backs. I do believe Redman will surprise people and perform more adequately than his counterpart.

One thing I didnt think Id see when opening this thread was someone comparing Ike Redman to Arian Foster

 

[King of the Jungle]

People are WAAAAY more down on Mendenhall than they should be. He's a much better overall runner than Redman, and it isn't even for sure that he won't be available at the start of the season. People who draft Redman without also taking Mendenhall are going to be sorely disappointed.

I disagree. Although if Mendenhall is healthy he will get a big chunk of carries. But a 3.9 ypc and multiple spin moves does not equate to a bell cow. Redman is the better runner IMO and I think he proves that the first 6 weeks. This is a contract season for Mendellhall and I don't see him getting resigned unless at a major discount. I don't believe Redman is elite by any means but do think he will prove to be the more productive runner this year.

Let's talk about that "3.9 ypc" number that everyone loves to throw around as the death knell of Mendenhall. You know who else was a "3.9 ypc" or worse RB until right around 2012? Marshawn Lynch. That's FBG #19 overall player Marshawn Lynch. And you know what made Lynch-owners finally glad to have him on their roster? An improved offensive line, very much like the one the Steelers have built in the last few years ( Pouncey C 1st, Gilbert T 2nd, DeCastro G 1st, Adams T 2nd ).I'm not saying Mendenhall is a solid gold lock to perform, but I like the trends I'm seeing enough to not write him off for an undrafted power back that runs really hard up the middle (God love him).

Arian Foster was also an undrafted power back. I don't think either Mendenhall or Redman are elite running backs. I do believe Redman will surprise people and perform more adequately than his counterpart.

One thing I didnt think Id see when opening this thread was someone comparing Ike Redman to Arian Foster

I was anticipating that comment from someone - thanks for pointing that out. That is why I followed the Foster comment with "I don't think either Mendenhall or Redman are elite running backs." It was not a comparison in talent in case I was not clear enough.

 

[steelcityman]

974 yards

11 tds

25 receptions

210 yards

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

For most of last year I felt like Redman was a better fit in the Steelers O than even a healthy Mendenhall. Redman doesn't have the breakaway speed that Mendenhall has/had but he moves the chains and hit on some big plays as well. With the playmakers the Steelers have at WR I think Redman's ability to create positive yardage was more valuable than Mendenhall's infrequent home run.

Coming into this year there are many unknowns in the Steelers running game:

When will Mendenhall return, how much will he contribute?

What to make of Todd Haley's new O, will he rotate 2/3 running backs, will the Steelers run more?

How much will Decastro and Colon improve the running game?

What we know:

I think there is no question coming in that Redman is the Steelers best RB.

The Steelers offense will score points.

When the Steelers have a lead late in games, Redman will get the ball.

The fact that they didn't address RB early in the draft or through free agency leads me to believe they believe in Redman and intend to make him the feature back, at least early on. If Redman has success in those games that Mendenhall is out I think it's likely he'll continue to see significant PT even when Mendenhall returns.

220 carries, 1000 yards

30 receptions, 250 yards

12 TD

 

[Touchdown There]

I think there is no question coming in that Redman is the Steelers best RB.

The value of Redman is tied to what you think about Mendenhall. If you think Mendenhall is fantastic and will get healthier each week of the 2012 season, then Redman has little value. If you think Redman is the Steelers best RB, then you are going to see a lot of value in the 7th round.I think that this will play out with Mendenhall on PUP for 6 weeks. The Steelers want to see what Redman can do with it. I think that Redman will be solid but unspectacular and this will move to a RBBC with limited upside when the fantasy playoffs roll around.

 

[Tau837]

Yes, Redman is good at short yardage, but he's not bad at other things. Last season on 89 carries with 4+ yards to go, he averaged 4.58 ypc; compare that to Mendenhall, who averaged 4.37 ypc on 191 such carries.

It doesn't mean that he's great at other things either though. The fact he averaged 2 tenths of a yard more than a guy who had over double the carries in the same types of situations isn't exactly a ringing endorsement in my book.

If he is good at short yardage, and averages 4.4+ ypc on non-short yardage carries, what's not to like? I really don't get your stance on this.

Redman had 2 fumbles last year in 147 touches. For his career, he has 3 fumbles in 215 touches. Doesn't really seem like an issue IMO.

PFR shows Ike as having 4 fumbles lost in 190 career regular season touches. If he maintains that "per touch" fumble rate over the 250 touches some are projecting him for that's over 5 fumbles lost on the year. That's too many.

ESPN shows him with 2 fumbles last year on 147 touches, and 1 fumble on 68 touches in 2010, including both regular season and postseason.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Secret Superstar: Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

May 28th, 2012 | Author: Nathan Jahnke

The Steelers have been set at the running back position for over a decade with Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker, and most recently, Rashard Mendenhall. In 2011 Mendenhall enjoyed an excellent season, causing 30 players to miss tackles on him on his 228 attempts with just one fumble. The problem for Pittsburgh, though, is part way into the last game of the regular season Mendenhall tore his ACL; an injury that will likely keep him out for at least part of the 2012 season.

This offseason Pittsburgh didn’t make upgrading the running back position a priority. They didn’t add a back in free agency and it wasn’t until the fifth round of the draft that they added a rookie. While salary cap problems factored into this, the Steelers didn’t need to worry about the position because they have faith in their backup running back from last year, Isaac Redman.

While he’s only had 186 carries in his short NFL carrier, Redman has done enough to show he could be the answer to the Steelers’ rushing problems not just in the short term while Mendenhall is out, but also the future. If his sixth-highest Elusive Rating of 59.8 in 2011 tells us anything, it’s that it will be exciting to see what this Secret Superstar can do with more carries. 

Redman’s Rise

Redman went to Division-II Bowie State University where he re-wrote his team’s record book. He went undrafted, and got a free agent contract with the Steelers in 2009. He couldn’t beat out the triple-threat attack from Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, and Willie Parker, so most of his rookie season was spent on the practice squad.

Parker had a down year in 2009 which ended up being his last in Pittsburgh. The following season, both Redman and rookie Jonathan Dwyer found spots on the 53-man roster, with Redman edging Dwyer on the depth chart. Redman logged between six and 19 offensive snaps per game that year and, while no individual game stood out because he never had more than six carries, his cumulative totals were impressive. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry, and forced 11 missed tackles on his 59 carries.

Backup Role in 2011

In 2011 Redman saw a significant increase in his role with the team. His share of the rushing load (24.5%) prior to Mendenhall’s injury was more than double of the 10.7% he saw in 2010. While Moore had been in for many more snaps in the passing game in 2010 (220 for Moore to 105 for Redman) those numbers flipped in 2011 with Redman seeing his tally jump to 232 and Moore seeing his drop to 102.

As his snap count grew, he maintained the production level he had established in 2010. On the season, Redman averaged 4.7 yards per carry and had 25 players miss tackles on him on 127 carries. That was 0.19 missed tackles caused per carry; fourth-best among backs with at least 125 attempts. While he was playing well throughout the season, it was from Week 13 on that he stepped things up. For the first 12 weeks of the season he had a PFF rating of +6.9, and from Week 13 on it was +8.3 for a season total of +15.2.

It began with back-to-back home games against Cincinnati and Cleveland where he totaled 86 yards on 14 attempts (a 6.1 average), the Cincinati game being his first with 50+ yards. Redman didn’t get much of an opportunity against San Francisco (Pittsburgh had 50 passing plays), but was back on track in their home game against St. Louis where he had 35 yards on eight attempts and his second touchdown of the season.

Making the Most of an Opportunity

In Week 17 against Cleveland–the game in which Mendenhall was injured early on–Redman became the lead back. He had 19 rushing attempts and forced seven missed tackles on his way to a 92-yard day.

The following week in the playoffs against Denver was his real breakout opportunity. On 17 rushing attempts, Redman accumulated 121 yards–83 of them coming after contact. He churned through another five missed tackles, and averaged 7.1 yards per carry. Although it was in a losing effort, it was clearly his best game as a Pro. A small sample size, but it’s promising to know that Redman has performed best when he’s been given the most opportunities and when the stakes were highest.

The Opportunity to Come

After two years of fighting Mendenhall and Moore for playing time, Redman won’t have to worry about either player for the start of 2012. Moore didn’t re-sign with the team, and Mendenhall’s injury will likely keep him out for some time. Now the players behind him on the depth chart are 2010 sixth-round pick Jonathan Dwyer and 2011 undrafted back John Clay. The two of them had a combined 54 snaps in 2011. Redman has played at a very high level on a per-play basis, and now the number of plays he is in for should see a significant increase.

The Steelers’ offensive line is going through a lot of changes, with rookies Mike Adams and David DeCastro projected to take over starting roles at left tackle and right guard, respectively, while Willie Colon has moved to left guard. On the bright side, that means Ramon Foster, Chris Kemoeatu, Doug Legursky, and Jonathan Scott with their combined -21.7 run block rating won’t be on the field. When healthy, Willie Colon has consistently produced positive run block ratings and, if the two rookies perform better in run blocking than the players who came before them, we could see Redman’s per-attempt numbers continue to improve.

It’s usually a success story when an undrafted player from a Division II school can make an NFL roster. Redman not only did that, but has hung around and made a mark on the team. The future for this Secret Superstar will be even brighter if he takes hold of the chance he’s soon to be presented with.

Follow Nathan on Twitter: @PFF_NateJahnke and check out our main Twitter feed too: @ProFootbalFocus

Posted in Features, Pittsburgh Steelers, Secret Superstar

 

[Carolina Hustler]

RBBC

181car 778yards 10TD

20rec 166yards

first 3 games x 17 car per x 4.3 per carry = 219.3

After Mendy returns 13 games x 10 car per game x 4.3 per carry = 559

Should get most of the RB touches on the goal line

 

[Monsters of the Midway]

Nice piece on him: Redman

Great link there. I'm finally reading the PFF guys, they are really great.I'm very encouraged by what I read. Observation told me that Redman was productive when he did play, seeing it quantified reinforces my opinion

 

[matttyl]

RBBC181car 778yards 10TD20rec 166yards first 3 games x 17 car per x 4.3 per carry = 219.3After Mendy returns 13 games x 10 car per game x 4.3 per carry = 559Should get most of the RB touches on the goal line

Mendy is likely on the PUP list, meaning Redman will have 6 full games to be the bellcow, at least.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

RBBC181car 778yards 10TD20rec 166yards first 3 games x 17 car per x 4.3 per carry = 219.3After Mendy returns 13 games x 10 car per game x 4.3 per carry = 559Should get most of the RB touches on the goal line

Mendy is likely on the PUP list, meaning Redman will have 6 full games to be the bellcow, at least.

As such his #s extrapolate to about...1100 combined and 12 TDs.

 

[FF Ninja]

RBBC181car 778yards 10TD20rec 166yards first 3 games x 17 car per x 4.3 per carry = 219.3After Mendy returns 13 games x 10 car per game x 4.3 per carry = 559Should get most of the RB touches on the goal line

Mendy is likely on the PUP list, meaning Redman will have 6 full games to be the bellcow, at least.

As such his #s extrapolate to about...1100 combined and 12 TDs.

Nice end of year numbers, but does it not concern you that he'll likely be splitting carries during the most important part of the fantasy season? This is why the guy is slipping despite a good shot at solid season totals that surpass his ADP. You could probably do pretty well with Gerhart and Redman to start the season, but you're going to be hurting at some point unless you are banking on snagging the 2012 Earnest Graham or Ryan Grant.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

RBBC181car 778yards 10TD20rec 166yards first 3 games x 17 car per x 4.3 per carry = 219.3After Mendy returns 13 games x 10 car per game x 4.3 per carry = 559Should get most of the RB touches on the goal line

Mendy is likely on the PUP list, meaning Redman will have 6 full games to be the bellcow, at least.

As such his #s extrapolate to about...1100 combined and 12 TDs.

Nice end of year numbers, but does it not concern you that he'll likely be splitting carries during the most important part of the fantasy season? This is why the guy is slipping despite a good shot at solid season totals that surpass his ADP. You could probably do pretty well with Gerhart and Redman to start the season, but you're going to be hurting at some point unless you are banking on snagging the 2012 Earnest Graham or Ryan Grant.

Likely? Hmm, I have my serious doubts about that one.But I understand why others would have such trepidations about the situation.

 

[Lash]

Pros:

PIT didn't add a lead back type in offseason

no worries about CRainey, he isn't as good a runner as McCluster and Haley never utilized McCluster

Mendy and Batch in the dreaded "18-month window" to full ACL recovery

Cons:

Mendy will be playing for money

Dwyer has been getting good offseason reviews (at least in comparison to his first two offseasons)

Unknowns:

Haley RBBC like lately or bell cow like before?

Pit gonna fling the ball all over?

I'm gonna go conservative and say: 188car 810yd 7TD ... 26rec 190yd 1TD

 

[socrates]

Redman has a great opportunity in front of him, and I am excited to see if he can be the back some seem to expect. However, I am tempering my excitement. Even prior to Mendenhall's return, it would be foolish to dismiss the potential RBBC that may exist with Dwyer also in the fold. Both Mendy and Dwyer look to me to have more special skills. I just can't get too excited about Redman. That being said, I like Redman's workmanlike ability and opportunity.

Predicting Redman's numbers is difficult, but I would say 195/810 yards rushing 25 rec/150 yard rec. 8 total TDs.

Edited for spelling

 

[Eminence]

I like Redman, I can't really put any projections on him but he will do the job of filling in as starting running back just fine. This is a guy who's been on the Steelers for a while now, he's VERY GOOD in the Red Zone if I recall correctly from watching him in pre-season.

He could have high Touchdown upside in that scenario.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Isaac Redman turns 28 this season. I never even heard of the guy much until last year. He had a decent game week 17 @Cle...I have not seen anything close to the "it" factor. I do think the Steelers OL will be better but let's not forget you have a rookie at RG and LT, eventually Mendenhall will come back...

Projecting 1,000+ yds and double digit TD for Redman seems a bit much right now. The guy has 876 total yds combined for his career and a total of just 3 TDs rush, just seems like folks are jumping the gun.

I like Dwyer and Mendenhall as a nice late combination that could prove very strong towards the end of the year.

 

[Terpman22]

Reuben Droughns 2.0?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Reuben Droughns 2.0?

Lee Suggs?

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Rashard Mendenhall: My knee has healed wonderfully

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Rashard Mendenhall: My knee has healed wonderfully

I have to think the Steelers will PUP him pretty much no matter what given that September 9th is only about eight months from the injury. But it certainly sounds like he's on track for a Week 8 return, and to play the last ten games. Not really sure how that affects redraft, but I think I'd rather have Mendenhall at his current ADP of RB48 than Redman at RB25.

 

[Godsbrother]

Rashard Mendenhall: My knee has healed wonderfully

I have to think the Steelers will PUP him pretty much no matter what given that September 9th is only about eight months from the injury. But it certainly sounds like he's on track for a Week 8 return, and to play the last ten games. Not really sure how that affects redraft, but I think I'd rather have Mendenhall at his current ADP of RB48 than Redman at RB25.

I think it is almost certain that Mendy starts on the PUP list, leaving Redman the first half of the season to prove that he's the guy. And when Mendenhall does return he is likely to be brought along slowly.The one thing muddying up the water is Todd Haley and how he utilizes the backs. I don't expect that we'll learn that during preseason so Redman is a risky pick IMO.